Via Gallica Pre-War

The “Circuit des Remparts” event has always attracted me. It is a race on a street circuit that has been held since 1939. The atmosphere is great, the old center is transformed into a car event under the sun.

However, Angoulême is too far from the Netherlands or Belgium to simply go there for a weekend. That's why we're organizing a rally that starts near Reims and takes you to Angoulême.

Our starting location is a beautiful castle less than 400 km from Eindhoven. The 5-star hotel is housed in a castle dating from 1206.

France has many “driver's roads”, roads that wind over hills, between fields and from town to village. It's a beautiful drive to our next destination, another 5-star castle, set in a golf park.

The next day we visit another castle. I am very enthusiastic; it is one of those special locations that completely fits within the “rally with a smile” concept. Just crazy! I'll keep it as a surprise.

Finding sufficiently large accommodation that is not part of a large chain can be a challenge in France. For the third night I have to split the group between two castles. Both are beautifully situated and full of charm.

We drive into the Auvergne and the landscape becomes more rugged; gorges alternate with mountain passes as we arrive at a modern hotel in what is apparently the middle of nowhere.

The fourth day of riding is a special ride over a number of fantastic mountain passes to the Limousin, a region known for its beautiful cows. After driving along the gorges of the Dordogne river we arrive at yet another castle.

The last day is a relatively short journey to our hotel near Angoulême. A shuttle will take you to the city center where you can enjoy the concours d'elegance, stroll through the streets, where local clubs present their most special cars, or have a drink in one of the many catering establishments. We all eat on the square where the Bugattis gather.

On Saturday we were invited to participate in the rally organized by the “Circuit des Remparts”. It's like a mini Mille Miglia, people cheer at every village we pass and the welcome at the finish is very special, by a sea of ​​people in the pedestrian area of ​​Angoulême.

On Sunday we are allowed to drive into the city and we can leave our car in a guarded place and we can watch the races through the city. I have to say, it's quite spectacular with some very tight hairpin bends.