The historic hillside town of Angouleme perches majestically over the Charente River. The old town has been faithfully restored and is now the hub for bars and restaurants along the narrow pedestrian streets. The Cathedral dates from the 12th century and, when there’s no racing, you can walk all around the ramparts and look down over Angouleme and surrounding countryside.
Every year, in September, the town fills with racing enthusiasts for the Circuit des Remparts, the annual gathering of vintage and classic cars. Modern safety equipment has replaced the hay bales and wooden fences but otherwise the circuit remains unchanged since the first Circuit des Remparts race in 1939.
The racing is serious business but for spectators it is a packed but relaxed Circuit des Remparts weekend. It starts on Friday with the Concours d’Elegance - the cars gather in the centre of Angouleme for the judging and for the admiration of all. On Saturday, if you have a pre-1975 car, you can join in the Tourist Rally, which takes you out of Angouleme on a pre-planned route. Occasional stops en route are made, an excellent lunch is organised for all those taking part and you arrive back in the late afternoon having enjoyed a pleasurable, scenic drive through the surrounding countryside and vineyards. This evening there is the gala buffet to enjoy and on Sunday there are Circuit des Remparts practice sessions in the morning and racing in the afternoon.
2012 Circuit des Remparts event tickets are also included, giving you grandstand and paddock access on Sunday and dinner on Sunday evening.
Every year, in September, the town fills with racing enthusiasts for the Circuit des Remparts, the annual gathering of vintage and classic cars. Modern safety equipment has replaced the hay bales and wooden fences but otherwise the circuit remains unchanged since the first Circuit des Remparts race in 1939.
The racing is serious business but for spectators it is a packed but relaxed Circuit des Remparts weekend. It starts on Friday with the Concours d’Elegance - the cars gather in the centre of Angouleme for the judging and for the admiration of all. On Saturday, if you have a pre-1975 car, you can join in the Tourist Rally, which takes you out of Angouleme on a pre-planned route. Occasional stops en route are made, an excellent lunch is organised for all those taking part and you arrive back in the late afternoon having enjoyed a pleasurable, scenic drive through the surrounding countryside and vineyards. This evening there is the gala buffet to enjoy and on Sunday there are Circuit des Remparts practice sessions in the morning and racing in the afternoon.
2012 Circuit des Remparts event tickets are also included, giving you grandstand and paddock access on Sunday and dinner on Sunday evening.
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