La Ferme de l'Église: Motoring

Image of a Triumph TR4A IRS and a Jaguar MKII.

France is very different country. They do things differently here, especially when you get behind the wheel of a classic car or astride a motorcycle.

With 600,000 miles of well-maintained roads, including 5,800 miles of super-highways, France has one of Europe’s most extensive road networks, but with a population a little over that of Britain, at 61 million, much more space for driving. Britain, by contrast has only some 216,000 miles of roads, and most of it appears to be a giant car park. You’re either stuck in traffic jams, being congestion charged, or lectured for destroying the planet. Driving and riding in France is a pleasure, not the chore of navigating Britain’s roads.

One of the great pleasures of running a classic car in Deux-Sèvres is pulling onto the road and noticing just how little traffic is sharing the road with you. What traffic there is will often acknowledge classics with a smile and wave, such is the French enthusiasm for old or unusual vehicles. This enthusiasm is reflected by the dozens of classic events and rallies going on throughout each month of the summer.

Picture of Mark II Jaguar and Fiat 600 Arbath




	Half day or full day itineries Explore the surrounding countryside with the assistance of our maps and routes showing points of interest and lunch recommendations. John (the site owner) a fellow classic enthusiast, is available for accompanied drives.



	Picnic hampers for days out A traditional wicker picnic basket packed with the best French produce, with crockery and cutlery.



	While you are staying with us why not hire a French classic to tour in? Choose between a Citroën DSuper 5 and DS 23ie.

Right
The owner’s Jaguar MKII and a Fiat 600 Abarth.

Below, left to right
Informal displays of enthusiasts' cars in Angoulême on race day.

Picture of a line up of enthusiast's cars

Picture of drivers gathering in the paddock for the GT-GTS-GTP Tourisme race

Picture of The Land Crab on the Charente Rally

Picture of the fastest Porsche 911 just before it's spectacular crash in the next race!

Picture of a group of touring motorcycles

Pictire of the owner's Jaguar MKII and a visiting friend's Triumph TR4A IRS

Top, left to right

Gathering in the paddock for the GT-GTS-GTP Tourisme race.

The Land Crab on the Charente Rally.

The fastest Porsche 911 just before its spectacular crash in the next race!

Circuit des Remparts
Here in Poitou-Charente we have the Circuit des Remparts, the historic racing around the street circuit of the ramparts of the old city of Angoulême that takes place over the third weekend of September. There is also the nearby national racing circuit, the Val de Vienne, which plays host to car and motorcycle racing to national standard, as well as being available for hire or instruction.

La Ferme de L’Église is pleased to welcome owners of cars and bikes, classic and modern. Parking is secure and under cover and the owners offer accompanied tours for bikes and cars. Routes are available that will take you to every corner of the region – from a meander through the centre, a day ‘lost’ in the countryside to spectacular chateaux in the Loire and several that take you to the simply stunning coastline of the Atlantic coast. Obviously you can plan routes of your own, but these routes will take all that effort away from you if you wish.

Above
The owner’s Jaguar MKII and a visiting friend’s Triumph TR4A IRS.

Far left and middle
Solo motorcyclists and groups will receive a friendly welcome from the owners, who are also two wheel enthusuasts.