Thanks to a number of exceptional sporting events such as the Saut Hermès show jumping competition and a race up the Eiffel Tower, March in Paris has some rare pleasures to offer to sports fans. Following these, the Grand Palais plays host to a luxurious exhibition devoted to jewels and treasures from India; a treat for those interested in the exotic splendour of the mystic east.
The prestigious Saut Hermès at the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is reserved from March 17th to 19th for the 8th edition of a popular show jumping competition guaranteed to excite any equestrian enthusiast. The Saut Hermès is sponsored by the world-famous luxury brand and has become an important annual event in which the international elite of riders vie for the honour of the titles bestowed here. Ranked at a 5 star level (CSI 5*) by the International Equestrian Federation, the Saut Hermès remains a prestigious competition. This year the weekend will feature an evening event for the first time, presenting a new show jumping challenge; Le Prix du Faubourg 24 on Saturday, March 18th. There will also be an equestrian show presented beneath the majestic glass roof of the Grand Palais; The Dream of Don Quixote was conceived by the dramatist Florient Azoulay and the horse trainer and stuntman Mario Luraschi.
A vertiginous and perilous ascent
The Eiffel Tower Vertical time trial race is an unusual and challenging competition for dedicated runners from all over the world and a treat for the discerning sports fan. Reserved for high-level athletes only, it offers the lung-busting opportunity to climb the 279 metres of the iconic Iron Lady at a punishing pace. An extraordinary ascent that requires exceptional physical capacities, the Eiffel Tower Vertical involves negotiating the 1,665 steps of the building in under 10 minutes for women and under 8 minutes for men to be in with a chance of winning. The record is held by Piotr Lobodzinski of Poland, who managed an amazing 7 minutes and 48 seconds. More than 100 international athletes will meet on March 16th for this 3rd edition of the race. The tower’s stairs are open to the outside, so come along to watch and support this unique event.
A sublime exhibition of the treasures of India through the ages
From the Great Mughals to the Maharajas: Jewels from the Al Thani Collection offers a truly golden opportunity to explore the jewellery tradition of the Indian subcontinent through the centuries. This dazzling exhibition in the sumptuous setting of the Grand Palais takes place from March 29th to June 5th and promises an exotic adventure for visitors. The development of gem settings and jewellery and the evolution of taste will be shown through nearly 270 exceptional pieces, some of which are rarely seen in public, dating from the Mughal period to that of the Maharajahs, the British Raj and the Durbar ceremonial gatherings that provided such grandeur and spectacle. Some 5 centuries of Indian history are represented through historic diamonds, gorgeous precious objects and legendary items of jewellery.