Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Circuit des Rempart

Hi all,
We are meeting up with some friends from Vancouver in France this September. He is a keen classic car enthusiast and would like to do the Circuit des Rempast in Angouleme. I'm thinking of taking the 4/4 so that we can do the scenic rally.
Has anybody been to this event, I'm thinking of taking the Brittany Ferries from Poole to Cherbourg. The Barfleur is a fast cat that does the crossing in 4 1/2 hours but I'm wondering about the ground clearance for the Mog.
Any suggestions and places around Angouleme to stay etc. would be appreciated.

David
2001 4/4 4 seater two tone blue.

There is no problem with a Mog and Brit Ferries. For very low slung cars they have planks but I've found they are not necessary with my Plus 4. The Remparts is a great event -- been three times -- but you will stuggle now to find accomodation with secure parking within walking distance of the city centre, which is what you need for gastronomic reasons. The best city centre hotels get booked up for this weekend at least a year ahead. The French have got greedy and allow far too many cars to participate in the so-called "Rallye Internationale de Charente" which is these days a slow bumper to bumper crocodile through the countryside. I'd give that a miss. Hope this helps.

Just to confuse you I've got almost the opposite advice to give !

I've been a few times and combine it with a visit to my brother who lives about 30 minutes away.

The city centre is vibrant and interesting with a few stalls, various classic cars and a good atmosphere. The Racing is difficult to view given the nature of the circuit. The paddock is worth viewing if only for the numerous tatty Bugattis on show. Costs have escalated over the years I've been attending and it's not as informal as it was.

The Rally des Ramparts follows a different route each year and the lunchtime stop is usually worth attending. You'll see hundreds of classic cars parked up and have time to chat with the owners.

I didn't enter, but followed the Rally cars part of the way (in a classic car) and it was thoroughly enjoyable. Every village had spectators along the route and the atmosphere was enthusiastic and friendly with much waving and cheering.

I don't think the Rally is value for money, and you can follow it anyway with the flexibility to divert if you get bored or see somewhere you'd rather stop and explore.

Been the last two years and thoroughly enjoyed the city and racing. Very poor weather though, so its off to Pau this year for some sun. Hopefully.

I've 'done' Angouleme a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. Both times I've stayed at Mansle, about half hour drive north of the city. If you get in early enough in the morning you will find free parking within walking distance of the city centre (although it is uphill!). The Beau Rivage is right next to the Charente and has lovely peaceful gardens down to the river. Careful in the carpark- there is a gatestop fitting rising above the ground, could catch the undercarriage of a Mog!
http://en.hotel-beau-rivage-charente.com/hotel-mansle/

Just having a look at Mansle on google maps and spotted they have a cricket club!

https://www.manslecricketclub.fr/


Looking at the names - mostly brits doing the mad dogs and Englishmen thing.

A great event, and for a first time visitor probably worth reserving a seat in the 'tribunes' then you can go wander around the circuit during a race, and then go back to your seat.
There is a ticket you can buy on the day for a paddock visit, well worth it just to see all the Bugattis.
The saturday rallye is good to spectate from a cafe or bar, but to take part is v expensive.

I've used the ferries from Portsmouth to France, and car clearance is fine, but not used the Cherbourg route so not sure about that one.

This self catering gite with private/covered parking is about 45mins south of Angouleme, with space for 6 and a pool if you're spending time around there...

https://chezdurandeau.wixsite.com/gite

I rather enjoy staying a few miles from these events.

A drive in the morning warms up the car nicely and you can't beat a few miles on French roads.

One year I went my brother did take a few guests, although he doesn't usually bother out of season.

One thing he does have is rather good covered parking for classic cars.



A few of the old Bugattis I mentioned. Don't suppose they're worth much in that condition !



Always a few classics on the ferry

Never been to the "Remparts" but taken my 4/4 on Brittany Ferries many times. There has never been any problem. The staff on the car deck are very professional and used to dealing with classic cars.

Andy

Well to contrast mph's experience, we loved the rallye last year. Admittedly not cheap at €300 for the two of us but that included breakfast, mid morning food, a gorgeous lunch by a Michelin starred chef in a gorgeous chateau with bugatti line up and flying display, afternoon tea. Plus being treated like royalty by hundreds of people lining the route, including police moving barriers to let us drive anywhere...

There is a little advertised cheaper club rally that goes round the opposite way... you bring a picnic lunch.

Timing was typically French by the way... but who cares.

We didn't get to the racing due to car issues and the rain.

But really enjoyed the Friday picking up the tickets. Just sitting in cafes watching the classic racers arriving. Awesome.

We are lucky to have a house near angouleme. But I do hear good things about the Peeks... I'm sure you can Google them.

Oh and we are going back this year.