In 1936, the paid leave are endorsed for French employees. The government of Léon Blum offers a significant advancement in the world of work with two weeks of paid vacation. A law that will allow the development of tourism, which until then was reserved for a certain elite. After the Second World War, the rise of tourism and the motorization of the population encouraged the French to explore their country and head to the coast to refresh their minds during warm summer days. Vacations that are planned in advance to smoothly undertake the long and demanding journeys that await the vacationers. On July 1st kick off the summer season, synonymous with a heavy flow of vehicles leaving the big cities to join the different national roads and reach vacation spots. These fully loaded cars were an integral part of a journey full of adventures in a time when people took the time to live.

The Nationale 7 is undoubtedly the most legendary of these summer national roads, allowing Parisians to travel down to the Côte d'Azur. The landscapes shaped by these flows offered sometimes garages and gas stations, then rest areas to peacefully enjoy a picnic, all accompanied by a soundtrack mixing the noise of honking horns, engines, and the song of cicadas, as the blue sky merged into a landscape of azure sea. The stopover towns were often congested due to insufficient infrastructure. These last barriers before a well-deserved rest contribute to those memorable memories where traffic jams were more convivial than restrictive. A nostalgia that the club...Classic Auto Retro Passion wanted to recreate with the first edition of the N9 traffic jam in Clermont-l'Hérault. An unmissable event for ALEPOC, which was the main sponsor of this historical reenactment.

The RN9 was for many years a major route structuring the center of France, connecting Moulins to Le Perthus. An important road that was gradually supplanted by the A75 motorway. The remaining sections were downgraded and renamed. Clermont-l'Hérault was located at kilometer 418 of this long road with varied landscapes that delighted many vacationers.

 

The reconstruction of the traffic jam on the N9

During the weekend of July 1, 2023, the city delved back into its past by hosting no less than 300 classic cars, from the 1900s to the 1990s, coming from all corners of France and even from Europe, with the presence of Italians, Belgians, Germans, and Spaniards. A cosmopolitan gathering that poured into the narrow streets of the old town of Clermont-l'Hérault, to the great delight of the participants and the residents. The horns are echoing throughout the city, while The air becomes filled with oil and gasoline vapors.. There is no doubt, Bison Futé announces red in the city's streets, but unlike the traffic jams of our modern times, tempers do not flare, which is not the case for the engines that end up being turned off while waiting for the situation to improve. In these congested streets, one could encounter a sample of utility vehicles, bicycles, mopeds, and cars that we could see in our childhood. English roadsters mingled with air-cooled VWs and the many popular French vehicles that fascinate us so much. Peugeot, , Renault, , Citroën and Simca, They were all present. to bring back our oldest memories. Were your holiday departures accompanied by the sound of the 4-cylinder Billancourt engine of the Renault Dauphine or the flash engine of the Simca Swallow (referring to the bird) ?The evolution of the French automotive landscape was well represented, ranging from the 4CV to the Super 5 on the side of the Diamond, of the Peugeot 202 to the Peugeot 504 by going through the must-sees Citroën 2CV and derivatives as well as the Citroën Traction and DS which allowed for peaceful vacations thanks to their very modern road qualities. The Citroën they might bring back less pleasant memories related to motion sickness caused by the hydropneumatic suspension. All memories are worth cherishing, especially those related to period accessories. This is where this type of event stands out the most from a simple gathering. Participants take the time to equip their cars with period equipment such as roof racks and caravans, which come with their vintage items (suitcases, beach items, etc.). A reconstruction in the finest detail which goes as far as the attire. Hats, berets, tank tops, shorts, and other dresses are taken out of the closets and dusted off for the most realistic immersion possible.

 

The nostalgia of going on vacation by car

Over the weekend, participants had the opportunity to perform Three traffic jams organized masterfully with the help of 90 volunteers. Whether walking or standing still, the bright colors of the era were enhanced by the southern light in a preserved setting. Rather than getting frustrated in traffic jams, drivers would take out their folding chairs or games to entertain themselves while waiting for the traffic to clear up. Others had to play amateur mechanics to quickly restart their cars that were struggling with the heat.Read: Preparing your classic car before a vacation departure)

The retro atmosphere also extended to the activities. Dancers were present throughout the event. It was the perfect time to learn a few dance steps before the Saturday night dance party at Lake Salagou, which saw its campground transform into a 1950s style with vintage caravans and tents. If you didn't adhere to the rules of the road and good cheer, the Gendarmes of Saint-Tropez could arrest you and bring you before Chief Marshal Cruchot.

Daniel Elena, the star of Clermont-l'Hérault

Within the village, many exhibitors made the trip to offer various items and services for vintage vehicles. You may have met us at our stand, which was shared with our partner specializing in 3D printing: The Star Service. We are always delighted to meet new enthusiasts or to put a face to our clients. A shared passion that allowed us to meet the legendary Daniel Elena, who is well-known for his 9 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 stand for a signing session. We took the opportunity to discuss his Simca 1000 Rallye which he still uses with as much enthusiasm.

 

A success

It is on this high-level meeting that this weekend from another time comes to an end. For this first edition, Stéphane and his teams outdid themselves to create a friendly and exciting event for us.. An organization down to the last detail that attracted many people and is set to become a must-attend event in the region, judging by the participants' smiles and their eagerness to return. The date is set for the second edition on the weekend of June 22 and 23, 2024.