One of the greatest horse races in the world, it’s up there with next weekend’s Grand National at Aintree. And making it to the famous Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris has been on my bucket list for nearly 30 years. Last year I finally got the chance to go and it didn’t disappoint. My trip was organised by Racing Breaks who sorted out everything – Eurostar, hotel, transfers, -raceday tickets. Our three-day weekend trip to Paris came in at £449. We stayed at the Novotel right next to the Eiffel Tower. It was a lovely hotel with a great, and very friendly, ground floor bar in a fantastic location. While the package is not cheap, it’s not particularly expensive either, and the fact the whole thing was organised, with specialist staff on hand in Paris to sort out any problems, took away any stress. And what is particularly noteworthy is that any Racing Breaks trips can be reserved for just 10 per cent, giving people the chance to budget and save. More and more racing fans are looking at breaks abroad. Other star races on offer include the Melbourne Cup in Australia and the Breeders’ Cup and Kentucky Derby in the US. There’s even racing in Japan, Dubai, the Czech Republic and Hong Kong. But it also provides all-inclusive packages for meetings closer to home including Cheltenham, Ascot, Aintree, Goodwood and several meetings in Ireland. For our trip to the Arc we boarded the Eurostar in St Pancras and just two hours 19 minutes later we were getting off at the Gare du Nord in Paris. There was a great atmosphere on the train with so many people heading there with the same thing in mind. Some were on the Champagne already, but we stuck to coffee and a croissant. A Racing Breaks staff member, dressed in a bright green jacket, was in Paris to greet us and within minutes we were sitting in a limo heading to our hotel in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. We spent the afternoon walking alongside the Seine enjoying a couple of beers in a bistro in the warm autumn sunshine. Later that evening, the day before the big race, we were invited to a question and answer session. But it wasn’t your standard Q&A. We enjoyed listening to racing legend Ruby Walsh, top jockey Jim Crowley and even England 2003 rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio popped in. He got a great laugh by announcing: “I know nothing about racing.” Walsh and Crowley were witty and regaled us with stories and gave their thoughts on the coming races. Racing Breaks aims packages at all markets, like couples looking for a trip of a lifetime to celebrate a wedding anniversary or special birthday. But it also caters for wealthy racegoers, with options for Michelin-starred restaurants and hospitality suites with unlimited champagne. As it proudly proclaims: “With a variety of exclusive previews and stable tours, we deliver you to the heart of world racing. “We take the stress out of travel, allowing you time to get under the surface of our calendar highlights and the chance to make lasting memories with friends and family.” And the company is rated excellent on Trustpilot, too, with experiences enjoyed by thousands of people each year. And if you get the chance to visit the Arc, please take it. It’s really quite different from the big races in the UK. Longchamp, on the outskirts of Paris, is a lovely track right in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne park. While it’s busy, it’s much easier to get around than popular British tracks with great access to thering. You can get reasonably priced beer and food quickly too. I couldn’t believe how many Brits and Irish punters were there. There were many groups including very well-behaved stag and hen parties. All the announcements on the track are made in English and French and the programme is also in both languages. It really does cater well for those coming across the Channel. The weather didn’t play ball on race day, however. Heavy showers punctuated the afternoon but it didn’t dampen the fun. Huddled under umbrellas, thousands of racegoers sipped champagne and supped pints as they cheered home Bluestocking in the big race. Then minutes after the final race, the sun finally came out and brought with it a spectacular double rainbow over the track. In the distance you could see the Eiffel Tower. It was an amazing sight – and made us all feel like winners. Book the holiday Racing Breaks offers trips to major races in the UK and worldwide. A Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe two-night weekend costs from £499pp with travel by Eurostar or plane to Paris, four- or five-star accommodation with breakfast, celebrity drinks evening, Winning Post ticket to the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, racecourse transfers, and on-site staff throughout. racingbreaks.com/prix-de-larc-de-triomphe More info at atout-france.fr