Introduction
France is the world’s most popular destination for tourists. If you’re reading this guide, there’s a good chance you’ve already been there... perhaps many times.
For car enthusiasts, France sometimes gets a bad press, with its arsenal of speed cameras and pollution-beating measures in major cities. Many French people have traditionally shied away from conspicuous displays of wealth, and large, powerful cars have long been heavily taxed.
Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll soon uncover a real passion for cars and a profusion of things for the car enthusiast to see and do. A survey carried out by the French historic vehicle federation, the FFVE, in 2005, documented 5500 events taking place each year, or the equivalent of one in every ‘département’ every week of the year.
Over the past fifteen years I have had the good fortune to live in Paris, and to discover many of these places and events with fellow car club members. Some, like Rétromobile in Paris or the Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse, need no introduction. As I talked with friends back in England, however, I realised that many of these attractions – often in areas popular with holidaymakers – were little known, and that it was hard to find information about them, especially in English. In fact, there didn’t seem to be a guide like this in English, or even in French. And so the idea for this book was born.
Speed or style, sometimes you don’t need to choose! (Courtesy Le Touquet-Paris-Plage) / Opposite: A ’56 Porsche 356 in the 2010 Trophée en Corse. (Courtesy Rallystory).
Each chapter in this guide has five sections, ordered as follows; Museums, Shows & Tours, Market Place, Motorsport and Circuits. France has fewer grand collections sponsored by its major manufacturers than neighbouring Germany, but many of its provincial museums have exceptional collections and are unjustly overlooked. And if you’re willing to accept the patina of use and gentle decay, and are intrigued by the quirky and unusual, there are some real surprises in store!
Car clubs are the lifeblood of the classic car movement in France, and there has been a massive growth in shows and city centre drives across the country over the past decade. As a new generation of enthusiasts emerges, there’s an increasing range of activities for admirers of upcoming classics or ‘Youngtimers.’ If your preference is for prewar racers or older classics, you still have plenty of choice, from touring rallies to lavish concours d’élégance. You’ll find suggestions on combining visits to motoring shows and museums with wine-tastings, Michelin-starred restaurants and even a flower show!
Many historic cars change hands between club members, and there are fewer professional classic car dealers in France than in the UK. Auctions, especially in the Paris area, help fill that gap, and you’ll find details of the main auction houses in the Market Place sections of the guide, along with information on specialists in automobilia and on parts fairs across the country.
For lovers of motorsport, the Grand Prix de Monaco, Le Mans 24 Hours race and Monte Carlo Rally ensure that France’s heritage is unrivalled. Alongside these modern-day sporting fixtures, there’s a growing trend to stage historic revival events which allow competitors to re-live the experience of classic rallies and of Grands Prix held on city streets or racetracks.
The last section in each chapter of this guide presents a selection of circuits. Road safety and eco-driving courses help them stay busy, but track days and driving experiences for sports car fans have become increasingly popular in France, and you can even drive on ice circuits in winter. Check the noise regulations carefully before you book; many circuits close to residential areas limit cars to 95dB, especially at weekends.
Whether you choose to take part or simply visit them as a spectator, I hope you will enjoy discovering these places and events as much as I have done in researching this guide. Bonne route!
Julian Parish
Paris, France
