Paris Vincennes: Horse Racing & Free Festival | Bodega XXL

Paris-Vincennes Racecourse to Launch Season with Gastronomic Festival and World Sulky Championships

A vibrant festivity of French culture, cuisine, and equestrian sport will kick off the winter season at the Paris-vincennes racecourse on November 16, 2025.

The Paris-Vincennes racecourse is preparing for a grand opening of its winter season with a large-scale local festival on November 16, 2025. The event promises a unique blend of gastronomy,music,and trot racing,offering a day of free entertainment for the entire family. This year’s festivities will also mark the beginning of the World Sulky Championships, with the first qualifying round, ‘Prairie de Bretagne – american lace,’ taking center stage.

Why is this event happening? The event is designed to launch the winter season at the Paris-Vincennes racecourse, aiming to create a vibrant and immersive experience blending French culture, cuisine, and equestrian sport. It’s intended to bring “emotion” to the racetrack and attract a broad audience.

Did you know? – Paris-Vincennes is one of the most prestigious trotting tracks in the world, hosting major international races. Trot racing is particularly popular in france.

A Festival for the Senses

The festival,dubbed ‘bodega XXL,’ aims to create a festive and immersive experience for attendees. Visitors can look forward to sampling French regional specialties from eight symbolic regions – Alsace, Brittany, Aveyron-Auvergne, Nord, Basque Country, Savoie, and Center – presented by passionate producers and artisans. The culinary offerings will be diverse, ranging from seafood, Algo Sausage, and raclette to tarte flambée and expertly prepared duck breast.

“This event is designed to bring emotion to the racetrack,” stated a company release, highlighting the intention to create a vibrant public festival inspired by the Southwestern tradition of the Bodega.

Who is involved? The event is organized by the Paris-Vincennes racecourse. Participants include French regional food producers and artisans, folk and Celtic music groups (led by Mathieu Bost), and racing professionals involved in the World Sulky Championships.

Pro tip: – Arrive early to explore the ‘Bodega XXL’ and sample regional specialties. the festival is free, but popular items may go quickly.

Racing and Entertainment

Beyond the culinary delights, the event will feature a robust entertainment lineup. Folk and Celtic music groups, led by host and musician Mathieu Bost, will perform French hits spanning from the 1960s to the present. Performances will take place on stage and trackside, followed by a DJ set and a post-race party, ensuring the festivities continue long after the final race.

For racing enthusiasts, the World sulky Championships’ first qualifying round represents a notable moment. Fans will have the opportunity to get up close to the action with on-track bus tours and exclusive access to the stables, offering a glimpse into the preparation of champion horses. According to one analyst, “‘Q#1’ will be a meaningful moment for horse racing and especially trot racing fans.”

What will happen? The event will feature a gastronomic festival showcasing French regional cuisine, live folk and Celtic music, the first qualifying round of the World Sulky Championships (‘Prairie de Bretagne – american lace’), on-track bus tours, stable access, and family-pleasant activities like pony rides and a virtual reality racing experience.

Reader question: – What kind of atmosphere do you think a blend of gourmet food, music, and horse racing will create?

Family-Friendly Fun

The festival is designed with families in mind, offering a variety of free, horse racing-themed experiences for children. Thes include pony rides, a