Five Fabulous French Road Trips
John Wycherley
La BELLE France is rich in racing history and marvellous mountainous topography. here are five fantastic road trips that every petrolhead should take for a taste of both.
Reims
Jesse de Backer / Unsplash
For a trip back in time, pay a visit to Reims and the historic pit lane that last saw service in Grand Prix racing in 1966. You can still drive the whole circuit, just don’t try to beat Jack Brabham’s 138mph average speed. Find out more.
Col de Turini
Nik Berg
This former rally stage is best known for its amazing sequence of hairpins, brick-built into the hillside (see photo at the top of this page). It’s quite the workout for car and driver, so it’s no surprise that you’ll often find car makers testing their performance prototypes here. Find out more.
Mont Ventoux
Thomas Neteland / Unsplash
A favourite of Tour de France fans, Mont Vonteux, or the Beast of Provence, has been a mecca for motorsport since long before the cyclists took over. It was a hillclimb venue for almost 70 years from 1902 and is a fabulous drive to this day. Find out more.
Pic du Midi Bigorre
Valerio Lettieri
Take a trip up to the observatory at the top of Pix du Midi Bigorre and, says photographer Valerio Lettieri: “It’s hard to choose between stopping to take a picture or pushing down the accelerator.” Find out more.
Monte Carlo
Andreas Dress / Unsplash
Yes, we know that Monaco is a principality in its own right, but you can’t visit the south of France without doing a lap of the world’s most glamorous Grand Prix circuit. Find out more.