2-913-782 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

New Race-Course and Hippodrome, at Longchamps, 1854. The Emperor of France '...caused to be laid out an immense Race-course and Hippodrome - one at least of the largest, if not the largest, in the world. It is situated immediately outside the Bois de Boulogne [near Paris]...it is intended, ultimately, not only to have races and steeplechases, but also regattas (for which the Seine affords the facility), a large swimming-school, foot-races, and other sports of a similar character...The course itself is so laid out that, for steeplechases and other long courses, a ride of about three English miles in length is obtained...This ground is so arranged as to afford three distinct courses - one, of about three English miles, for steeplechases; another of about a mile and a half for ordinary even runnings; and another, of somewhat less than a mile, for two-year-olds'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.