ENGLISH TEXTS
TOUR DE
FRANCE
In Europe, it is the country with the highest number of active racecourses— two hundred and thirty-three, to be exact. In France, no matter which region you find yourself in, there will always be a racecourse not far from where you are, and the summer season is THE busiest time of year for racing clubs. For this July issue, we’ ve decided to take you on a journey to discover the racecourses that make up racing France— whether they are classified as international hubs or third-category tracks, some of them have surprising histories or unique features. Our itinerary follows the route of the Tour de France, another major sporting event of this summer month. These rural or festive gathering places, which institutions strive to keep alive throughout the year, whether racing is in season or not, could not exist without the dedication of the approximately 6,000 volunteers who work regularly or occasionally to ensure everything runs smoothly. Just like those men and women who travel miles to accompany horses to these race venues, the“ travel boys” and transporters, these races have their own“ guardian angels.” Spotlight on these behindthe-scenes heroes.
100 % FRENCH
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NORTHERN REGION
By Mégane Martins
STAGE 1 in Lille-Métropole, heading to Le Croisé-Laroche Located in the heart of Marcq-en-Barœul, a town adjacent to Lille, Le Croisé-Laroche was designed in 1930 by architect Jean Papet and inaugurated in 1931 before a large crowd. Hosting both trotting and flat races, it quickly became one of the most active and best-equipped racecourses in the country. Beyond horse racing, it was also the finish line of the famous Paris-Roubaix cycling race in 1935 and 1936, and the starting point for the Tour de France in 1935 and 1947. The racecourse underwent renovation beginning in 1995 with the construction of new stables and the“ urban park,” followed in 1996 by the refurbishment of the grandstand, restaurant, racing club, and betting hall. The renovation was completed in 2000 with the installation of track lighting. Today, the racecourse remains one of the most active in France, hosting around thirty race meetings per year— mostly in the evening or late afternoon, as well as nine trotting qualification sessions.
Everyone knows that the weather in the North isn’ t the most pleasant during autumn and winter, the very seasons when Le Croisé-Laroche holds most of its meetings. But the atmosphere is warm and friendly, and a stop by the frites stand is the perfect way to warm your heart in a region that knows better than anyone how to fry a potato!
STAGE 2, heading to Boulognesur-Mer, where racing history was made If you visit the Inquéterie area of Boulogne-sur-Mer today, all you’ ll find is an industrial and commercial zone. But in the early 1900s, this was the site of a racecourse with a rich history. In the early 19 th century, Napoleon I took control of the coast and stationed his fleet there in preparation for an invasion of England. When the project was abandoned, he decided to repurpose the area and established horse races on August 31, 1805, to reward the fastest. This served a dual purpose: to continue the training of Napoleonic troops and to identify the most promising horses. By 1820, Boulogne-sur-Mer had become a prestigious link between Paris and London, and the city’ s development attracted many visitors. In 1834, the agricultural society passed a resolution to organize horse races, considering it a way to improve the local Boulonnais breed and a new source of pros-
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