Elégance Rétrospective Automobile, Sarlat

Sarlat-la-Canéda lies at the heart of the Dordogne, one of the most popular areas for British holidaymakers, who enjoy its historic towns and rolling countryside. Every two years, Sarlat has a special appeal for lovers of classic cars, when it hosts this stylish show in the shade of the Parc du Plantier, just a few minutes’ walk from the beautiful old town.

Original publicity vehicle from the 1958 Tour de France cycle race.

Exceptional Figoni & Falaschi-bodied Delahaye cabriolet in the concours d’élégance.

More than 150 cars are displayed, with a strong prewar presence, including the great French makes of Delage, Delahaye and Panhard, as well as rarer models such as the unique Kellner-bodied Unic T6 from 1923 at the last show. British makes are also well represented by cars – often in exceptional condition – from the likes of Alvis, Lagonda and Rolls-Royce. The organisers setup an impromptu paddock, too, for racers such as the unique Jean Gali from 1948, and go around the whole show on Sunday morning to give an informative commentary on each car.

The highlight of the event is the concours d’élégance on Sunday afternoon; although this often features some prestigious cars, the emphasis is on having fun, with many of the participants putting on a lively show to the sound of period music.

Unique 1948 Jean Gali single-seat racer based on Citroën Traction Avant.

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Rallye Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

Long before Cadillac became famous as an American make of car, it was the name of a village in the Gironde, whose vineyards produce some of Bordeaux’s sweet white wines. The area around it now makes a wonderful setting for an annual tour for classic cars, part of a weekend of events organised by the local winegrowers. As well as trying the local wines (there are red and dry white wines from the Côtes de Bordeaux too), these include tasting classes, exhibitions and competitions the whole family can take part in.

Looking out across the vineyards of Bordeaux. (Courtesy Olivier Goudeau)

One of the biggest events of its kind in the area, the rally takes nearly 100 cars on a beautiful route through the vineyards and past many well-known châteaux. The programme is not too challenging though, so even cars from the start of the 20th century, such as De Dion Bouton or Le Zèbre, can join the great marques of the ’20s and ’30s, like Bugatti or Delage. Popular French models or British sports cars from the postwar years add to the diverse range of cars taking part. If you want to join them, you’ll need to book at the start of the year.

This Excalibur SSK takes a break beside the vines. (Courtesy Olivier Goudeau)

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Rallye Paris-Deauville

Deauville is well known as one of France’s swankiest resorts, famed for its boardwalk and film festival, but it also has a long association with the car. Keen to hold a motor race of its own, it launched the Grand Prix de Deauville in 1936. Sadly, two drivers were killed on the ill-suited track and the event was never repeated.

The grand start from Paris’ Place Vendôme. (Courtesy Alain Besnard/Club de l’Auto)

Rare 1960 Alvis TD21 with Graber coachwork at the concours d’élégance.

Since 1967, however, Deauville has also hosted a prestigious concours d’élégance, which is the culmination of the Rallye Paris-Deauville. Starting from Paris – where they are seen-off by the Garde républicaine, no less – participants enjoy a day driving through Normandy, and a gala dinner in Deauville. On Sunday, they take part in a stringent concours d’état (to judge the car in best condition) and the concours d’élégance, held at the racecourse on the edge of the town. For more than 30 years there’s even been a competition for the best hat!

Admission to view the cars is free and it’s a great chance to enjoy some stylish cars presented by their immaculately attired owners. Entries range from prewar classics to 1960s Ferraris, with one ‘marque d’honneur’ each year; these have included Packard, Delahaye, Bentley and Cadillac.

1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet at the concours d’état.

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Rallye Dior Paris-Granville

Like the autumn event in Deauville, the Rallye Dior Paris-Granville is organised by the Club de l’Auto, one of the most elegant clubs in France, open to owners of all makes of car. With support from the fashion house of Dior, the tour takes participants from a choice of starting points (in Paris or to the west) to finish in Granville. It was there that Christian Dior was born, and the famous designer is still remembered at the museum in the family’s former home, the Villa Les Rhumbs.

Hotchkiss Monte Carlo S outside the Dior boutique, Paris.

Bentley R-Type Continental. (Courtesy Antoine Glachant/Club de l’Auto)

This well-organised tour takes place over three days, with a leisurely run through the countryside on Saturday, before participants arrive in Granville for dinner. The following morning, the cars line up on the promenade at Granville, in the bay of Mont Saint-Michel, before taking part in a concours d’élégance on Sunday afternoon, which everyone can enjoy. Style and luxury are the watchwords for this event, whether you’re a lucky participant or just a spectator eyeing up a coachbuilt Bentley, a spotless Hotchkiss Monte Carlo S, or a more recent Lancia Flavia Sport Zagato. For the participants, the weekend concludes with a gala dinner that evening, and another scenic drive on Monday.

Even the rain can’t dampen the style of this superb Delahaye 135 M. (Courtesy Antoine Glachant/Club de l’Auto)

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Rallye International du Pays de Fougères

The name of Fougères may not be familiar, but this pretty area of Brittany is only 80km (50 miles) or so from the port of Saint-Malo, making it an easy drive for visitors from Southern England or the Channel Islands. That closeness isn’t enough, however, to explain the enduring success of this event among British enthusiasts, who make up more than 50% of its participants. Other entrants have come from ten different countries in Europe, and even the USA and Australia.

Triumph Roadster from Jersey in Dol-de-Bretagne.

Delage and other participants in front of the Mairie at Sées. (Both courtesy G Nédélec-APPF)

The tour follows a different route each year, taking crews through the countryside from old towns such as Sées and Dol-de-Bretagne to seaside resorts like Dinard or the bay of Saint-Brieuc. There are visits to châteaux and cathedrals along the way, and entrants can choose to take part for the whole weekend or just one day. This helps keep costs down, and the event offers excellent value.

The rally is open to 150 cars from before 1964, with an increasing number of prewar models to be seen. One or two marques (often British) are honoured each year: Alvis in 2014, Vauxhall, Riley and AC in previous years. Spaces soon fill up, so book early if you want to take part.

Prewar Lagonda in the beautiful Brittany countryside. (Courtesy G Nédélec-APPF)

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