Porchefontaine

Moderate Aktualizováno: 2025-12-07

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2025-12-07 Diary Coverage: August 1873

Overview

Porchefontaine is a district in Versailles where horse races were held. Marie attends races there on Sunday, August 24, 1873.

Historical Context

The Racecourse

Porchefontaine had a racecourse from 1864 to 1870. Marie's reference to "courses à Porchefontaine" in August 1873 is historically interesting, as most records suggest the official racecourse was no longer active by this time. Possible explanations:

Some racing activities continued informally after 1870
The venue was used for other equestrian events
Marie was mistaken about the exact location
Local races at a smaller scale continued

Post-War Context

The Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) and subsequent civil unrest disrupted many French institutions, including horse racing. By August 1873, racing was recovering but venues and schedules were still in flux.

Marie's August 24, 1873 Visit

Marie considers it a "sacrilège" (sacrilege) not to attend these Sunday races. Her visit included:

The Atmosphere

Few carriages at the beginning, more arriving later
Not many people overall compared to major races
No elaborate toilettes (fashionable dresses) - "ce sont des courses simples"
Not comparable to the prestigious May or October races at Longchamp
Very close viewing position "tout à fait près de la corde" (right at the rail)

The Races

Multiple races with young horses (2-5 years old)
One race specifically for two-year-old fillies
Close enough to see the horses clearly as they passed
Marie is completely absorbed, would not notice if someone were murdered in her carriage

Social Aspects

Marie, her aunt, Dina, and Bikowsky attend together
They arrive by landau (open carriage)
General enthusiasm among spectators - everyone shouting and gesticulating
Marie loves that everyone is as passionate as she is about the racing

Duke of Hamilton Connection

Marie sees "sir David, duc de Hamilton" listed in the race program
The Duke has only one horse entered (she notes he used to have five)
Marie reads the Duke's name in the newspaper and carefully manages her reaction
She doesn't see the Duke himself at the races, despite thinking she might

Significance

This outing is Marie's first significant experience with French horse racing (as opposed to the disappointing Viennese races). She finds the French racing culture thrilling:

Universal enthusiasm and passion
Democratic participation (even coachmen passionately involved)
Exciting atmosphere with shouting and cheering

Marie declares racing "ce qu'il y a au monde de plus amusant" (the most amusing thing in the world).