We’re in Paris! While here, we’re staying at the InterContinental – Le Grand Hotel, located in the second arrondissement and overlooking the very chic Galeries Lafayette. It is truly spectacular. I really feel very spoilt!

Today I attended the Prix de Diane Longines as a special guest of Longines at the prestigious Chantilly racecourse.

We started the day by departing the city on the Longines Express Heritage train for Chantilly. It was amazing: they rolled out the signature Longines blue carpet on arrival and there was even a bar on board for Longines guests to enjoy a glass of champagne en route to the race track! We were then surprised by a special horse and cart entrance into the racecourse, which was definitely the highlight of my day.

On arrival we enjoyed roaming canape service followed by a delicious sit-down three-course meal, which is the traditional service for Longines hospitality, but very different to the style of service in the Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

In the suite, I was introduced to the very impressive and down-to-earth Longines Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng. I had the chance to discuss his upcoming film with Matt Damon, which sounded very exciting indeed, and I am looking forward to seeing it in cinemas soon.

We watched the Prix de Diane Longines from the historic Chantilly grandstand and spent the afternoon sipping on champagne and eating macarons – it was very civilised and trés Français!

The atmosphere was much more relaxed and casual than that of Royal Ascot and the Melbourne Cup Carnival. I really felt right at home. The dress code was also less formal – no top hats or morning suits required, with men opting for more daring and chic outfits. Lots of pops of colour – I was very impressed with the style the French brought to the day and it was exactly what I had imagined for such a prestigious event!