Circuit Des Remparts
Angoulême
15th – 21st September 2021

2021 will see the 49th edition of the famous “Circuit des Remparts” weekend in the French town of Angoulême. So much more than just historic racing, the weekend comprises of concours competitions, a classic car scenic road-run through the Charente countryside, as well as a whole day of vintage and classic car racing around the historic walled circuit of the old town of Angoulême.

Travel Destinations have been organising tours to this event for more than 18 years, and yet it is difficult to describe the atmosphere around the town during the Circuit des Remparts weekend. The narrow, pedestrianised streets of the old town are buzzing with cafes and bars, filled with people relaxing and chatting about the various cars that they have seen. There are car displays around every corner and social events throughout the weekend that make this event so memorable.

Highlights of the Circuit des Remparts weekend

Concours d’Elegance
On Friday evening, the old town plays host to a light-hearted Concours d’Elegance competition, where owners of classic cars of all shapes and sizes display their cars to an enthusiastic crowd, whilst they and their companions wear themed dress appropriate to their cars. This is a fun event to start the weekend and is free to spectate and free to participate in too!

Rally International de Charente
This non-competitive road run for classic car owners begins early on Saturday morning and follows a different route through the local countryside. The routes are usually lined with locals cheering on the cars as they pass their homes. Rally participants receive a full route book and commemorative rally board and are hosted at an exclusive lunch in a chateau before returning to the finish line back in Angoulême. Classic and sports cars are invited to take part and this event is great fun and can be highly recommended.

Concours d’Etat
This competition is for the best restored vehicle in Angoulême. From all the entries, there is a shortlist of just ten vehicles that are displayed in the old town and judged by the international jury on Saturday afternoon. Original authenticity and condition are key to winning this competition and the judges are strict on mechanical and aesthetic modifications. Just viewing the competition entries is a privilege.

Saturday Soirée
Hosted in Angoulême’s historic market, this exclusive evening event is attended by the organisers, competitors and members of the public alike. It is a showcase for local produce with food and drinks provided in various buffets. Music and car displays create a unique atmosphere that is fun to join.

The Races
The tight corners of this street circuit around the historic walls of the old town have not changed since the 1930s. Various grids from pre-war vintage vehicles to through to production cars from the 1980s will take to the circuit to compete in quick-fire races. Just wandering through the tree-lined paddock is amazing. Being able to walk between so many Bugattis, Frazer Nash & MGs is memorable before you cross the paddock to be treated with single-seaters from the 1960’s & 1970’s or Jaguars, Austins and Morgans of a similar era. Perhaps the best place to watch the cars in action is from a grandstand seat below the cathedral overlooking one of the hair-pin bends that make this circuit so special. Sunday is always a special day in Angoulême!

Travel Destinations offers a variety of tours to accommodate those that have just a short time to experience the event, and to those who can take a little longer to enjoy the D-roads through the French countryside on an escorted tour to and from the event.