Chic Paris travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

This legendary district grew from two small villages – Passy and Auteuil. Fine houses line the quiet avenues, concerts are regularly given by the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, horse riders trot along the sandy pathways, the hamlets are shrouded in foliage, and birds chirp above the tennis courts. In the past, people came here to enjoy the thermal springs and pleasures of the countryside away from Paris. Today, the district makes for surprising architectulal tours.

Bois de Boulogne
A part of the forest that once surrounded ancient Paris, the Bois (Wood), a place of debauchery in the 18th century, became a fashionable promenade in the Belle Epoque period thanks to the wide lane linking it to Paris, the creation of lakes and little rivers, the Pre-Catelan in 1885, along with racecourses in 1857 and 1873. A green 845 hectare “lung”, whose paths are a favorite place for joggers, horses and cyclists. The great waterfall attract photographers, while rowing boat fans enjoy the lake, and children have fun in the play areas.

Hippodrome d’Auteuil and Hippodrome de Longchamp
Do you have a preference for steeplechases or flat racing? The former take place on the eastern side of the Bois de Boulogne, at 33-hectare Auteuil racecourse, with 18 hectares of track, hedge and steeplechase. For 57-hectare Longchamp racecourse in the western part of Bois is the place to go. Around the track and stands, you have the choice of panoramic restaurants, brasseries, picnic areas, free children’s areas, games and ponies as well as behind-the-scenes visits.