Classic Car Journeys

September 10th to September 17th

Getting to Bilbao Friday 10th to Sunday 12th.
The event will start in Bilbao at 8.00am on Sunday 12th which is the time the ferry docks. If you would rather not catch the ferry, you have the option to drive down and meet us in Bilbao. From Calais it’s a journey of approx 740miles and will cost about £55 in tolls. The ferry leaves from Portsmouth late in the evening on Friday 10th . Arriving in Bilbao at 8.00am on Sunday morning means you’ve got two nights on the boat and one day.

Sunday 12th – Bilbao to Cangas 195 miles
We leave the ferry and head west along a motorway with lovely coastal views before turning off for a gentle drive and a coffee at Santillana, described as Spain’s prettiest village. After coffee its a short drive to the Picos de Europa, northern Spain’s mountain range often described as Little Switzerland. It’s only 30 miles wide and beautiful with a fantastic road surface. We spend an afternoon in the mountains before heading to Cangas, a town with one of the most stunning old bridges I’ve ever seen. We’re staying in the Parador at Cangas which is a converted monastery. The rooms are in a modern block built alongside but all done so tastefully you are not immediately aware they are new. We’ll be dining in the Parador and enjoying some fine Spanish wine.

Monday 13th Cangas to Leon 235 miles
Leaving Cangas we head further west to the seaside village of Luarca which is reputed to be the most attractive town on Spain’s north coast. In the afternoon we head back to the hills – this time further west than the Picos but still really scenic with great roads – and head south towards the city of Leon. Leon is known throughout Spain as the location of the finest stained glass in the country. It’s a busy, large city and we’re staying in a modern, 3 star hotel with its own underground car park, a stones throw from the Cathedral and handy for the restaurants in the old part of the city.

Tuesday 14th Leon to Soria 210 miles
Now south of the mountains we’re in ‘real’ Spain although it’s not as flat as you might think as we’re still at 3000 ft. After a 2 hour drive we call in to Burgos for coffee and a look round the most impressive and largest cathedral in Spain. Next it’s on to the delightful town of Covarrubias full of half timbered houses, cobbled streets and medieval towers. The afternoon coffee stop is the village of Santo Domingo. You may not have heard of it but you will no doubt have heard its residents singing, as this is where the Benedictine monks are from who in 1994 made a record of Gregorian Chants which became a worldwide hit, selling over 6 million copies. Our overnight location is Soria where we’ll be staying in the Parador. Built on top of a hill in the grounds of the old castle it’s a first class hotel in a lovely location. For dinner you have the choice of the hotel restaurant or a stroll down a footpath into town.

Wednesday 15th Soria to Vielha 200 miles
We head out of town for a lovely morning drive and after 65 miles we have no choice but to join the motorway to get past Zaragoza. On the recce I tried several routes to avoid this motorway but all were unsuitable, mainly due to sections of poor road surface. However, the reward for the motorway is the Pyrenees which we traverse, more or less, south to north. Much less populated than the Alps the Pyrenees are always impressive and I guarantee you’ll enjoy the drive up to the border for our overnight stop. We’re staying in the Parador which is situated on the edge of the hill overlooking the town and has stunning views. As town is a long walk we’ll be dining as a group in the restaurant.

Thursday 16th Vielha to Cahors. 200 miles
We start the day by crossing the border into France and then tackle several colls before descending into the foothills. After a morning in the mountains the afternoon offers a complete contrast but nevertheless a surprisingly scenic drive as we head north through France for an overnight stop at Cahors. Our hotel for the night is the best and biggest in town but not in the same league as the Paradors. Nevertheless, perfectly placed for a stroll across the river and a chance to explore the old town and find a cosy little restaurant.

Friday 17th Cahors to Perigueux 130 miles
Time to start winding things down so today is much less about mileage and more about sightseeing as we explore some of the most delightful locations in the Dordogne. We kick off with a morning coffee stop at one of the finest gardens in France which doesn’t contain a single flower! Then it’s a tough choice where to stop for lunch as every village is amazingly pretty but I’ll give you several suggestions. After a fabulously relaxing day it will be time to head for our last night hotel near Perigueux situated in a pituresque riverside location and a perfect place to end a rally. We’ll be enjoying a gorgeous meal and no doubt, a jolly night.

Going home and the racing at Angouleme

If you are not familiar with the racing at Angouleme take a look at the following link which will give you a good flavour. The racing takes place on Sunday – practice in the morning and racing in the afternoon. On Saturday the place is buzzing and you’ll be able to drive around the circuit.

So what are your alternatives? On Saturday morning we will be about 50miles south east of Angouleme. If you are heading home on Saturday you could easily go via Angouleme and soak up the atmosphere before striking for home. Angouleme is approx 450miles form Calais and 300miles from Caen.

If you wanted, you could stay for the whole weekend and enjoy all the action on Sunday. If you did want to do this and fancied being nearer to Angouleme than our location in Perigueux, I can help you with room reservations nearer to Angouleme.