You see, at the end of the day, it’s not food or wine or cars that interest me the most. It’s the people who know how to really enjoy these things who really fascinate me. My nephew Geoffrey and my friend Jame are such people. They are true petrol heads. I joined them both last weekend at the Angoulème Rallye. Le Rallye des Remparts. At least half the participants were British and I must say this: thank god for the Brits and their love of cars…
Anyhow, I know most of you couldn’t care less about cars, but I know that every single one of you, like me, admire passion and pure beauty….
This gathering is one of the largest in Europe. More than 1200 cars from all over the continent were listed. I think my favorite was a little old MG with a silver hare on the hood.
Here is to bliss! Here is to “joie de vivre”!!!
MY FRENCH HEAVEN 
Hope you’re having a great time in Japan! (wasn’t it??) Bises!
I just wanted you to know I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. I enjoy reading your posts, so this is my way of saying thanks! 🙂
Just wonderful photos of such an interesting event. I love all the classic old cars, they have such an elegant line to them. One of my favorites as you mentioned was the MG. I always think of the movie, Two For The Road with Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney with I see one.
Stunning photography! While I’m not an automobile aficionado, I enjoyed looking at all these fine cars. They speak of quality and the love their owners bestow upon them. But it was the photo of the curving, open road through the countryside beneath the tumble of clouds that truly captured my attention and spoke to my bliss — a Sunday meander along the back roads, especially on the back of a motorcycle.
Looks like lot of fun. Vintage Charm . Splendid. Thanks for sharing.
I think I’ve died and gone to car heaven. Glorious!!
janet
As always stunning photography! My favorite photo was the one with the car driving up the hill and the town in the background. Since I’m an American, I don’t know much about the European cars so I don’t know what kind of car it was. I just loved the shot! 🙂 You already know I’m a big fan of your work!! 🙂
That little car is an Austin Mini. One of the originals from the 60s. They make for great racing cars 🙂 Thanks for your lovely comment. It means a lot 😉
Wow!!!!!!!!!
Delighted to find your gorgeous post this morning Stéphane and your truly terrific set of photos. The light is splendid, you’ve caught the mood wonderfully and seeing the cars against their proper setting of the open road – particularly without any modern lorries or modern eyesores to spoil the illusion – is just perfect. Absolutely love it! I must try and get to the proper rally next year and revisit the subject. Thanks for the visual feast! 🙂 ⭐ ⭐
Thanks Jane. It was such an incredible weekend. I went with my nephew, but then met up with my British friend Jame. The cheer number of Brits was astounding. The weather was perfect as you know, which made the whole experience even more satisfying. I will never miss this in the future and maybe you and I can meet there next year…
Uhlala!
Wonderful, wonderful set of pictures. I’ve always meant to go to this rally which, I believe, is famous for the Bugattis. I’m not a petrol head but I do like the look of classic cars..the Peugeot 203 reminds of my first trips to France in the 50’s…the old Jaguars remind me of my teens…the whole thing so nostalgic..lovely post which I’ve bookmarked..:)
I’m so glad you liked it! Yes, if these old cars could talk… The Peugeot 203 is such an iconic car. My favorite of the French has always been the 2cv though. Such a colorful little thing… 🙂
quels bons moments!…Corinne
Tu as du déjà y penser, mais un rallye dans ton parc serait fantastique. Il y a tellement de clubs qui se rassemblent l’été sur St Emilion. Si tu en reçois, appelles moi et je viendrai prendre les photos 😉
i think we should have longer conversation about what we like about France, and I’m sure there will be lots of similarities 🙂 have a look at my post about Lyon- the very last part of it- and you will know what I mean! These cars are real beauties, when I shared some pictures from one of those events I was not sure if I sure- it’s a food blog in the end- but I couldn’t resist. Old cars are noble and charming aren’t they, it’s such a pleasure to look at them, they make you wonder who was driving them and where. Beautiful pictures, as always 🙂 Thank you.
I will check your post out. Yes, they knew how to design better cars in the olden days… 😉
We should all try to be bliss catchers every day 🙂 What wonderful cars and such a great day with your friend and nephew. I love cars. One of my earliest memories is of having a bright red pedal car for Christmas. I can still see it in my mind. I was about 4. I bought my first car aged 19 – a Triumph Herald – and did a car maintenance course. Not much use now with modern cars 🙂
Funny you’d say that. One of my aunts was given a British racing green Herald convertible for her 18th birthday. She is now 75 and still drives it every day 🙂
I love cars…especially fast cars! Bugatti, Jags, Lamborghini OH YEAH! What a wonderful experience this must have been. The images are fantastic.
Thanks a lot. Yes, these old Bugattis were the real deal from when the original brand still ruled the racing world. What I like most is that these guys don’t keep them in their garages or museums and race the hell out of them 🙂
What a wonderful day you must have had. We Brits do love our cars. Had a passion for them since the day I started driving. Thanks for sharing these fantastic photos Stephane.
You are most welcome dear Sandra! Yes! Hurray for the Brits and their automotive legacy!!
stunning photographs!!
-http://noodles4thoughts.wordpress.com/
Thanks
Forwarding this on to a friend in the Bay area who has about 20 cars in various stages of rebuilding….he might just want to get one ready to bring over for this event some year!
California is where you find some of the best classic cars. It’s dry so they don’t rust there. I’d love to meet your friend someday 😉
I am all for chasing bliss and popping the champs to celebrate joie de vivre any day of the week! Love your photos so much!
I could so totally see you in one of these classic cars wearing one of your beautiful outfits. There was a “concours d’élégence” on Friday evening that I missed. I will document it next year. It’s always so incredible to see the cars with the beautiful ladies all dressed up in vintage clothes with the pearls and the furs…
Vive la
Vie en France!!!
Just think of all the stories those cars would have to tell, if they only they could speak! Gorgeous selection of photos Stéphane.
You are so right dear Margot. Did you see the hare on the hood? It’s my favorite picture. The hare looks so alive. It looks like it escaped from a Winy the poo album… 😉
Great cars! Great photos! Thank you for sharing.
You are most welcome Barbara! Thanks for dropping by!
Beautiful photos Stephane. After living with a car nut for forty years, i’m over the rough ride, no heat, no cool and no space of old sports cars. They make great photography subjects though, it the curves….
I so get it! I drive a 30 year old golf convertible every day and when I get into my moms small modern Peugeot, it feels like I’m driving a Rolls 🙂
I would have had a great time, I love cars especially antiques. My Father used to drive an MG and I loved driving with him in that car. Hair blowing in the wind, it was so exciting.
Cars are such great memory makers. I am much younger than my two siblings, so I have fantastic memories of Italian holidays alone with my parents in the back of the old Mercedes. That car seemed HUGE to me 😉
Wonderful pictures, Stephane!
Thanks dear Tamara!!
I can see you’ve had loads of fun! Beautiful combi of nature and cars.
Thanks dear Rosa! It was crazy fun! Very exciting visually…