Deauville & Clairefontaine 5-night Tour
WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY – MONDAY 6TH JULY 2026
Overview
Deauville in July is the centre of the French flat racing world, where racing, bloodstock and summer atmosphere combine in one of Europe’s most elegant seaside resorts. This tour is timed to coincide with a key week in the calendar, featuring racing at both Clairefontaine and Deauville alongside the renowned Arqana Sales, where many of Europe’s leading owners, trainers and agents gather each year.
As well as the racecourse action, the itinerary provides a deeper look into the breeding side of the sport, including an exclusive visit to Haras de Beaumont, home to leading stallions including Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact. Together with a day at the Arqana Sales complex beside Deauville Racecourse, the trip offers a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of French racing and bloodstock during the height of the season.
Deauville itself is known as the “Queen of the Norman beaches”, renowned for its long promenade, grand hotels and lively summer atmosphere. There is also time built in to enjoy the town away from racing, whether exploring the shops, visiting nearby Trouville and Honfleur or simply relaxing by the beach and harbour.
Combining two race meetings, the Arqana Sales and an exclusive stud visit, this tour offers a rare chance to experience French racing and breeding at close quarters during one of the most important weeks of the summer. Set against the backdrop of Deauville’s famous coastline, it is a trip that blends sport, access and atmosphere in a way few racing destinations can match.
- Overview
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Deauville in July is the centre of the French flat racing world, where racing, bloodstock and summer atmosphere combine in one of Europe’s most elegant seaside resorts. This tour is timed to coincide with a key week in the calendar, featuring racing at both Clairefontaine and Deauville alongside the renowned Arqana Sales, where many of Europe’s leading owners, trainers and agents gather each year.
As well as the racecourse action, the itinerary provides a deeper look into the breeding side of the sport, including an exclusive visit to Haras de Beaumont, home to leading stallions including Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact. Together with a day at the Arqana Sales complex beside Deauville Racecourse, the trip offers a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of French racing and bloodstock during the height of the season.
Deauville itself is known as the “Queen of the Norman beaches”, renowned for its long promenade, grand hotels and lively summer atmosphere. There is also time built in to enjoy the town away from racing, whether exploring the shops, visiting nearby Trouville and Honfleur or simply relaxing by the beach and harbour.
Combining two race meetings, the Arqana Sales and an exclusive stud visit, this tour offers a rare chance to experience French racing and breeding at close quarters during one of the most important weeks of the summer. Set against the backdrop of Deauville’s famous coastline, it is a trip that blends sport, access and atmosphere in a way few racing destinations can match.
Itinerary Below:
Itineraries
Day 1
Date : 1 July 2026
Departure Day
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Morning ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre.
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Private transfer to your chosen hotel in Deauville.
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Check in at the hotel before enjoying an evening at leisure to explore Deauville or relax after your journey.
Day 2
Date : 2 July 2026
Arqana Sales
- Breakfast at hotel
- Full day at the Arqana Sales complex, located beside Deauville Racecourse.
- Experience the excitement of the summer sales as leading owners, trainers and bloodstock agents gather to view and purchase some of Europe’s finest horses.
- Welcome dinner in Deauville.
Day 3
Date : 3 July 2026
Visit to Clairefontaine Racecourse
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Short transfers to the racecourse.
- Today we will be heading to the beautiful Clairefontaine Racecourse for an afternoon of flat racing at one of France’s most scenic racecourses.
- After racing, we will head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Date : 4 July 2026
Visit to Deauville Racecourse
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Short walk to Deauville Racecourse for a great day of flat racing including a listed race.
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Head back to the hotel after racing, with the evening free.
Day 5
Date : 5 July 2026
Day at Leisure
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Day at leisure to explore Deauville at your own pace.
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You could take a stroll along Les Planches promenade, browse the boutiques or relax on the beach.
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For those wishing to explore further, Trouville and Honfleur are both a short drive away and are well worth a visit.
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Evening at leisure to enjoy dinner in one of Deauville’s many excellent restaurants.
Day 6
Date : 6 July 2026
Departure Day
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Check out of hotel.
- Exclusive visit to Haras de Beaumont, one of Normandy’s most exciting stud farms and home to unbeaten Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact.
- Gain insight into France’s breeding industry with a guided tour and opportunity to see mares, foals and all of the stallions up close.
- Lunch time visit to a nearby cider farm including a relaxed cider tasting session with nibbles.
- Private transfer to Caen for the afternoon ferry crossing back to Portsmouth.
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Ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Le Havre.
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Ferry crossing from Caen to Portsmouth
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Return private transfers between the ferry port and hotel.
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Five-night stay in Deauville on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Breakfast served each morning at the hotel.
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Welcome dinner in Deauville.
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Full day at the Arqana Sales complex.
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Exclusive Haras de Beaumont stud tour with private transfers included.
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Cider tasting experience
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Official raceday tickets at Clairefontaine on Friday (Upgrades Available)
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Official raceday tickets at Deauville on Saturday (Upgrades Available)
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An experienced Venatour ‘Racing Around The World’ Tour Manager
Does not include travel insurance.
If the event has been cancelled due to an ‘Act of God’ then unfortunately you will not be refunded. If the event is postponed your booking will be transferred over to the new dates. If you cannot travel on the new dates we will either transfer your booking to a new event or we will work with you to provide a refund.
If you have booked a package with us that includes a flight, then you will receive an ATOL certificate with your confirmation documents.
Read more about ATOL here.
We highly recommend taking out a travel insurance policy as soon as you have made your booking, as most policies cover you from the moment you take the policy out, and not just for the time you will be away. Different insurance providers provide different levels of cover so it is always best to check that the policy you take out meets your individual circumstances. We are unable to provide advice on travel insurance but can put you in touch with a recommended provider.
4* Novotel Deauville Beach
Your stay will be based at the 4-star Novotel Deauville Plage, ideally located just moments from the beach and the famous Les Planches promenade. You can enjoy excellent facilities including a panoramic restaurant and bar, fitness area and private parking. It provides the perfect base from which to explore Deauville, with the Arqana Sales complex and racecourse both within easy reach.