CLASSIC
CAR RALLY IN FRANCE
"LA ROUTE DES VILLAGES"
Paris to Cannes
13
to 19 May
2012
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A Fun Tour de France
at a very reasonable speed...
Follow
the French rural country roads driving the inimitable
& revolutionary 1930 design 2Cv Citroen. Stop at charming
villages, enjoy the countryside (at very reasonable speed)
and share fun evenings with other 2cv drivers.
7
days / 6 nights
2430 Euros / person
ALL INCLUSIVE
(authentic 2CV Citroen
provided)
You could
be at the wheel of one of these classic 2CV Citroens!
If you enjoy touring on a bus
whilst you watch France whizz by….this tour IS NOT
for you!!
If, however, you love adventure, driving, fun, lateral thinking,
laughing and meeting like-minded people… then keep
reading. This is a sightseeing tour for travellers with
a sense of humour and a competitive edge!!
Why not participate in a classic
2CV car rally on a treasure hunt through 30 of France’s
most charming and picturesque villages. Celebrate the French
way of living – explore all that is France –
the food, culture, countryside, heritage, scenery, crafts
and hospitality of this iconic country.
And what better way than to drive
a classic French convertible 2CV participating in a 6 day
rally with 20 other 2CVs (each carrying between 2 –
4 people), solving riddles from hidden clues in stopover
villages from Paris to Cannes!
Of course, at the conclusion
of each day a ranking will be provided during a cocktail
party at each stopover village after you are ensconced in
your 3 to 4* hotel or charming B/B.
Solve the final riddle on the
last day of the rally (from the 6 clues collected en-route)
and the winning team wil be presented with their treasure
at a prize-giving ceremony.
As your arrival in Cannes coincides
with the Cannes Film Festival – the rally participants
shall convoy into Cannes for a star arrival!!!
Mesmerise your friends with anecdotes
and tales galore of your adventures of rallying in the French
countryside.
ITINERARY
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 1 - Sunday 13 May - Paris to Vezelay - 169 miles
Day
1 - Departure
from Paris, lunch at Yèvre
le Châtel, overnight at
Vezelay*
*itinerary subject to change
In Paris, the starting point of your
adventure – jump into your ‘speed machine’,
equipped with information and clues and drive in a south-easterly
direction into Burgundy – a region synonymous with
some of the world’s finest wines.
In no time at all you will reach the charming little village
of Milly-la-Foret, at the western end of the Forest of Fontainbleau,
closeby to the famous Chateau. It is also renowned for its
ancient market hall which dates back to 1479, its famous
residents Christian Dior and Jean Cocteau, and also its
culinary and medicinal herbs.
Putter on to your rendezvous with lunch at the idyllic medieval
village of Yevre de Chatel.
Deemed one of the most beautiful villages in France due
to its charm, simplicity and authenticity, Yevre
de Chatel attracts many visitors. Limestone cottages,
castle and ramparts are engulfed by bursts of colourful
flowers.
After lunching with your new rally family, pass through
Montargis a picturesque small town - with narrow streets!
Spy the chateaux in the surrounding countryside.
Located a little further on in central France is Chatillon-Coligny
with two criss-crossing canals running through the township,
alongside the 16th Century church, chateau, battlements
and towers. The park of the Chateau de Coligny boasts the
oldest orangery in France.
Drive on through St. Fargeau. This little town is the
historic capital of Puisaye.
You are now in the region of Yonne which is famous for its
Chablis vineyards on the banks of Canal du Nivernais where
you will come upon your destination – Vezelay, which
sits high atop a hilltop overlooking the vineyards in the
Cure valley. The vineyards (chardonnary and pinot noir grape
varieties) will link you from one enchanting village to
the next.
Vezelay
is an important stop-off point for the Way of St. James
pilgrimage en-route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
It is most famous for its abbey, one of Europe’s largest
and best preserved 11th Century Romanesque churches, along
with its overwhelming sense of tranquillity.
After exploring the town, embrace the welcome provided to
you at Hotel
La Poste & Lion d'Or where you will enjoy your first
night’s R&R. -
© D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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1.
VEZELAY : Hôtel
La Poste et Lion d’or ***
Charming Traditional 3-story Country Inn occupying
a former post house.
Amenities
Air Conditioning (In Room) / Newspaper (Free) / Telephone
/In Room Wireless Internet Access / Television
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 2 - Monday
14 May - Vezelay to Charroux - 126 miles
Day 2 – Departure from Vezelay,
lunch at Apremont
sur Allier, overnight at Charroux*
*itinerary
subject to change
After a hearty breakfast
jump in your batmobile and take up the challenge of solving
your clues as you amble through the quiet villages of Burgundy.
In the Nievre department, take in the sights of Corbigny,
pass through Premery, Gueringny and Nevers, the town of
art and history, to your lunchtime destination of Apremont
sur Allier.
Classifed among the most beautiful villages of France, this
village is in the Cher department, at the border of the
Burgundy region. Built with local stone, this pretty village
is a remarkable 20th Century reconstruction of the former
medieval town. Frequented for its gardens at the Parc Floral
of the Chateau d’ Apremont, with its pagoda bridge,
cascading wisteria, streams and meadows. Relax and indulge
before heading off to Charroux!
In the Auvergne region pass through St. Menoux a small village
after following the River Allier. Allier’s history
is tied closely to the Bourbon dynasty and has a significant
cultural heritage with over 200 castles, forts, Romanesque
churches, towns and museums all providing reminders of its
rich past.
Visit Souvigny, which retains a unique heritage associated
with the powerful Abbey of Cluny. The tombs of the holy
Abbots of Cluny and the Dukes of Bourbon are found within
the Abbey.
Intersect the farmlands before
climbing to your destination of the small, quiet medieval
village of Charroux.
Explore the former stronghold famous for its mustard! The
church dates to the 12th Century and the charming Court
of Queens is a grassy courtyard in the centre of the village.
Visit the House of Clocks and the existing village gates,
one with a sundial the other with a clock and belfry. Stop
and take in the spectacular views from the vantage points
of the village overlooking the adjacent farm country. Unwind
and share your day’s anecdotes.
- ©
D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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2. CHARROUX : Domaine
des Grandes Côtes *** (yurts & caravans)
The Domain des Grandes Côtes welcomes you to
111 acres of meadows and wood. Choose among caravans and
yurts overhanging the gorges of Bouble.
Caravans and the contemporary yurts are distributed around
a main hall in which you will find a bar, a gaming room,
a film theater, a covered heated swimming pool and a sauna.
Restaurant, Bar, Wi-fi is available in public areas and
is free of charge. |
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 3 - Tuesday 15 May - Charroux to Salers - 170
miles
Day
3 – Departure
from Charroux,
stop at the villages St
Saturnin and Montpeyroux;
lunch at Usson,
stop at the villages St
Floret and Blesle,
overnight at Salers*
*itinerary
subject to change
A
superb day of discovery today as you set out on your way
deeper into the French heartland.
Drive to Saint
Saturnin an authentic medieval village nestled along
the base (and not perched on a hilltop!) of a long, low
cliff, with the ruins of a castle at one end and a windmill
at the other. The many little cross streets which pass
through low vaulted passages beneath the houses are fascinating.
See the tiny lake formed by rainwater collection from
the Plateau de Vaucluse (the original local water source).
Back in your ‘4
wheels under 1 umbrella’ you will come across
Montpeyroux
another listed beautiful village, located in the department
of Dordogne in the French region of Aquitane. Linking
Auvergne to Languedoc, this former winegrowing village
lies on a hill and its rich sandstone houses wind around
its keep. Superb Allier valley views.
Lunch awaits you at Usson,
situated in the Puy-de-Dome department in the Auvergne
region on the western edge of the Parc Naturel Regional
du Livradois-Forez. One of 4 villages in the department
to be classified a most beautiful village in France.
It climbs up the side of a volcanic dome and being off
the tourist circuit, you will relax and share the pathways
with sleeping dogs and roaming chickens, whilst appreciating
the traditional architecture and great views.
Cruise into ancient Blesle,
established in 880. Close to the valley of Alagnon, it
is bordered by arches, bridges and a collection of fascinating
doorways. Amble across the bridge, crossing the charming
little river and wander through the Romanesque church
of the 11th Century, with its beautiful font, organ and
treasures. Blesle’s
half-timbered houses, watch tower and walls make it a
remarkably beautiful village of France.
Slow on your approach to the divine 1000 year old Salers
where you will surrender to a pleasant evening. The sanctioned
beautiful village was constructed in the booming 15th
Century. Different from its counterparts, Salers
is built of local grey volcanic stone – describing
itself as a ‘black diamond on a green carpet’!
The central square is unspoiled by the ravages of time
with the magnificent and ornate renaissance style houses
with carved lintal doorways, mullioned windows and slate
rooves. The 16th Century church and buildings of the Grand
Place are worth exploring. -
© D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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3. SALERS : Le
Baillage ***
The hotel Bailliage is a charming hotel, built in traditional
style and ideally situated at the heart of the historic
village of Salers, famous for its Auvergne cheeses and Salers
cattle.
Spa & free wi-fi access throughout the principal
hotel.
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 4 - Wednesday 16 May - Salers to Mirmande - 221
miles
Day
4 – Departure
from Salers,
stop at the villages Tournemire
and Lavaudieu;
lunch at Arlempdes,
stop at villages Pradelles;
Vogüe,
overnight at Mirmande*
*itinerary
subject to change
Jump
in your mean machine this morning for a fabulous day on
the road. Travelling further south you will come across
the stunning village of Tournemire,
sitting on a tree-topped hill overlooking the River Doire.
Its pretty ivy-covered, stone houses with cascading floral
baskets surrounding the 4 turreted Castle Anjony have
ensured its listing on The
Most Beautiful Villages of France®
listing. Constructed at the time of Joan of Arc, some
of the houses were built on early Roman foundations.
Motor on and you come across rolling hillsides and the
River Sanouire where you will delight in discovering the
village of Lavaudieu.
This charming village is clustered around its Benedictine
Abbey. Cross the stone bridge for a great view along the
river and up to the abbey. Keep an eye out for the obelisk
fountain, its ancient doors, stone archway and old iron
cross.
Enter the Haute-Loire department and arrive in Arlempdes
for a delicious lunch and break before making your way
to Pradelles,
a small, historic, picturesque pilgrimage town, perched
on the edge of the volcanic chain of Deves. The original
13th Century gateway leads to its church, watchtower and
market hall. The views across the surrounding countryside
are their backdrop. The village is naturally enough recorded
in The
Most Beautiful Villages of France® listing.
Your hot rod has now transported to you to Vogüe,
nestled in the Ardeche department. A larger town than
most which grew around its imposing chateau, Vogüe
has a labyrinth of stairwells and cobblestone lanes to
explore. Don’t miss the ancient wells and mills.
And now to your day’s destination for the day –
Mirmande,
a divine little ramparted medieval village amongst the
orchards, trees and meadows. Its numerous awards include
Botanic Village of Drome, Most Beautiful Roofs and Most
Beautiful Villages in France. Note how the architecture
begins to change now you are in the Rhone Alps region.
Weave your way up the paved streets running up the side
of the hill with its views and gardens intensifying as
you climb. At the hilltop, the quaint Romanesque Church
of St. Foy peaks through the rooftops of the village.
- © D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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4. MIRMANDE : Château
Hôtel du Monard *** Château
Hôtel Du Monard features a sauna and jacuzzi. It offers
an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and a restaurant
serving traditional cuisine.
All the air-conditioned rooms come with a private bathroom.
Modern facilities include a minibar, TV and telephone.
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 5 - Thursday
17 May - Mirmande to Gordes - 141 miles
Day
5 – Departure
from Mirmande,
stop at the villages Le
Poët-Laval; La
Garde Adhémar and Aiguèze;
lunch at La
Roque sur Cèze, stop at the villages Séguret
and Vénasque;
overnight at Gordes*
*itinerary subject to change
A
great day is planned for you at the wheel of your jalopy!
First stop between the Rhone and The Alps, north of Vaucluse
is Le
Poet Laval in the Drome Provencale area. A picturesque
Knights of Malta village lovingly restored after falling
into disrepair in the 19th Century. See the 15th Century
houses, walk the maze of laneways, terraces and stairwells,
and look out for the remarkable pidgeon tower. Searching
for a more upmarket lifestyle, the Knights relocated to
Montelimar at the end of the 16th Century.
Congratulations!! You have entered Provence and you can
spy La
Garde Adhemar, a Middle Ages’ stronghold from
far away. It is a provencal village with typical central
square, tiny streets, old gates, church remains with a
superb view over the Rhone Valley.
Onwards and upwards to the medieval village of Aigueze
with its 14th Century fort providing a watchpath and fine
views of the entrance to the Ardeche Gorges and surrounding
vineyards. A historically listed monument, the church
is Romanesque. The village’s visitors are drawn
to its simplicity and exceptional setting. Beware of the
‘hoaxes’ in the village streets!
Dejeuner (of course by now you now it is ‘lunch’!)
will be savoured in the quiet, medieval village of La
Roque sur Ceze, built on a rocky peak which offers
great views of the Cascades du Sautadet. The 12th Century
castle and Romanesque castle seem to rise out of the limestone
which is 5 million years old. A bridge from the Middle
Ages with 11 arches spans the River Ceze. This village
typifies what every book and movie suggest a Provencal
village is – only without the tourist hordes!
Your chariot carries you on to Seguret
– you will be bowled over by its medieval and Provencal
character and charm. Set in the northern part of Vaucluse,
the village lies at the foot of a hill topped by ruins
and its feudal chateau. All attractions in this listed
village, from the Reynier Gate, 10th Century church, 14th
Century belfry, sloping lanes and noble fascades have
been lovingly restored and maintained.
A quick stop at the small and compact Venasque
with its teeming flowers may find men engaged in games
of petanque at the base of the ancient walls which connect
3 towers, 2 arched gates and the ruins of the large chateau
and 13th Century church – right in the middle of
the village! Flanking the sides of the village are deep
forested valleys and rocky cliffs.
Today’s tripping ends in the very fabulous Gordes.
Remember “A Good Year” with Russell Crowe,
“A Year in Provence” or “Mr Bean’s
Holiday”…well you have arrived at this famous
film setting! Have fun matching the scenery and locations!
A little light relief from the sensory overload you are
no doubt encountering at this stage!
In the Luberon Valley, Gordes
is a very beautiful old village perched on the southern
edge of the high Plateau de Vaucluse and is built tightly
against the base of the cliffs. Its beige stone glows
orange in the morning sunshine.
It is Steeped in Roman history and evidence of their occupation.
In the middle of the village is the Renaissance style
castle built in 1525. Visit the ‘village of bories’
which consists entirely of ancient houses made only of
stone.
In World War 2, Gordes was a very active Resistance village
and was awarded a famous national medal to honour its
fight. Many homes and lives were lost. Post World War
2 saw the arrival of and home to a artistic community,
most notably Marc Chagall.
Gordes is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and
almond trees as far as the eye can see. Eat, drink and
be merry in comfort tonight as tomorrow is your last hoorah!
- ©
D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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5. GORDES : La
Bastide de Gordes ***** Located in the hilltop
village of Gordes, La Bastide de Gordes & Spa offers
panoramic views over the Luberon valley from its many charming
terraces and hanging gardens.
The spacious and elegant rooms and suites feature large,
private bathrooms with bath and shower. Flat-screen TV with
satellite channels and free Wi-Fi is also available in each
room.Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free
of charge.
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LA
ROUTE DES VILLAGES -
Day 6 - Friday 18th May - Gordes to Gassin - 131 miles
Day
6 - Departure
from Gordes,
stop at Roussillon;
lunch at Moustiers
Ste-Marie; stop at Tourtour,
overnight at Gassin*
*itinerary
subject to change
Your
last day at the wheel of your ‘easy rider’
sees you heading towards the Med with a few fabulous discoveries
on the way.
Stopping at Roussillon
just before you leave the Plateau of Vaucluse, you will
see the unique ochre-red rocks, red stone buildings and
red tiles roofs nestled in a contrasting deep green forest.
The tiny village centre with its quaint little lanes,
19th Century clock, bell tower and sundials won’t
take long to become familiar. More time for shopping!
Just before leaving Provence and entering Cote d’Azur
the lovely village of Moustiers
St. Marie beckons. It clings a hundred metres or so
up the side of a limestone cliff, sitting high in a notch
in a gorgeous setting. Remarkably, a spring flows out
of the town’s very centre! The village is famous
for its ‘crown’, a hanging gold star suspended
by a 225m long chain suspended between 2 cliffs. According
to the legend, it dates back to the 10th Century and has
been re-hung many times since. It is also famous for its
pottery and has many shops to ‘potter’ in.
Onto Tourtour
which has splendid views of grasslands and meadows which
dominate a large slice of Provence. The village is charming,
quiet and welcoming. Its architecture is well preserved
and the layout surprisingly spacious! Its spring feeds
8 village fountains and turns the olive oil mill which
still operates today. Watch a boules game or browse the
boutiques and art galleries.
And now….make your way in a convoy to the French
Riveria to proudly drive along the foreshores of Nice
before climbing to magnificent hillside village of Gassin,
which is less than 4ks from the Med and up the road from
St. Tropez. The ‘Cote d Azur’ lifestyle is
relished by tourists and locals alike.
Created to escape the pirates of the Med, there are many
superb vantage points to take in the superb seaside vistas.
Wandering through the streets is a treat. Take in the
colours and scents of the fabulous flowers. In times of
old, the main trades in Gassin
were cork making, silkworm cultivation and charcoal making.
Beaches, ports and villages are close by to explore.
Save time to prepare and pamper yourself for tonight’s
final extravaganza … a cocktail party, dinner and
the long awaited prize giving ceremony concludes your
very unique touring experience through the villages of
France!
" Bonne chance and amusez vous bien!!!!" -
© D. Wiltshire / France At Your Fingertips -
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6.
GASSIN : La
Villa Belrose ****
Perched on a hill overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez,
the Villa Belrose boasts the best vantage point with its
spacious terraces and its majestic swimming pool overlooking
the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. This excellence extends to the
gourmet cuisine and its beauty centre offering top-of-the-range
treatments. Unobtrusive, personalised service guaranteed!
Dedicated Internet access
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958 miles
All inclusive package price:2430
Euros per person ( based on 2 persons per car)
Inclusions:
- Entry fees, rally activities and sightseeing
- Accommodation : 6 nights in Charming B/B, 3* or 4* hotels
- All meals inclusive
- 2CV rental including car insurance and fuel expenses
Optional:
Before departure:
- Shuttle or private transfer from Paris CDG
airport to your hotel
- Superior double room at charming 3* hotel
Saint Vincent in Paris - Saint Germain
- dinner
cruise or evening show in Paris
After the rally:
- additional nights at hotel La
Villa Belrose
in Gassin
- superior double room at Suisse hotel in Nice
- sightseeing tour of Cannes,
Grasse, Monaco, Ezé.
- Transfer to Nice airport
2CV Touring extension:
For participants willing to extend their holidays
at the wheel of their 2CV, there will be an opportunity
for them to keep their car 7 more days to drive back to
Paris along a different route. For more
information, contact
us
Terms and Conditions:
Driving licence:
Minimum age required: 18 years old
Valid driving licence from your country of origin
International driving licence available through Motoring
Associations
Registrations are taken on a ‘first come first served’
basis with a cancellation waiting list.
Registration is valid upon received 30% deposit.
The final payment is required before March 31, 2012.
Cancellation:
Cancellation prior to March 31, 2012 – full refund
of deposit.
Cancellation after March 31, 2012 – no refund.
Cancellation during rally – no refund.
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CLASSIC
CAR RALLY IN FRANCE
"LA ROUTE DES VILLAGES"
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