What’s on in Paris this October

25 September 2016

Attend a Legendary Horse Race & Contemporary Art Fair During a Luxury Stay at Hotel Balzac

Alongside being home to some of the world’s most respected galleries, exclusive shopping boutiques and renowned restaurants, Paris can also boast an outstanding events programme. This October, there’ll be the chance to attend what’s regarded as the 'most legendary race in the Flat racing calendar', the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, and international contemporary art fair, Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain. Whether you fancy an exhilarating day out at the races or buying a truly unique souvenir by an internationally admired artist, a range of unforgettable experiences await during a five-star stay at Hotel Balzac this October.

Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe

Hippodrome de Chantilly

1st- 2nd October 2016

Described as "the greatest horse race in the world" by Longines earlier this year, it’s no wonder that the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is set to attract 60,000 spectators… and a further billion viewers via television. With the chance to watch 220 prize-winning horses compete in 15 races, this annual event will offer a nail-biting two days that will ultimately decide the world’s best horse. Nine of the races will be Group 1, which is the highest level of horseracing, while the event will be made even more prestigious owing to the fact that it will also be the final of the EpiqƎ Series; a renowned tour that includes 14 of France’s major Flat and trotting races. With such highly respected competitions and only elite international competitors taking part, this will be the ultimate exhibition of skill.

€5 million of the total €9.14 million prize money will be won during the main event – the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe race on the 2nd. Take the opportunity to watch as the world’s finest thoroughbreds speed along the 2,400 metre track at up to 68km/hour. Competitors are set to gather from across the world and will include the likes of ‘Postponed’ from Britain, ‘Makahiki’ from Japan, who will be ridden by French-born Japan-based jockey Christophe-Patrice Lemaire, and France’s ‘La Cressonnière’... ensuring a captivating race for attendees.

Owing to the reconstruction of Longchamp, the 95th edition will be held at the Chantilly racecourse; a first for the event. Alongside the action on the racetrack, there’ll also be the chance to admire the awe-inspiring Château de Chantilly, Europe’s largest stables, The Great Stables, and 115 hectares of grounds. The Château itself is home to the second largest collection of antique paintings in France and boasts artworks by Raphaël, Botticelli and Delacroix, while its library contains over 60,000 volumes. Located just over an hour from Paris and with such a variety of attractions, this acclaimed event will offer an exciting and glamorous day or two out during a five-star stay in the capital.

Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain

Various Locations

20th – 23rd October 2016

Otherwise known as FIAC, the Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain will offer the chance to browse, admire and buy contemporary works of art by some of the world’s most famous artists this October. 70,000 art fans and collectors will descend on the capital to enjoy four days of exhibitions hosted in some of the city’s most admired landmarks and leading galleries. Now regarded as one of the top three most important art fairs in the world, the 43rd edition of FIAC will offer the chance to make an awe-inspiring investment and walk away with the most stylish of souvenirs during your luxury stay at Hotel Balzac.

189 galleries will be exhibiting their leading works under the glass roof of the Grand Palais; the main venue for the event. Brussel’s gallery Xavier Hufkens will be showcasing a nude portrait by Tracey Emin and a sculpture consisting of steel bars and cubes by Antony Gormley. While Galerie Zlotowski will be offering the chance to buy a 1928 collage by German artist Kurt Schwitters and a colourful geometric painting titled 'Composition pour Jazz, 2e série' by co-founder of the Orphism art movement, Sonia Delaunay. Sitting opposite, the Petit Palais will also be hosting a 30-piece exhibition of sculpture and installations called ‘On Site’ that will include Damien Hirst’s marble statue ‘Anatomy of an Angel’, inspired by ‘L’Hirondelle’ by Alfred Boucher.

Aside from the main attractions, the international contemporary art fair will continue with ‘Hors Les Murs’, ‘Beyond the Walls’, which will offer the chance to attend free indoor and outdoor exhibitions, screenings and performances across the city. The Tuileries Garden will be showcasing around 20 works including Ron Arad’s shell-like structure ‘The Armadillo Tea Pavilion’. A sound sculpture and neon sign by Stéphane Thidet will be displayed at the Musée Eugène Delacroix, while Ugo Rondinone’s aluminium faced olive trees and sandstone figures will be on show at the Place Vendôme. Take the opportunity to purchase works by approximately 1,500 artists, see one of the final creations by the late architect Zaha Mohammad Hadid - a metal and crystal home accessory for Swarovski – and discover the latest shows at galleries around the capital on Gallery Night during this unmissable event.

From glamorous horse races, to one of the world's leading art fairs, Paris can offer a range of outstanding events this October.