Clermont Ferrand, Monaco and Reims - 10-Tenths Motorsport Forum

**Craig** · 10 Apr 2008, 18:57

Got a work trip next week to Nice and I'm planning on breaking the journey with quick stops at the above circuits. Obviously I know what there is to see at Monaco and Reims but Clermont Ferrand is a bit of a blank. I've searched online but cannot find much info. I believe that there is an active circuit there still but is it still worth stopping? Is there anything to see there? I'd love to think it was along the lines of Reims but I doubt it. Any advice?

Wasn't sure whether to post this in history or trackside but I chose history... hope I was right?!

graeme · 10 Apr 2008, 19:10

Clermont Ferrand? - best circuit in the world! The circuit does have a website, so that should help. It's perhaps not as interesting to look 'round as the other two simply because it's still an active circuit. However, the current layout is shortened (2.5 miles against the old 5 miles?), so you can trace the old circuit which is all public roads. Good chance you can look 'round the current circuit on foot as they have very restricted running times - trying emailing the circuit?? If not, you can see a fair bit of it through the wire fence.

hadlou · 10 Apr 2008, 22:13

I know a guy who lives next to Nice, I'll contact him and tell what you can do in Nice

graeme · 11 Apr 2008, 08:29

http://www.charade.fr/

johngee · 11 Apr 2008, 08:53

Called in to the Charade circuit a couple of years ago and they were quite happy to let me look round and even let me drive round the circuit (I had to promise to behave!

). It's in the most beautiful part of France and well worth seeking out. I agree with graeme - it's a very special place.

Alan Raine · 11 Apr 2008, 09:49

I'm planning to do a similar trip myself later this year.

The old Clermont Ferrand looks amazing

johngee · 11 Apr 2008, 10:10

I've driven the old circuit and it was better than sex (well - in a car anyway!

)

graeme · 11 Apr 2008, 17:06

On-board video of my race there a couple of years ago (watch out, its a huge file!) - http://exhale.co.uk/portals/0/video/Charade1Web.wmv

**Craig** · 11 Apr 2008, 17:22

Thanks for all the input, guys!

Unfortunately, as I'm in work time, my opportunity to check the place out will be severely limited... is there anything to see along the lines of Reims ie abandoned grandstands etc on the old course on the public roads? I'd love to have a quick nose around and then get a few photos of the place but I'll sadly not have time for a proper explore.

**Aysedasi** · 11 Apr 2008, 18:48

Craig, pirenzo took quite a few pics when he went there with his father 2-3 years ago. It's one of those places I've always wanted to visit - for reasons I can't identify somehow! The grandstands are still there and I think some of them have been spruced up in the last year or two - I'm sure there's a site somewhere for friends of Reims - or something similar.....

Here's some YouTube:-

Reims on YouTube

Quite good evocative stuff, actually.....

**Aysedasi** · 11 Apr 2008, 18:54

Here's the 'friends' site.....

Reims Friends

**Craig** · 11 Apr 2008, 19:02

Thanks Andrew
My query about what might be left 'from the old days' was pertaining more to Clermont Ferrand than Reims but thanks for the links!

**Aysedasi** · 11 Apr 2008, 22:28

Sorry mate, I've just re-read your post.......

graeme · 12 Apr 2008, 08:24

IIRC there's nothing much left on the old section apart from a great road. The stand on the current pit straight is original - I recognise it from the film "Grand Prix" - but it's just an old stand in current use, rather than anything evocative.

**Craig** · 15 Apr 2008, 18:23

Well we did Magny Cours yesterday (saw a few old mid nineties F1 cars running round in the wet which means I can mention it in the historic section!) but Clermont Ferrand was a waste of time as we got chased off by security. Looks an insane place from the little I saw and I'd love to go back and see a race at some point.

Monaco tomorrow afternoon then Reims Friday morning.