Circuit des Remparts & Charente

September 11, 2024

Enjoy fabulous driving down to the Circuit des Remparts at Angouleme via Normandy, Loire, Vienne Valley and the Charente, as well as a spot of historic racing along the way. Our tour departs on the comfortable cruise ferry from Portsmouth to St Malo, where we have included a welcome dinner with wine onboard. The run from ferry takes us via a coffee stop on a lake to Fontevraud for an overnight stay in the centre of the town. Some fabulous roads ensue down the stunning Vienne valley. We have three nights stay in Angouleme to enjoy one of the great historic car and racing events. Marvel as Grand Prix Bugattis roll into town for the weekend.

Tour Highlights

Small exclusive tour – max 15 cars
Superb driving through Normandy, Loire, Vienne & Charente
Enjoy a night visit of the museum
Tour the Charente as part of a classic rally
Watch historic racing on a GP circuit unchanged since the 1930s
Access the race paddock where GP Bugattis prepare to race

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Ferry to St Malo

Our first meet is at Portsmouth for the early evening overnight departure to St Malo. We have arranged a welcome dinner in the ship’s excellent a la carte restaurant – a great opportunity to meet everyone on the tour.

Day 2: Vitre & Abbaye de Fontevraud

We regroup at a breakfast stop a short distance from the ferry, by a lakeside in Normandy. From here we take D-roads via the Medieval town of Vitre and into the Loire for a stay at the Abbaye of Fontevraud. We have arranged special parking, welcome cocktails and a five-course dinner with wine pairing this evening. You even get to look around the Abbaye after dinner – it’s particularly atmospheric at night!

Day 3: Vienne Valley & Angouleme

Another great day of driving planned, via one of the ‘plus beaux villages en France’ and into the Vienne valley, which has some great roads and picturesque scenery along the way. We aim to arrive into the town in good time to start to soak up the atmosphere and to get your bearings ahead of a busy weekend. This evening is free to enjoy Concours that takes place as well as the many bars and restaurants in the town.

Day 4: Rally through the Cognac Vineyards

Today we take part in the official rally organised as part of the weekend. Expect picturesque routes through the vines, growing the grapes that ultimately make the Cognac so famed in this region. Share the roads with like-minded enthusiasts in a variety of different cars. There’ll be coffee stops and a surprise lunch venue before you return to Angouleme.

Day 5: Circuits des Remparts

Today we watch the historic racing that takes place on the Remparts. The circuit layout remains unchanged from the 1930s when it was part of the Grand Prix championship. Both Fangio and Trintignant raced at Angouleme, the history is fascinating, but we will tell you more on the tour. This evening we will have a final dinner together in town.

Day 6: Drive north to Caen & Ferry to UK

After a relaxed breakfast its time to make your way north to catch the overnight ferry from Caen.

Day 7: Depart for Home

The ferry arrives back into Portsmouth at 07:00Hrs

Where we'll stay

We offer two central hotels in Angouleme, the standard of accommodation is kept very high on this tour.

What's included

Requirements

All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour. You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and international insurance cover.
Please check with your travel and motor insurers that you are covered for travel in the required countries.
You are also required to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, two fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for France.