French Connection 2015

Itinerary | Photo Gallery

The adventure is in the driving! – starting with 144km the first day, then up to 386km the second day, one navigated narrow mountain passes, drove through neat vineyards, rough rocky tunnels, beautiful avenues of trees, deep gorges and then high up into the mountains ….. and the views were breath-taking. These gutsy little cars took it all in their stride – they are such FUN to drive!

Every day was a new adventure, ready to unfold as the route book led one on a voyage of discovery – small back roads led one to picturesque mountain villages, through classic rural countryside, a coffee-stop here, a bistro for lunch there and then there was always a welcoming hotel in the evening to relax in and enjoy a delicious dinner.
It is tiring but so rewarding and one can’t wait to hop in the car the next morning!

This letter from previous French Connection participants Peter and Ann Lambert was featured in Living France Magazine:

We have just returned from a most enjoyable holiday with 2CV Adventures. The company organises tours of Europe with some 16 Citroen 2CVs plus support vehicle, ‘Ferdie’, the fire engine, which has been specially adapted to carry a ‘spare’ 2CV and all manner of parts for the vehicles.

The week-long tour that we went on started in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (next door to Monaco) and ended in Deauville. What made the journey so special was the carefully planned route which takes mainly D roads and zigzags across country, thus travelling on roads that the 2CV was originally designed for.

Our tour took in such places as Chorges, Nantua, Beaune, Sancerre, Chartres and ending, as previously mentioned, in Deauville. Along the way, we sampled some excellent meals accompanied by some equally excellent wines which, along with the company of our fellow travellers, all helped to make for a most memorable trip.

We can only say that if you are a Francophile and love motoring there is no finer way of seeing France. Our Citroen 2CV ‘Delphi’ did not put a foot wrong and it really was fun to drive over such a challenging route. It was certainly an experience we will never forget.
We enclose a photograph of ‘Delphi’ and ‘Daffy’, which we thought you may like.
Keep up the good work.

Peter and Ann Lambert
Worthing, West Sussex

The French Connection Itinerary

In 1971 The French Connection film hit the cinemas and was an immediate success winning a hatful of Oscars and other awards. It also contained one of the best car chases ever filmed.

While we won’t have a car chase we think our very own version of the French Connection is an Oscar winner in its own right, with a technicolour route taking in some dazzling roads through breathtaking scenery.

Day 1 Beaulieu sur Mer to Chorges – 215kms, 5hrs

Starting in the charismatic resort of Beaulieu sur Mer next door to Monaco, we take on the challenging roads of Provence to the resort of Chorges which has only recently been opened to the public. Our first day behind the wheel of an iconic 2CV is along some of the roads made famous by the Monte Carlo Rally. Passing by Isola and Barcelonette it provides an absorbing and rewarding drive.

Day 2: Chorges to Annecy – 253kms, 5.5hrs

Day two on the road sees us continuing through the mountains as we head north to the picturesque town of Annecy. Today we go via Briancon and the ski resort of Serre Chevalier before tackling a couple of small passes. Arriving at our hotel on the Lac d’Annecy we spend the night at the luxurious Les Tresoms.

Day 3: Annecey to Beaune – 238kms, 5.0hrs

Skipping round Annecy in the morning to avoid the traffic, we head west to the River Rhone which we cross near Seyssel, before going over Le Grand Abergement. Keeping to the D roads we run north taking in the great countryside and skirting the major towns before arriving at the Le Moulin d’Hauterive hotel, just outside Beaune.

Day 4: Beaune to Sancerre – 221kms, 4.5hrs

From the Moulin d’Hauterive which is in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, we head to another great wine denomination, Sancerre, taking the road through the Parc de Morvan. This is a short day to allow drivers to enjoy the local ambiance as well as take in a wine ‘degustation’ or two. Tonight we dine at the Michelin starred restaurant, La Tour, in Sancerre.

Day 5: Sancerre to Chartres – 220kms, 4.5hrs

After recovering from a splendid night out in this delightful town we cross the Loire at Beaugency, a forgotten gem of a town with its hill-top chateau and 14th century bridge. It was freed by Joan of Arc during the 100 Years War. A true delight to see on our way to Chartres and its famous Cathedral. We stay the night in the middle of Chartres at the Hotel Grand Monarque to take advantage of the night life here.

Day 6: Chartres to Deauville – 188kms, 4.0hrs

From Chartres we find truly amazing roads to the wonderful seaside resort of Deauville where there are so many historic sights to enjoy from the WW2 beaches to the Bayeux Tapestry. A truly fine way to end our journey in France.

Day 7: Deauville to England

Today we head for the ferry and the final part of our journey to England where we end our journey near Alton, Hampshire.