Nostalgia inspires us to create beautiful things to recall fond memories of a bygone era. That’s exactly what a small team of enthusiasts did on the National Route 7 in Pougues-les-Eaux.

For several years now, the Take Route 7 celebrates the big summer vacation departures for the French Riviera. We remember the beautiful roads, the traffic jams filled with popular French cars, the good cheer, and a few breakdowns.

ALEPOC attended the 7th edition of this major festival, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors. Load up your classic French car and get ready for vacation.

What is the N7 ?

A former spa town, Pougues-les-Eaux has always attracted large numbers of visitors. The Sun King had a home there, and Paul Faucher, the creator of Père Castor, was born there. Located in 11 km north of Nevers, it has always held a certain appeal. Long before the age of the automobile, Roman, royal, and imperial roads already crossed this region. In 1824, the town became a stop along National Route 7, a the now legendary road that connected Paris to Menton, passing through Lyon.

In the 1950s and 1960s, The rise of paid vacations and the advent of motorized travel transformed the N7. What was once a commercial route became the path for the first great summer adventures. Along the road, gas stations, inns, restaurants, and auto repair shops sprang up to welcome vacationers. Driving along the N7 was already a promise of freedom and escape.

Starting in the 1970s, she would lose its allure with the advent of highways A6 and A7. Many sections will be decommissioned, such as in Pougues-les-Eaux.

This Blue Route, 996 km long, which inspired "The 1000 Terminals », evokes a certain sense of nostalgia—nostalgia for a time when travel was already an adventure, a change of scenery even before arriving at your vacation destination.

Every two years, Pougues-les-Eaux, designated a “stopover village” since 2008, is reliving its glory days with a major event featuring more than 500 vehicles and more than 30,000 visitors. There's no doubt that this popular car is becoming more and more appealing.

Pougues-les-Eaux Celebrates the N7

We love events that commemorate his memorable departures on vacation. In 2024, we took part in the most famous event on the N7: The Lapalisse traffic jam, featuring more than 850 cars in a magical setting.

This year, we're heading to Nièvre with our Renault 12 Gordini to participate in the "Faites de la N7" event on April 19.

When we arrived the day before, we had the opportunity to do a photo shoot at one of the city's castles, the Château des Métairies. A place steeped in history for a popular sports car—how could you not love it?

Check out our replacement parts for the R12

The Rally

The next morning, we had plans to meet at the Casino in Pougues-les-Eaux to take part in a rally exploring the N7 and the surrounding villages. As we drove through the villages, groves, and fields, our R12 Gordini brought a bygone era back to life. Up ahead, a valiant Renault 4CV in the traffic jam, the engine backfiring with every slowdown. Behind, in the rearview mirror, a Peugeot 403 honks at the onlookers.

A friendly atmosphere is the order of the day. The rally’s final stop is Pougues-les-Eaux, where participants will join in the festivities along Avenue de Paris.

Activities

The N7 Drive is a a full day of celebrations. Against this backdrop filled with classic cars, visitors can see La Banda Azur et Or, Françoué the mailman, and police officers from that era, as well as enjoy dance performances—and even dance to the music of the 1950s–1970s with Hugues Futo or to rock and blues with Globine’s Band Experience.

Many retailers are playing along by transforming their businesses in the spirit of the N7, following the example of the driving school which showcased vintage cars, including a Panhard PL17 Tigre, and offered prizes to anyone who could identify the names of the car models mentioned in the old traffic regulations.

A former garage, a gas station, was displaying some beautiful Renault popular ones up front. Only the car wash lane is still in operation, but we had the privilege of stepping inside the garage and discovering some beautiful Renault Sleeping Ancients: A Renault Goélette, a Clio 1, and several Renault 4, one of which is still registered in the Tarn department. The former manager has family there—it's a small world !

Check out our replacement parts for the R4

After the tour, it was time to explore the a large number of popular cars be there and hand out giveaways.

Popular Cars on the N7

The N7 has many faces. When people head out on vacation, The road pulsed to the rhythm of the loaded cars, all geared up for vacation. Coolers, suitcases, Michelin maps, swim rings, and other camping gear are stowed in the trunks, in the galleries and inside the cabin, just like in these Renault 6 and Renault 12 or this beautiful one Citroën GS Club with his boat on the roof.

When there isn't enough space, such as in a Renault 4CV which has the engine in the back, We hook up a small trailer.

Some people are leaving the caravan and fit their cars with additional side mirrors, as seen on this beautiful Peugeot 403.

The trip is an adventure and can take several days. The children have fun recognizing road signs, departments, and car brands: "Oh, here's a Simca, and here's the latest Peugeot 404 !"Some children are traumatized by the hydropneumatic suspensions on the Citroën. It's time for a break at one of the many restaurants and inns.

Some families bring out their picnic tables and set up along the side of the road; those who have a Citroën 2CV The seats are coming out—what a stroke of luck !

Discover our replacement parts for the 2CV

When tempers flare in the car, We'll stop at the gas station to check that everything is okay, or we call for help. In the distance, we can see the Renault 4 vans “ Renault Service » or the Citroën Acadiane van “ Citroën Service » who comes to our rescue. When the kids want to stretch their legs, we pull over by a stream so they can go for a swim. The vacation starts right from the moment we set out.

Amid the flow of traffic, we spot some beautiful cars that are already operating on the French Riviera. The Peugeot 203 convertibles and cabriolets Peugeot The designs by Pininfarina are sure to put a smile on your face. Peugeot 404 Convertible and Peugeot 504 Convertible (Read the essay Essay Peugeot 504 1.8 Convertible: 55 Years of Elegance) run alongside the road with Citroën Traction Convertible older ones, or even Renault Caravelle most popular and rare Simca Aronde Open Sky.

We come across cars we're not familiar with. Many foreigners also come to explore our country, such as the Spaniards with their Renault Seven and Renault 7. Some Renault 5-door hatchbacks, which are 38 cm longer, produced exclusively for Spain by FASA-Renault.

Check out our replacement parts for the R5

We also come across commercial vehicles, a reminder that the N7 is, above all, a commercial route. We come across the ancient Citroën C4 the cabinetmaker's, the Peugeot 203 van or the Citroën 2CV the van belonging to the local wine shop, the Peugeot 203 Covered pickup truck from the artisan or the grocer in Renault Estafette.

You can recognize the people from the countryside who are out driving their first cars, which they were able to buy after the war. The Citroën 2CV, Renault Juvaquatre glazed and Renault 4 TL There are many. I also spot a few all-terrain vehicles, such as a rare Renault Colorale and some Peugeot 504 Pickup Truck and Peugeot 505 Station Wagon equipped by Dangel (Read "Take a Break Behind the Wheel of a" Peugeot : The History of Family Cars).

Some popular cars date back to a time when the N7 was being overshadowed by the newly built highways, such as a beautiful Simca 1307–1308 in its test vehicle livery and as the 1976 Car of the Year. A rare Renault Super 5 Belle-Île directed by Gruau (Renault Super 5 Baccarat: Luxury in a Pocket-Sized Format). A magnificent Renault 5 1988 Alpine Turbo Calberson and a row of Peugeot 205 and the 309 GTI, which appeals to those nostalgic for the 1980s. Some young adults must have experienced the joys of a genuine Renault 4 Youth Cards of 1991 (Read "The 4L: The Popular Car That Gives You Wings").

Encounter on Highway N7

Back then, there were no phones: we chatted and met people from all walks of life. During the event, we met by chance Antoine Gavory and his wife. Fans of the event, who came with a beautiful Peugeot 204 Aigue-Marine sedan, similar to the one we test-drove.

This journalist and writer loves to get away from it all on the open road behind the wheel of popular cars, of which he buys many replacement parts from ALEPOC.

Read the full interview here.

Explore our replacement parts for Peugeot 204

Going on Vacation with Your Classic Car: Tips

This nostalgia and these exciting events make us want to take the time to enjoy ourselves A Vacation Road Trip in a Classic Car.

At ALEPOC, we’ve got some great tips for you before you hit the road, because a trip in a classic car, It's in the works (Read: Preparing Your Classic French Car Before a Vacation: A Complete Maintenance Guide).

Even after a thorough review, A classic car is still more vulnerable to mechanical breakdowns than a modern vehicle. Some ignition parts or power supply components can fail without any real warning signs, whereas a belt, a hose or a cable may wear out prematurely during a long trip.

It is therefore recommended that you bring a small batch of spare parts designed for your model: accessory belt, candles, , plated screws, , capacitor, , igniter head, fuses, light bulbs, , gas pump mechanical part or repair kit, gas line, , clamps, throttle cable, or clutch, as well as the essential supplies (motor oil, , coolant and brake fluid (if necessary).

Supplemented by a tool kit Including the right tools—a spark plug wrench, pliers, a multimeter, and a few meters of electrical wire—this kit lets you fix most minor breakdowns you might encounter on the road.

When it comes to classic cars, the best insurance is often a well-organized toolbox and a few carefully selected spare parts from ALEPOC.

Explore our mechanical replacement parts

Have a great vacation

With more than 30,000 visitors For this seventh edition of "Faites de la N7,", the craze for classic cars is really impressive. The N7 is becoming more and more fascinating, and every year many enthusiasts take on vacation from a bygone era behind the wheel of a popular French car. Will you be the next one to drive off in your beautiful car ?

Check out our other articles on classic car events:

The Gazoline Festival: A Retro-Themed Vacation

First Traffic Jam on the N9 in Clermont-l’Hérault with Daniel Elena

2024 N9 Car Show: An Immersive Experience with Classic Car Enthusiasts

Traffic Jam in Lapalisse: Relive Your Vacation on the Legendary N7