The clock has jumped forward by 60 minutes, buds are blooming, birds are singing, and the sun's rays are getting warmer. Spring has arrived to our great delight, as spring also means outings in vintage cars.

It's time to go into your garage, lift the cover that protects from dust or your cat's claws, reconnect the battery, and bring your beautiful car from another era back to life.

The engine sputters a bit as the fuel finds its proper path, and suddenly, it roars to life with the vigor of a child singing on the first day of summer vacation. The joy of reacquainting oneself with a vintage car is indescribable, and all that's left is to find other enthusiasts to have long conversations about this shared passion.

Just look at the websites that list automotive events and you'll be overwhelmed. Between the various monthly gatherings, annual events, and tourist rallies, it's enough to make your head spin (perhaps it's the fumes from a misfiring engine). In any case, it might be difficult to tick all the boxes on the calendar, as your spouse is likely not inclined to travel all over France to attend the different events. At ALEPOC, we've thought of you by making a selection of automobile events Not to be missed in France in the coming months. Mark your calendars and keep your eyes open, we might just be present at some of them.

D-Days in Saint Gaudens

The first event presented to you is the one closest in time. As every year, the municipality of Saint-Gaudens is organizing a major event centered around vintage vehicles. to celebrate the history of the city and motor sports with the famous Circuit des Comminges commemorated by the museum of the same name, which has seen great drivers like Louis Chiron compete. All vintage vehicles are involved, with the festivities starting on Friday, April 28th at 5 PM for mopeds. The following day, Saturday, April 29th, it's the turn of four-wheeled vehicles: cars, trucks, tractors, everything is accepted! Are you ready to plow the fields?

A large gathering is planned in the city with more than 800 vehicles and numerous activities, including a parade at the end of the day and even a trial motorcycle show performed by Julien Perret! We hope to see you there with your beautiful popular French car. Sure, but the text you provided is just an emoticon. If you have a specific text you need translated, please provide it, and I'll be happy to help!

More information here

For the upcoming events that have caught our attention, we need to head out on Ascension weekend, which promises to be packed with events according to Roger.Bison) clever your new auto event indicator.

Pau Classic Grand Prix

One of the must-see events in the southwest is the traditional Pau Classic Grand Prix taking place from May 19 to 21. The famous urban circuit, reminiscent of Monaco, is a demanding track that has seen many drivers compete in various disciplines. Great names such as Sommer, Ascari, and Fangio have raced there. A place steeped in history that brings back glorious moments with races from multiple categories. F1, Porsche, Formula Ford, GT, and some clubs will take to the famous track for the delight of the eyes and ears. This year, it is Maurice Trintignant who is being honored.

Birthdays to celebrate: 18and gathering of Simca 

A friendly event not to be missed! ALEPOC loves going there, but this year, Roger didn't want to miss the 18and gathering of Simca organized by the Club Simca from France. The idyllic setting of the Arcachon Basin was chosen to showcase the rich history of this manufacturer. Numerous Simca venues from all over Europe are expected from May 18 to 21. ALEPOC will set up a booth there to participate in the festivities of the 60 years of the Simca 1300/1500. A date not to be missed for swallow lovers.

All the information is here.

Over 300 cars at the Gazoline Festival

In June, the festivities begin with the Gazoline Festival in Lamotte-Beuvron organized by the magazine of the same name. A program that exudes nostalgia with a large gathering of clubs and individuals in vintage cars and motorcycles in the magnificent federal equestrian park of the town.

Many activities will be offered over the weekend, including rallies to discover this beautiful region with the Loire castles and the Matra Museum among others. A garage sale will be organized, and professionals and artisans will be part of it. We are announcing it today; we will be present at this must-attend event. Stay tuned. Sure, but the text you provided is just an emoticon. If you have a specific text you need translated, please provide it, and I'll be happy to help!

Discover the festival

Tartas and the Rétrofollies

For June 25th, we are heading back to the south, near Dax, for the 8Th century Auto Rétrofollies. A gathering of interclub open to all vehicles over 30 years old. A friendly atmosphere is expected in the streets of Tartas with a focus on the Peugeot collection. For the occasion, a giant raffle is organized with a prize of a Peugeot 205! An unmissable event, in which ALEPOC is a partner.

The first traffic jams on the N9

After so many events, it is time for the summer holidays at the beginning of July. On the first weekend, the July holidaymakers take their cars heading to the sea for a well-deserved rest. A weekend of major departures that used to cause significant traffic jams on the old country roads. An era that is not necessarily over at the various toll booths on the main highways, but those traffic jams had a very particular charm. They had the advantage of beautiful landscapes. This year, the past returns to the present with the first... Reconstruction of the N9 traffic jam in Clermont-l'Hérault. Reenactments that are increasingly in vogue are what prompted the Classic Auto Retro Passion club to embark on the adventure with the cooperation of the town hall. Clermont-l'Hérault was thus a vital hub for vacations of the past and this year offers festivities centered around vintage themes. A grand celebration of classic cars and customs of the time that will bring smiles to both young and old. ALEPOC will participate. Without a doubt, as a partner of this first edition. So, fill up on engine oil and coolant to avoid overheating your engines during the re-enactment!

Relive the traffic jam on the N9

The 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

For those who want a more active vacation, head to the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit the same weekend to attend the special edition of the Mans Classic, dedicated to the 100 years...of the Le Mans race. A unique and indescribable atmosphere awaits you for this largest gathering of classic and prestigious cars in France. Last year, over 8,000 club cars gathered within the circuit, enough to break daily mileage records.

A memorable anniversary for the 205

Finally, we conclude this first overview of unmissable releases with the event celebrating the 40 years of the 205 at the Adventure Museum PeugeotIn Sochaux. Join us from July 7th to 9th for a large gathering of Peugeot 205 coming from all corners of Europe. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the dedicated exhibition that traces the history of this success story with prototypes, low-mileage versions, numerous limited editions, and competition vehicles. ALEPOC will join the celebration. Attention 205 owners, we can organize a convoy!

Read 40 years Peugeot 205: The Genesis (Part 1)

Read 40 years Peugeot 205: the range (part 2)

PS: Join us in Tarn on September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for an event organized in collaboration with ALEPOC. Here are a few hints to whet your appetite. On the agenda are beautiful routes punctuated by cultural and culinary discoveries. We'll give you all the details very soon ;)