France is a one of the top destinations for history and culture, stunning monuments, and world-renowned cuisine. However, France is also a paradise for car lovers! France has a strong pedigree as a centre for motorsports and manufacturing. It’s the home of Le Mans, the early Paris-Dakar rally, the French Grand Prix, and rallies such as the Tour de Course. Home to Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën, there have been dozens of French manufacturers over the decades, leaving behind many rare classics and legendary racers.
When visiting France, there are some awesome ways to celebrate France’s automotive heritage. Whether you are interested in museums, road trips, concours, or racing, there is plenty to see in France for gearheads. Here are some of the best destinations in France for car lovers that you can visit on your next French holiday.
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Car Museums in France
For visitors looking for car museums in France, you are spoiled for choice.
Cité de l’Automobile – Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse
France is home to the largest car collection in the world, the Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse, in the Grand Est region. On display in the museum are more than 450 cars from different eras and countries, including rare and prestigious models such as Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Mercedes-Benz. But the most impressive offering is the collection of Bugattis, of which there are over 120, including 2 ultra -rare Bugatti Royales. The museum also features a racing track where you can watch demonstrations of vintage cars, or even participate in a lap in a Veyron.
Musée Automobile de Reims-Champagne
Musée Automobile de Reims-Champagne in the city of Reims is a collection of over 230 vehicles, many of them the private collection of automobile designer Philippe Charbonneaux. The collection includes 160 cars, 90 motorcycles and bicycles, as well as a large collection of toys that include pedal cars and thousands of miniature cars. The museum also has a section dedicated to the history of the Formula 1 races of the Reims-Gueux circuit, which ran from 1950 to 1966.
Citroën museum – Citromuseum
For fans of Citroen, the Citromuseum in Castellane, Provence-Alpes Côte d’Azur is the place to visit. This is a museum dedicated to the history and evolution of France’s own Citroën cars, with 300 on display, from the first models to the present day. The museum displays legendary rally cars, concept cars and military vehicles. The museum also has a workshop where visitors can see how the classic vehicles are restored and maintained.
Automobile Museum of Provence
The Automobile Museum of Provence in the city of Orgon is a museum that showcases the evolution of the automobile from the end of the 19th century to the cars of the present day. The museum has more than 100 vehicles on display, ranging from horse-drawn carriages to modern sports cars, as well as motorcycles, bicycles and tractors. The museum also has displays, such as large collection of posters, signs, models and accessories related to the automotive world.
Le Manoir de l’Automobile in Lohéac
Le Manoir de l’Automobile in Lohéac, Brittany is the perfect car museum for those interested in historic vehicles. It is a private collection of more than 400 rare and interesting vehicles, housed in an old 17th century mansion. It features one of the world’s largest collection of Renault Dauphines and Formula 1 cars, as well as rally cars and other racing cars, horse-drawn carriages, motorbikes, even amphibious cars! It is a museum dedicated to the history of the automobile, with videos, dioramas, over 3000 model cars to see, an open-air circuit and a Formula 1 grid.
Amazing Driving Routes in France
For a more hands-on driving holiday, there are ple ty of beautiful roads to experience, from historic routes to thrilling mountain passes.
Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy
Combining one of France’s most scenic drives with a notable wine region, the Route des Grands Crus at the Côte d’Or escarpment is the perfect blend. The route runs through the heart of Burgundy’s vineyards, covering 59km (37 miles) from Santenay to Dijon, passing by charming villages and famous wineries along the way. The route (Route Nationale 6) was popularised in the 1920s, and is filled with picturesque, gorgeous rolling landscapes.
Côte d’Azur in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Glamourous and sunny, the drive along the Côte d’Azur in the French Riviera stretches along the coast from Cannes to Monaco. This route offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the mountains, and the sparkling sea, as well as some of the most chic and elegant towns in southern France. A drive along the Côte d’Azur passes Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Saint-Tropez, and finally Monaco, location of the famous Monte Carlo Casino and the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
Route des Grandes Alpes in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
For a once-in-a-lifetime driving adventure, the Route des Grandes Alpes is a spectacular route that crosses the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Like a smooth ribbon of tarmac draped down a beautiful alpine mountain, this route covers 692km (430 miles) and traverses 16 mountain passes, some of which are over 2,000m (1.2 miles) high. At the top, the reward is breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, forests, and valleys, as well as charming French alpine villages and towns. Along the way are plenty of outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, biking, and rafting.
Other honorable mentions include the Jura mountains near the Swiss border, featuring forests, gorges and waterfalls; the Loire Valley routes to visit amazing French castles; and Route Napoleon, tracing the footsteps of Napoleon Bonaparte after his exile in Elba.
French Race Tracks
Motorsport is at the heart of French car culture, and there are many iconic race tracks to visit.
Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans
One of the most iconic racetracks in the world is the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans race takes place every year. One of the oldest and most prestigious endurance races in the world, thousands of spectators attend every year, as well as millions of viewers watching at home. Visitors can see the circuit and its impressive museum, which has information and displays about the history and the heroes of the race. Of course, there are some of the iconic cars that have participated in it.
Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
The racetrack of Circuit de Nevers Magny Cours is located near the towns of Nevers and Magny-Cours in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Known for formula 1 and Superbike races, attending one of the events is the best way to experience the action. Visitors can also arrange to visit areas behind the scenes when races are not in progress, such as Race Direction, the Press Room, and even the podium.
Circuit Paul Ricard
The Circuit Paul Ricard is one of France’s legendary race circuits. located in Le Castellet near Marseille, the track is best known for hosting the French Grand Prix. It is particularly known for its 1.8km (1.1 mile Mistral straight.
There are plenty of other race tracks to visit, including the Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois, and Circuit Paul Armagnac.
Concours d’Elegance in France
To admire classics and concept cars up close, come along to some of France’s best concours displays.
Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille Concours
Held at the beautiful Château de Chantilly, the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille Concours is one of the most renowned car events in France. First held in 2014, there is always an amazing display of classic cars, concept cars, and racing cars.
Circuit des Remparts
A short city circuit through Medieval streets, the Circuit des Remparts takes place in the fortified city of Angoulême. Every September, race events take place, as well as a classic car concours, le Concours d’Élégance.
Visitors in Paris can also visit Retromobile, a car show held in February.
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A country with a rich history of automobile manufacture and racing, France has plenty to see for fans of cars and vehicles. Whether you are driving your own vehicle, or admiring classics and racing legends, a car-themed holiday is France is sure to excite, as well as give a chance to discover France’s unique culture at the same time.
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