Old Reims circuit at Gueux

[CAPP0]

Not sure of right section for this, so here goes:

Anyone got any hints, tips, suggestions, views, etc for a visit to the old Circuit du Gueux at Reims? Planning a trip down that way in Sept and would like to take a look.

It'll probably coincide with an overnight, so if there are any hotels worth knowing about nearby for 4-6 guys, with perhaps a Pistenklauser type of setup, would also be good, ta.

[chevronb37]

Watching with interest - this will be the last leg of our Euro jaunt taking in Belgain & Italian GPs.

[David87]

I went there back in the summer of 2007. I stayed in Reims city centre at some random little hotel down a backstreet that was actually lovely. The place is absolutely fantastic and you'll love it! The atmosphere is incredible and you can spend ages exploring all the different bits that are still there. Reims itself was also quite pleasant. Here's a gratuitous picture from my trip:

• Edit*

Found the hotel I stayed at: http://www.grandhoteldestempliers.com Probably not what you're after, but it was very nice.

[sjg]

If it's 22/23 Sept, then the "Reims-Gueux Historic" is on. It's what was called the "Week-End de l'Excellence Automobile de Reims". Imagine the Festival of Speed or Revival, but even more laid back, all open paddocks with more French oddities, some incredibly rare classics and very little in the way of modern stuff. They close off the roads that made up the old circuit and all these cars hoon around all day - not racing, just driving about. There's a local group dedicated to preserving the buildings who have been restoring all the old advertising so it feels even more like a timewarp.

Really fun way to spend a weekend. It didn't happen last year but I fancy going back this year as it's back on.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kiteless1/collections...

[CAPP0]

Actually looking at the first weekend in Sep, but that event looks interesting too; might even be tempted to go back!

Thanks for the info above - and great pic!

[anonymous-user]

CAPP0 said:

Not sure of right section for this, so here goes:

Anyone got any hints, tips, suggestions, views, etc for a visit to the old Circuit du Gueux at Reims? Planning a trip down that way in Sept and would like to take a look.

It'll probably coincide with an overnight, so if there are any hotels worth knowing about nearby for 4-6 guys, with perhaps a Pistenklauser type of setup, would also be good, ta.

It's cool (was there last year) and I'll be back in a couple of weeks on my way back from the Alps. It is really just one long straight with the pits and old stand on the other side. I'd probably look at using it as a stop off than making in the highlight of the trip to be honest.

[AndyNetwork]

I went there many years ago, before they started doing up the pits building.

It was/is? very atmospheric - standing on a near deserted road at sunset, you could almost hear the old cars flying along the straight.

Must head back there again sometime, when Im passing through France.

[anonymous-user]

The Crack Fox said:

I use the Hotel Bristol, right in the centre, info here > http://www.bristol-reims.com/ There's an underground carpark directly outside (at the end of the pedestrian zone). The Bristol gets really mixed reviews, and I know why, it's quirky, old fashioned, a tad run down, and very French. It is cheap though. The food is good, the bar is nice, and if you can get a room on the front of the Hotel the view is lovely. It's in the perfect spot, even with a car.

I stayed there last year and you're right, it's very French! Plus right in the centre next to all the bars Unfortunately, this year we're all staying somewhere else as they were fully booked. Will still use the underground car park though.

[CAPP0]

Thanks, more useful info and it certainly looks worth a look (although a shame if you can't wander around the buildings, although good that they're attempting restoration).

[rfn]

I've been there three times (June 2010, July 2011 and June 2012) and each time I go it never ceases to amaze me. You can almost hear the cars thrashing up the main straight whilst standing there (and that's without the hooligans nailing it up there too...).

Go for a visit, if you go in the evening then you could have a wander around if you wanted (not that I'd condone it), there's no-one else there then...!

[ridds]

I was there in May this year.

ALL the buildings and the lap board are fenced off. Some of the fencing is down but others you ill have to climb over if you want to explore.