The "Circuit des Remparts" is a day of classic car races held around the old town streets in Angouleme on a Sunday in late September, as part of an annual three day event celebrating the automobile. Cars come from the UK and other European countries as well as France.
It is preceded by a ‘Concours d’Elegance’ (classic cars shown and judged for their condition) on the Friday night, followed on Saturday by the Charente International Rally. The exact rally route is only released a couple of days before the event, but generally consists of two loops, morning and afternoon, around the beautiful surrounding countryside, stopping for lunch this year at the chateau at Chalais, south of Angouleme, before making their way back to the town in late afternoon. We went to watch them returning to the Champ de Mars, a large central square in the town centre. We had thought about going to the Sunday races, but as we were leaving for Paris on Monday morning (more photos to follow), we decided against it! Sorry, more photos than my usual posts, but I did not want to split this up.
It is preceded by a ‘Concours d’Elegance’ (classic cars shown and judged for their condition) on the Friday night, followed on Saturday by the Charente International Rally. The exact rally route is only released a couple of days before the event, but generally consists of two loops, morning and afternoon, around the beautiful surrounding countryside, stopping for lunch this year at the chateau at Chalais, south of Angouleme, before making their way back to the town in late afternoon. We went to watch them returning to the Champ de Mars, a large central square in the town centre. We had thought about going to the Sunday races, but as we were leaving for Paris on Monday morning (more photos to follow), we decided against it! Sorry, more photos than my usual posts, but I did not want to split this up.
The finish ramp in the Champ de Mars, waiting for the cars to arrive, and before the crowds got there!
Angouleme wall paintings
and more; There are many cartoons and trompe l'oeil painted on blank walls around the city, which enliven the environment. Angouleme has become the centre of the comic strip industry since the early 70's, when a group of enthusiasts held an exhibition celebrating the "bande dessinee", as comic strips are named here. The town has no connection with the art at all, except that once it was renowned for the production of paper! The exhibition, held every year, became bigger and bigger and it continues to flourish.
A view of city spires and townscape, while waiting for the cars to arrive.
Alpine Renault, probably from the late 60's - one of many in the event.
Alvis - a fine British coach-built car, once made in Coventry. This one from the 60's. Car production ceased in 1967, but attempts have recently been made to revive the marque.
A Bentley, a Continental probably....
and the unmistakable swooping back!
Peugeot 402 Special Sport Roadster, one of only 53 built in 1938. If genuine, it's worth hundreds of thousands of Euro!!!....
with another uniquely shaped back.
No rally would be complete in France without a 2CV!
A somewhat unusual Citroen 11 Limousine, a huge car.
Citroen DS
and a Citroen Light 15, front wheel drive and well ahead of its time!
Matra Bonnet Djet
An unknown MG model!
Porsche 911E
'Rochdale Olympic';the bodies were mainly fibreglass and the cars manufactured at Rochdale near Manchester in the UK, hence the name!
Lotus Elise,not sure which variant!
Fiat 500
Renault 750
Triumph TR3
