Something Unique, Fun, and Inspiring!
The Astute Bloodstock Tour in France offers a truly unique, premium 4.5-day experience, designed to showcase the very best of the French breeding and racing industry. This bespoke journey is thoughtfully curated for racehorse owners, breeders, and their partners and friends, delivering an unparalleled blend of equine education, luxury, and entertainment.
Timed perfectly after Royal Ascot (held from Tuesday, June 16th to Saturday, June 20th, 2025), the tour begins on Monday, June 22nd, in Chantilly, just 40 minutes from Paris, and concludes in Paris on Sunday evening, June 28th, after a Gr1 day at the races.
Immerse yourself in the crème de la crème of the French breeding and racing world. Highlights of the tour include visits to the renowned Chantilly training center and the stables of leading trainers. Enjoy private tours of some of the most magnificent stud farms in the world, where you’ll inspect elite stallions and meet the visionaries shaping the future of French and European breeding and racing. This exclusive behind-the-scenes access offers invaluable insights into the heart of the industry.
The tour will take you to places that are not only closed to the public but also rarely visited by most industry participants such as the Aga Khan’s private racing stable.
An introduction to the leading players and an opportunity to learn more
The tour is an opportunity to meet and engage with key figures in the French breeding and racing industry, including leading stud masters, elite breeders, and top trainers. It offers a chance to discuss and explore industry topics, training methods, and breeding techniques, while delving beneath the surface to understand the key points of difference shared by some of the industry’s top performers.
It’s not only about gaining a broader understanding of the global industry, but also about deepening your knowledge of the Thoroughbred as an animal.
Camaraderie and Connection
The spirit of this experience is to foster meaningful relationships with active industry players. Engage with like-minded individuals, exchange knowledge, and celebrate a shared passion for the sport in an environment that is both professional and welcoming.
Culture, History, and Lifestyle
This tour goes beyond racing—it’s a full lifestyle experience. Explore the majestic Château de Chantilly, a symbol of French elegance, and enjoy the exclusive boutiques of Deauville, perfectly situated near our beachfront hotel.
In Normandy, step into history with a visit to the monumental American War Cemetery and Museum, located on the legendary D-Day landing beaches. This deeply moving experience honours the bravery of June 1944 and provides a profound perspective on one of history’s most pivotal moments.
We’ll also visit the charming fishing village of Honfleur, renowned for its scenic harbour and vibrant artistic heritage.
Gastronomy, Luxury and Comfort
Indulge in five-star accommodations in Chantilly and Deauville, offering exceptional service and opulent amenities. Savour the best French gastronomy with exquisite meals and fine wines. A private chauffeur service ensures seamless and luxurious travel throughout the journey.
Why Choose the Astute Bloodstock Tour?
Whether you are a seasoned racing aficionado or simply eager to experience the magic of the French racing and breeding scene, this meticulously crafted trip is designed to exceed your expectations.
“To me, the tour is a way of reciprocating the wonderful hospitality I’ve received in Australia over many years. It’s also an opportunity to show clients and friends a truly unique side of my home country in an industry I know and love deeply.”
Spaces are limited to one bus only. Secure your place today and prepare to be inspired by the very best that French racing and lifestyle have to offer.

See the video below to hear what our previous guests said about the tour.
Feedback on the French tours:
Peter Walsh, WA
"It was a trip of a lifetime. The history behind the French racing industry is mind-boggling. One of my favourite holidays ever. The food and wine were superb and we had a real insiders tour."
Adrian Harrold, WA
"What a fantastic few days. To Louis and Nico from Astute Bloodstock thanks for organizing everything. It was seriously memorable and will go down as one of my all-time highlights."
Peter James, NSW
“Last year we had the pleasure of being guide thru the racing world of France by Astute Bloodstock. Louis and the team provided us with an outstanding insight taking us to morning training at Chantilly picnicking with some of the highest profile trainers in France and visiting amazing stud farm such as the Agha Khans. When you mix this with wonderful restaurants off the beaten track and 400-year-old chateaus to stay over an invitation by Astute should be an instant acceptance”.
Nigel Smithers, NSW
"A huge thank you again to Louis and Nic for organizing this fabulous trip. We had an absolute blast. Great food, great wine, great company and plenty of laughs. So blessed to experience these amazing farms and warm hospitality in this beautiful part of Normandie. A pleasure meeting you all and hope to catch up again soon. We should ALL keep in touch. Safe travels ... until next time. Cheers Jo and Nigel 🏇🥂😎🍷"
Peter Colley, NSW
"Our horse trip in France was a real eye-opener into the breeding and racing world. The tour was well organized, fun and fascinating. We learned a lot about thoroughbreds in general and we came back even more enthusiastic about breeding and racing. We look forward to going on another tour with Astute Bloodstock."
Glen Spratt, NSW
"A truly memorable trip, up there with the best holidays, I have had. We had the privilege to meet some remarkable people and visit the most beautiful places. It’s a trip not only for people who love horse racing because it’s so much more than that. I’d love to do it again. Thank you, Louis! "
Roger Langley, VIC
"Louis has been a terrific help in advising on bloodstock purchases, as his knowledge and access to all of the major players is unique. His understanding of each farm, breeding records and success is second to none. His tours and visits of the historical and cultural sites throughout Chantilly & Normandy are outstanding. I would never have known these places and the memories will stay with me forever."
Andrew Bostock, VIC
"My wife Liz and I joined Louis for his racing trip in Deauville and Chantilly in August 2016. We had a wonderful time, Louis is a superb host and introduced us to fascinating
racing people and we discovered stunning studs and racing stables in the region. Early morning trackwork
and exploring Chantilly were highlights. "
Tony and Sue Williams, NSW
‘Thanks so much for a superior equine/tourist tour of the beautiful country you are from. Sue and I learned so much and we really loved what you did for us. France is an amazing country, I will spend more time there I can assure you.’
Derryn and Eloise Harrison, Gold Coast
"The experience will stay with Eloise and I for the rest of our lives, and that is a gift we will never be able to say thank you for. We can't wait to host you both when we see you in Australia"
Francis and Christine Cook, Mystery Downs Bloodstock
"Great to meet you all and spend some great days seeing some stunning horses and beautiful Haras (stud farms), sharing wonderful meals and fabulous stories"
Sandra Haselby, WA
"As someone with no background in horses, I just want to say thank you, Louis. What a fantastic few days! I was surrounded by wonderful people, stunning horses, and generous hosts who were happy to share their incredible knowledge, beautiful studs, and homes. The French food, wine, champagne, and breathtaking scenery—combined with the camaraderie of the group—made my first visit to France truly unforgettable."
Maugan Bastone, part owner ELIYASS and ELAMAZ
"A Long time bucket list fulfilled for both of us thanks to Louis. Chantilly will be a life long memory in particular hearing the hooves and breathing of the approaching horses through the forest. The rest of the tour including the stallion parades, food and wineand the accomodation was first class. But a tour is only as good as the people on it and the stories of risk and hard work associated with success from stud farms, horseland stores, aged care facilities, printing companies and software programs was inspiring. Both Martine and I enjoyed everyones company and we look forward to staying in touch"
Sharon King – Amelia Park
"Thank you, Louis – the trip exceeded all expectations. Your knowledge is truly exceptional. Much love to you!"
Cath Cripps, WA
"What a fabulous few days! Wonderful friendships were made, and I’m so grateful for everything you did to make it so special, Louis. Enjoy the rest of your travels, everyone – I hope to see you at a racetrack in the coming months!"
Bob Hasleby, WA
"Thank you all – it was a pleasure to meet such wonderful people in such a beautiful place. We shared many great moments over delicious food, fine wine, and even better company. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and wish you all many more winners!"
Ken & Denise Williams – Tarcoola Stud
"We just want to say what a pleasure it’s been spending the past five days with you all. Louis has a remarkable ability to bring like-minded people together. If any of you find yourselves on the Mornington Peninsula, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!"
COSTING:
The price is EU9K for a single person and EU15K for a couple, TBC. The equivalent will be invoiced in Australian dollars and payable by the 1st of March 2026.
This fee includes:
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7 nights of accommodations in total in the following hotels:
2 nights in Chantilly LINK and 3 nights in Deauville LINK, as well as 2 nights in Paris LINK -
All meals and all beverages from Monday evening in Chantilly to Sunday lunch at the races in Paris.
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Transport for the entire week in a comfortable bus/coach from Chantilly to Normandy and back to Paris.
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Tickets to visit the Chateau of Chantilly and the Royal Stables.
Tickets to the races and lunch on Gr1 day
Adolescents over the age of 17 are welcome to join.
Next tour dates - 21st until the 28th of June 2026
For more information,
Call Louis for more details
+61 408 666 251
louis@astutebloodstock.com