deauville 14800

“Simple white wooden barriers, about a meter high, mark off the sacred space, the one where the general public cannot enter. But the lucky few, far from being hidden from view, seem instead to be putting on a show, offering the spectacle of a social gathering and a luncheon, sheltered under a large, wide-open canopy. It’s as if everyone were there to be seen.” 1

This “sacred space”—the parade ring where horses are paraded before the races—draws crowds of curious vacationers, whether or not they are horse racing enthusiasts, as well as the key players in the betting industry: owners, breeders, thoroughbreds, and people of noble blood. Each in their place, the reserved areas nonetheless mark a surprising and rare closeness between two diametrically opposed worlds. Some savor the drinks offered by a major jewelry brand, while all around, beneath the bucket hats and caps, people try to spot the celebrities and busily place a few euros in bets. On the beach, destinies cross paths once again, but without ever stopping—except for ordinary mortals—before the marine ropes stretched a meter above the sand, securely anchored to the resort. Thus, between jewelry cases and horsehair, a vast social landscape takes shape around the boards and cabins of the stars. Every summer, in August as well as in September, Deauville puts on its show.

1- Michel Pinçon et Monique Pinçon-Charlot , Voyage en grande bourgeoisie, 2005, PUF