Travel & Leisure


"Chambord": the historical rally

From the 30th. May till 2nd June 2019, the “Chambord” rally will travel on the roads of the Loire chateaux. 50 teams, seated in beautiful carriages from the 20th. century, will participate to this vintage run, right in the heart of a region with exceptional sites, classified by Unesco as world heritage.

An exceptional rally for an exceptional year

Centre Val de Loire
Château de Chambord © Laurent Alvarez
Château de Chaumont sur Loire

This year, Valve, the association which promotes the freedom of circulation for old timers, is taking advantage of the festivities organized on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance in the Loire Valley, to organize its first rally "Chambord", on the roads of Loir-et-Cher. With more than 500 events planned throughout the year, the region celebrates among others, the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, the beginning of the construction of the castle of Chambord, and the birth of Catherine de Medici. A rich program of activities aimed at promoting the fields of architecture and heritage, arts and literature, music, gardens, science and technological revolutions, crafts, gastronomy and, more generally, the art of living, the strong themes of this great era, and those illustrious figures of intellectuals and humanists whose our contemporary society embraces spire again today.

Old timers lovers

© Valve
© Valve
© Valve

Participants and drivers of vehicles such as Rochet Schneider 1913, Peugeot 201, Porsche 356, Mercedes pagode, Ford Mustang, Beattle, Maserati et Rolls silver shadow have one thing in common: they love driving and their passion shows behind the wheel. With no competition in mind, and in a spirit for a gentle drive, you will discover the incredible cultural wealth nested in beautiful settings that hold some small architectural treasures.
This event is an invitation to travellers. It starts off in the aviation Museum of Cerny, followed by visits in the Château de Meug-sur-Loire, Blois, Chambord and Chaumont-sur- Loire, and many other great surprises.

A relaxed weekend

© Valve

This long spring weekend is the right time to take advantage of the weather, sun and nature. The organisers left nothing to chance with stops and discovery tours of unlikely places such as this garden with a magnificent view on the Loire, a colourful rose garden, a vineyard or a ride on the river Loire in a traditional boat called a “gabare”. Some delicious stops will be part of this adventure, where one will discover local products, picnics such as the Italian one in the park of the royal Château of Chambord.
Feasts will be part of the program too for epicureans. Music, sound and light, medieval entertainment, royal evenings in the châteaux, Blois, Chaumont-sur Loire et Chambord where one will be able to follow the steps on men and women such as François 1er, Catherine de Médicis and also Leonardo De Vinci, those who have left their marks in the region Centre-Val de Loire, the cradle of the French Renaissance.

By Sarah Sergent
Avril 2019
Useful informations: Rally starts Thursday 30th. May till Sunday 2nd. June (Ascension week-end): 1 650 € per crew of 2 people (insurance, meals, night, etc…)

www.valveautoretro.com