Think `` French chic '' and the words elegance , style and grace spring to mind . The word is derived from the Latin for " elegant or graceful " ( in this case ) but it can also mean " beautiful " as well. Founded in 1920 , the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was named after the very monument built in honor of French allied forces during World War One . Stark contrast to UK 's Royal Ascot , which has a more flamboyant style . Prestigious race regularly attracts the `` creme de la creme '' of European society .
Think `` French chic '' and the words elegance , style and grace spring to mind . The word is derived from the Latin for " elegant or graceful " ( in this case ) but it can also mean " beautiful " as well. Stark contrast to UK 's Royal Ascot , which has a more flamboyant style . Prestigious race regularly attracts the `` creme de la creme '' of European society .