In 1936, the paid leave were officially adopted for French workers. Léon Blum’s government marked a major step forward in the world of work by introducing two weeks of paid vacation. This law would spur the growth of tourism, which had previously been reserved for a select few. In the aftermath of World War II, the boom in tourism and the growing number of car owners encouraged the French to explore their country and head to the coast to clear their minds during the hot summer days. These vacations required advance planning to ensure a smooth journey along the long, demanding routes that awaited vacationers. July 1 kicks off the summer season, synonymous with a heavy flow of traffic leaving major cities to merge onto various national highways and head for vacation destinations. These cars, packed to the brim, were an integral part of an adventure-filled journey in an era when people took the time to enjoy life.

National Highway 7 is undoubtedly the most legendary of these summer highways, allowing Parisians to travel down to the French Riviera. The landscapes shaped by this constant flow of traffic featured garages and gas stations here and there, followed by rest areas where travelers could peacefully enjoy a picnic, all set to a soundtrack blending the sounds of car horns, engines, and the song of cicadas, as the blue sky blended into a landscape of azure sea. The stopover towns were often gridlocked due to a lack of adequate infrastructure. These final hurdles before a well-deserved rest are part of those memorable experiences where traffic jams were more convivial than frustrating. A nostalgia that the clubClassic Auto Retro Passion wanted to recreate with the First traffic jam on the N9 in Clermont-l’Hérault. A must-see event for ALEPOC, which was the main sponsor of this historical reenactment.

For many years, the RN9 was a major thoroughfare in central France, connecting Moulins to Le Perthus. This major road was gradually replaced by the A75 highway. The remaining sections were decommissioned and renamed. Clermont-l’Hérault was located at kilometer 418 of this long road, whose varied landscapes delighted many vacationers.

 

Reconstruction of the traffic jam on the N9

On the weekend of July 1, 2023, the city took a trip down memory lane by welcoming no fewer than 300 classic cars, from the 1900s to the 1990s, coming from all corners of France and even from across Europe, including Italians, Belgians, Germans, and Spaniards. A cosmopolitan gathering that poured into the narrow streets of the Old Town of Clermont-l’Hérault, much to the delight of the participants and residents. Car horns blare throughout the city, while The air becomes filled with oil and gasoline vapors. There’s no doubt about it—Bison Futé is flashing red warnings on the city streets—but unlike the traffic jams of our modern times, tempers don’t flare, though the same can’t be said for the engines, which eventually get turned off while drivers wait for the situation to improve. Amid these gridlocked streets, we came across a cross-section of the utility vehicles, bicycles, mopeds, and cars we used to see in our childhood. British roadsters mingled with air-cooled VWs and the many popular French models that we’re so passionate about. Peugeot, , Renault, , Citroën and Simca, They were all there to bring back our earliest memories. Were your departures for vacation accompanied by the sound of the Billancourt 4-cylinder engines from the Renault Dauphine or the Flash engine of the Simca Aronde ?The evolution of the French automotive landscape was well represented, ranging from the 4CV at the Super 5 on the Losange side, from the Peugeot 202 at the Peugeot 504 including the must-see attractions Citroën 2CV and derivatives, as well as the Citroën Traction and DS which made it possible to set off on vacation with peace of mind thanks to their state-of-the-art handling. The Citroën They may bring back some less pleasant memories of motion sickness caused by the hydropneumatic suspension. But all memories are worth cherishing, especially those connected to vintage accessories. This is where this type of event really stands out from a simple car meet. Participants take the time to outfit their cars with vintage accessories such as roof racks and trailers, complete with period-appropriate items (suitcases, beach gear, etc.). A reconstruction down to the smallest detail which extends even to the outfits. Hats, berets, tank tops, shorts, and dresses were taken out of the closets and dusted off to make the experience as realistic as possible.

 

Nostalgia for Setting Out on Vacation by Car

Over the weekend, participants had the opportunity to three traffic jams expertly managed with the help of 90 volunteers. Whether moving slowly or at a standstill, the vibrant colors of that era were enhanced by the southern sunlight in a well-preserved setting. Rather than getting frustrated in traffic jams, drivers would pull out their folding chairs or games to entertain themselves until traffic cleared. Others had to play amateur mechanics to quickly get their cars running again after they’d overheated. (Read: Preparing Your Classic Car Before Heading Out on Vacation)

The retro atmosphere extended to the activities as well. Dancers were on hand throughout the event. It was the perfect time to learn a few dance steps before Saturday night’s dance party at Lac du Salagou, where the campground was transformed into a 1950s-style setting complete with vintage caravans and tents. If you didn’t follow the rules of the road—and of good cheer—the Police Officers of Saint-Tropez could arrest you and bring you before Chief Sergeant Cruchot.

Daniel Elena, the star of Clermont-l’Hérault

In the village, many exhibitors came to offer a variety of items and services for classic cars. You may have stopped by our booth, which we shared with our partner specializing in 3D printing: L'Etoile Service. We’re always delighted to meet new enthusiasts or to put a face to our customers. A shared passion that has allowed us to meet the legendary Daniel Elena, who needs no introduction with his nine titles as a co-driver in the World Rally Championship. A fascinating personality who could be seen behind the wheel of a magnificent Super 5 Baccara, but also at our booth for an autograph session. We were sure to chat with him about his Simca 1000 Rally which he still uses with just as much enthusiasm.

 

A Success

This summit brings this weekend—which feels like it’s from another era—to a close. For this inaugural edition, Stéphane and his teams went above and beyond to put together a fun and exciting event for us. The event was organized down to the last detail, drawing a large crowd, and is poised to become a must-attend event in the region—judging by the smiles on the participants’ faces and their eagerness to return. The second edition is scheduled for the weekend of June 22 and 23, 2024.