ROYAL Ascot may be over, but it isn't the end of the racing season.

Race-goers can look forward to the John Smith's Cup July 8 and 9 and the Ebor meeting on August 17, both in York, Glorious Goodwood (July 26-30) and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Newmarket (September 24). And for those who follow horseracing diligently, there is also the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France.

This is a spectacle that has to be seen; millionaires rub shoulders with the aristocracy and Arabian sheikhs with the "beautiful people". The parade ground represents a colourful sight with the jockeys sporting silks made famous by countless thoroughbreds down the years.

Why not reserve your seat at the Longchamps racecourse through Reader Travel? This four-day trip, operated by Newmarket Promotions, includes a day at the races, and time to enjoy the exciting delights of Paris and costs only £159 per person (insurance is extra).

You will leave on Friday, September 30, travelling by coach from York, Selby, Malton, Pickering or Scarborough to Paris via ferry or Eurotunnel and arrive at your hotel by mid to late evening.

Day two is yours to do as you wish. The coach will leave the hotel for the city at 9am and will not return until late evening. Or there are optional excursions available to pre-book including a panoramic sightseeing tour of the city at £9.50 a person, a trip to Versailles at £12 per person or a visit to the Latin Quarter and River cruise at £11.50 a person.

On the Sunday, after breakfast, you will leave the hotel for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamps in the Bois de Boulogne. After the last race, you will be taken to the Latin Quarter where there is a huge choice of restaurants and bars in which to celebrate a fine day at the races and spend your winnings.

After breakfast on the last day, the coach will leave the hotel and return to central Paris for a short visit to Montmartre before heading home.

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe weekend is always popular with Reader Travel customers and places are a sure bet at the moment. Don't be disappointed, reserve your seat for Europe's richest horse race and ring me on 01904 567123 to book. Or ring our 24-hour brochure hotline on 01904 567124 for more information.

Updated: 09:06 Saturday, June 25, 2005