The A110 road trip topic
Discussion
johnnyreggae said:
Is it still possible to obtain a copy of that booklet anywhere ?
I picked up a copy from the St Albans dealership last month -I was going to a car show and wanted some Alpine stuff to display. The move to online advertising means brochures are a thing of the past...[quote=biggles330d]Trip Report on recommendation of Meonstroke! (copied from Alpine a110 owners topic)
--
I’m just back from 3 weeks / 2,500 miles into France (from Scotland), taking in Dieppe, the Le Mans Classic weekend, two weeks in a rural holiday rental, a stop over in Champagne and a huge mix of driving, roads, plus the recent extreme temperatures.
Can I ask if the stop at the factory was worthwhile? We are due to stay near Dieppe next week (with the Alpine) but looking on Google maps, the factory looks like a huge, anonymous, white box. I know there isn't any provision for visitors, but other than saying 'I've been there', are there any photo opportunities? Or should I just be happy to stop outside?
--
I’m just back from 3 weeks / 2,500 miles into France (from Scotland), taking in Dieppe, the Le Mans Classic weekend, two weeks in a rural holiday rental, a stop over in Champagne and a huge mix of driving, roads, plus the recent extreme temperatures.
Can I ask if the stop at the factory was worthwhile? We are due to stay near Dieppe next week (with the Alpine) but looking on Google maps, the factory looks like a huge, anonymous, white box. I know there isn't any provision for visitors, but other than saying 'I've been there', are there any photo opportunities? Or should I just be happy to stop outside?
My recollection is there are two main photo ops: one on the main road on the one side of the factory and the other on the far side of the employee car park plus a roundabout nearby and if you are really nerdy outside the original(-ish) garage factory in town (which was semi dereilict a couple of months ago)
LE62NDE]iggles330d said:
Trip Report on recommendation of Meonstroke! (copied from Alpine a110 owners topic)
--
I’m just back from 3 weeks / 2,500 miles into France (from Scotland), taking in Dieppe, the Le Mans Classic weekend, two weeks in a rural holiday rental, a stop over in Champagne and a huge mix of driving, roads, plus the recent extreme temperatures.
Can I ask if the stop at the factory was worthwhile? We are due to stay near Dieppe next week (with the Alpine) but looking on Google maps, the factory looks like a huge, anonymous, white box. I know there isn't any provision for visitors, but other than saying 'I've been there', are there any photo opportunities? Or should I just be happy to stop outside?
Only really worthwhile from a nerdy "i've been there and got a picture". If you are nearby, why not. There is also a roundabout with a classic and new A110 in the middle - well there was when I was there (picture) but I heard something mounted the roundabout and hit them so not sure if they've been replaced yet. --
I’m just back from 3 weeks / 2,500 miles into France (from Scotland), taking in Dieppe, the Le Mans Classic weekend, two weeks in a rural holiday rental, a stop over in Champagne and a huge mix of driving, roads, plus the recent extreme temperatures.
Can I ask if the stop at the factory was worthwhile? We are due to stay near Dieppe next week (with the Alpine) but looking on Google maps, the factory looks like a huge, anonymous, white box. I know there isn't any provision for visitors, but other than saying 'I've been there', are there any photo opportunities? Or should I just be happy to stop outside?
Some people have been able to get in, but really it's just a big white industrial box and a carpark and test track in a compound. And it has Alpine on the side. I went around to the main gate and got a shot of my car at the entry gates but there's nothing there otherwise.
I'm sailing Newhaven - Dieppe on my way to Anguleme in a couple of weeks. Might just take another saddo image while there...
Given it's such a specialist thing, it is a shame that Alpine / Renault / even Dieppe itself doesn't make more of them being there to attract people to come. A themed cafe would at least be something.
Edited by biggles330d on Friday 16th August 13:36
Edited by biggles330d on Friday 16th August 13:37
Yes, Biggles is correct, the outside of the factory is very dull (only exciting if you can get inside!), but the 2-car display on the roundabout is certainly back up and running after being extensively modified by a truck.
There's also another nearby roundabout with a nice tribute statue to Alpine founder, Jean Redele.
Out of interest there's also a wallet-emptying model/memorabilia shop (Deco Garage) in the backstreets focussing on Alpine Mmmm....
The town is certainly proud to be the home of Alpine and I believe there are plans to set up a permanent museum. Not sure how that's progressing.
I was lucky enough to visit the factory in May and there was talk of further visits, however, the visit was organised for a limited number of members of the two official owners' clubs (Club Alpine Renault / Renault Alpine Owners Club), not dealers - at the invitation and with the support of, Nicola Burnside at Alpine UK.
There's also another nearby roundabout with a nice tribute statue to Alpine founder, Jean Redele.
Out of interest there's also a wallet-emptying model/memorabilia shop (Deco Garage) in the backstreets focussing on Alpine Mmmm....
The town is certainly proud to be the home of Alpine and I believe there are plans to set up a permanent museum. Not sure how that's progressing.
I was lucky enough to visit the factory in May and there was talk of further visits, however, the visit was organised for a limited number of members of the two official owners' clubs (Club Alpine Renault / Renault Alpine Owners Club), not dealers - at the invitation and with the support of, Nicola Burnside at Alpine UK.
We went to the factory and, despite 'stationment interdite' signs, were able to park at a rear gate that had an Alpine sign...
Not the most inspiring shot! We could see a number of body shells stored in the open -dark brown, not body in white- but otherwise saw nothing/no one.
There is an original A110 mounted on the roof of a workshop about half a mile from the factory, too. No photo, 'cos it was on a main road...
Not the most inspiring shot! We could see a number of body shells stored in the open -dark brown, not body in white- but otherwise saw nothing/no one.
There is an original A110 mounted on the roof of a workshop about half a mile from the factory, too. No photo, 'cos it was on a main road...
s111dpc said:
We’re planning an almost identical trip in the spring, would be interested to hear where you stay and how you get on 
We stayed just outside Dieppe for one night and in a small bedsit in central Honfleur for three nights; both were fine, but not so good that I would recommend them to someone else. As discussed above, stopping off at the factory (I would hesitate to call it a visit) is worthwhile a) if you're passing and b) if you have low expectations! Yes, there's the roundabout, and a Mk1 Alpine on the roof of a workshop near the factory, but that's about it. Am I glad I went? Yes, I suppose so, but only so I can say I've been. It's for the completions, really.
We visited the Bay of the Somme steam railway, narrow gauge steam being another interst of mine. I've been on it before and timings didn't work so I just got a few pics. St Valery sur Somme is a nice place though, and we had a decent lunch there. We also had a tour of Bois des Moutiers, a very rare, Lutyens designed Arts and Crafts house, with gardens by Gertrude Jekyll. The house (which you only get to see from the outside) is stunning. The tour was largely focused on the gardens.
We enjoyed Honfleur although it was very busy -it's one of France's top tourist destinations. Loads of places to eat & drink (L'Escale was excellent: booking essential), boat out to the Pont de Normandie, and within striking distance of the D-Day landing beaches.
French roads excellent. Alpine count: 3 (2x Bleu Alpine, 1 white with thin red & blue stripes), all in and around Honfleur. The car drew comment, started conversations, got pointed/waved/flashed at (no, not because of my driving).
So, some holiday snaps:
LE62NDE said:
We went to the factory and, despite 'stationment interdite' signs, were able to park at a rear gate that had an Alpine sign...
Not the most inspiring shot! We could see a number of body shells stored in the open -dark brown, not body in white- but otherwise saw nothing/no one.
There is an original A110 mounted on the roof of a workshop about half a mile from the factory, too. No photo, 'cos it was on a main road...
Thats interesting, this is what that gate looked like a couple of years ago. They've removed the colour sign and the reference to Jean Redele. Shame. Not the most inspiring shot! We could see a number of body shells stored in the open -dark brown, not body in white- but otherwise saw nothing/no one.
There is an original A110 mounted on the roof of a workshop about half a mile from the factory, too. No photo, 'cos it was on a main road...
Not sure I'd bother now as it makes for a less attractive picture. Maybe thats why they changed it, to stop people taking images?
Alpine - brilliant cars but wow do they / Renault have a lot to lean about brand building with the more specialist and enthusiast market!!
Another fabulous road trip in to France with the A110. This time down to the Circuit des Remparts classic race in Angouleme. It's one of three historic street circuit classic races that still exist, the others being Pau and Monaco. First time for this one and what a great weekend. Perfect weather and great seeing cars from as early as 1910 up the '70's taking on the circuit. It's short at a 1.3km and hasn't changed since first being run in 1938. It starts in the historic centre of town, races down along the historic ramparts and snakes back up the hill in a series of squirts and three pretty serious hairpins. Some of the more modern stuff was exciting to see but so was the really early cars wheezing up the hill at a remarkable pack.
The A110 proved itself brilliant again for such a trip, two up with plenty of room for a long weekend, the Cabin Zero bags being perfect.
We took the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry overnight, arriving into France in the dark and headed along the coast into Honfleur, just a little bit too early for breakfast. Carried on to Ouistrham to explore Sword beach and visit Le Grand Bunker WW2 museum. Definitely heading back some time to explore a bit more of the area.
Travelling down in the afternoon we avoided the autoroute to Angouleme and took the RN's via Mayenne, Laval, a late afternoon stop off in Saumur, Loudun and Poitier. Although 7 hours, the bucket seats are so comfortable it wasn't an issue. I don't think we saw another A110 all the way down, but people certainly appreciate them with several commenting on it being a beautiful car when we got on the ferry, and off at the customs check in France and flashes and waves more often than I've had in any other car.
Angouleme has its fair share of regular UK visitors and we were in good company parked up at the hotel.
The event has a focus on different marques each year. This year is was MVS Venturi and Motoblock. Venturi being the short lived early 1990's french sportscar company. There were 10-15 on display and it reminded me what a good looking thing they were. As for Motoblock, that was an early French manufacturer who apparently were the first to combine engine and gearbox casings.
When in the town there were a handful of A110's about, and one 1970's model racing. It sounded great and you could see it was really suitable for such a small and tight circuit, holding its own against some pretty serious rivals.
The trip back to the UK was more direct, firing up the Autoroute back to Dieppe for the evening ferry. I finally found the way to change the speedo from mph to kph and that 130kph on the google maps gps is an indicated 138 kph on the speedo. Naturally we assumed google gps was the more accurate and had the limiter set on that. I find the speed limiter much more useful than the cruse control.
Finally made it back late in the evening, after a 1000 mile long weekend. The car has proved itself brilliant again and can't wait for the next mega adventure. It'll probably be next year now. The Monaco classic still has to be done....
The A110 proved itself brilliant again for such a trip, two up with plenty of room for a long weekend, the Cabin Zero bags being perfect.
We took the Newhaven - Dieppe ferry overnight, arriving into France in the dark and headed along the coast into Honfleur, just a little bit too early for breakfast. Carried on to Ouistrham to explore Sword beach and visit Le Grand Bunker WW2 museum. Definitely heading back some time to explore a bit more of the area.
Travelling down in the afternoon we avoided the autoroute to Angouleme and took the RN's via Mayenne, Laval, a late afternoon stop off in Saumur, Loudun and Poitier. Although 7 hours, the bucket seats are so comfortable it wasn't an issue. I don't think we saw another A110 all the way down, but people certainly appreciate them with several commenting on it being a beautiful car when we got on the ferry, and off at the customs check in France and flashes and waves more often than I've had in any other car.
Angouleme has its fair share of regular UK visitors and we were in good company parked up at the hotel.
The event has a focus on different marques each year. This year is was MVS Venturi and Motoblock. Venturi being the short lived early 1990's french sportscar company. There were 10-15 on display and it reminded me what a good looking thing they were. As for Motoblock, that was an early French manufacturer who apparently were the first to combine engine and gearbox casings.
When in the town there were a handful of A110's about, and one 1970's model racing. It sounded great and you could see it was really suitable for such a small and tight circuit, holding its own against some pretty serious rivals.
The trip back to the UK was more direct, firing up the Autoroute back to Dieppe for the evening ferry. I finally found the way to change the speedo from mph to kph and that 130kph on the google maps gps is an indicated 138 kph on the speedo. Naturally we assumed google gps was the more accurate and had the limiter set on that. I find the speed limiter much more useful than the cruse control.
Finally made it back late in the evening, after a 1000 mile long weekend. The car has proved itself brilliant again and can't wait for the next mega adventure. It'll probably be next year now. The Monaco classic still has to be done....
Lots of really good events get written about over the years here at PH eg Events & Meetings has had many Angouleme threads
Other more typically up-market events are often described in classicdriver's emails each week
A quick google of best classic car events yields several really obscure ones - most of which are now passed this year so start planning for next
Other more typically up-market events are often described in classicdriver's emails each week
A quick google of best classic car events yields several really obscure ones - most of which are now passed this year so start planning for next
Edited by johnnyreggae on Sunday 22 September 04:43
Just a note re storage..
Recently did a two week trip in my Alpine taking in Cognac, Limoges, La Rochelle etc with cabin zero bags etc but also took a RevoRack on the boot for extra storage. In practice everything fitted without using this most of the time, but it did mean I could empty the boot into a bag for the ferry and fill the boot with wine :-)
When driving no wind noise (even at 160kph - I'm guessing the 90kph limit was advisory...). I did have to make a slight adjustment to the fit (40mm extensions on the back two feet and longer bolts) but all worked very well. RR certify the suckers for 8 hours but I just made sure I repumped each trip.
Overall a very useful way to facilitate wine imports...
I bought mine on eBay, used (but probably not) for £235
Kept away from Tolls and some of the minor roads were a bit mucky, hence state of car (and wife)!
ps Got a 'beautiful car' comment from French Customs man at Dieppe. Generally the French just love them...
Recently did a two week trip in my Alpine taking in Cognac, Limoges, La Rochelle etc with cabin zero bags etc but also took a RevoRack on the boot for extra storage. In practice everything fitted without using this most of the time, but it did mean I could empty the boot into a bag for the ferry and fill the boot with wine :-)
When driving no wind noise (even at 160kph - I'm guessing the 90kph limit was advisory...). I did have to make a slight adjustment to the fit (40mm extensions on the back two feet and longer bolts) but all worked very well. RR certify the suckers for 8 hours but I just made sure I repumped each trip.
Overall a very useful way to facilitate wine imports...
I bought mine on eBay, used (but probably not) for £235
Kept away from Tolls and some of the minor roads were a bit mucky, hence state of car (and wife)!
ps Got a 'beautiful car' comment from French Customs man at Dieppe. Generally the French just love them...
Just a note re storage..
Recently did a two week trip in my Alpine taking in Cognac, Limoges, La Rochelle etc with cabin zero bags etc but also took a RevoRack on the boot for extra storage. In practice everything fitted without using this most of the time, but it did mean I could empty the boot into a bag for the ferry and fill the boot with wine :-)
When driving no wind noise (even at 160kph - I'm guessing the 90kph limit was advisory...). I did have to make a slight adjustment to the fit (40mm extensions on the back two feet and longer bolts) but all worked very well. RR certify the suckers for 8 hours but I just made sure I repumped each trip.
Overall a very useful way to facilitate wine imports...
I bought mine on eBay, used (but probably not) for £235
Kept away from Tolls and some of the minor roads were a bit mucky, hence state of car (and wife)!
ps Got a 'beautiful car' comment from French Customs man at Dieppe. Generally the French just love them...
Recently did a two week trip in my Alpine taking in Cognac, Limoges, La Rochelle etc with cabin zero bags etc but also took a RevoRack on the boot for extra storage. In practice everything fitted without using this most of the time, but it did mean I could empty the boot into a bag for the ferry and fill the boot with wine :-)
When driving no wind noise (even at 160kph - I'm guessing the 90kph limit was advisory...). I did have to make a slight adjustment to the fit (40mm extensions on the back two feet and longer bolts) but all worked very well. RR certify the suckers for 8 hours but I just made sure I repumped each trip.
Overall a very useful way to facilitate wine imports...
I bought mine on eBay, used (but probably not) for £235
Kept away from Tolls and some of the minor roads were a bit mucky, hence state of car (and wife)!
ps Got a 'beautiful car' comment from French Customs man at Dieppe. Generally the French just love them...
Just posting the link for my 3500 mile trip from London to Tenerife and back, as suggested by another poster.
It's in the Holiday forum so might be overlooked
Still have to finish it too
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Interesting rack above but not sure I'd feel very confident knowing it's only attached by suckers.
It's in the Holiday forum so might be overlooked
Still have to finish it too
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Interesting rack above but not sure I'd feel very confident knowing it's only attached by suckers.
This spring's European road trip with my A110 took place at the beginning of May. The trip was a combination of holiday, car maintenance trip and work.
The route was via the Via Baltica route to Berlin. First I took a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and then drove through the Baltic countries. After staying one night in Kaunas, Lithuania, I continued to Gdansk, Poland where I spent three nights.
From Gdansk I drove to another Polish town called Szczecin and from there to Berlin. After work commitments and having the Alpine serviced in Berlin, I continued to Rügen Island by the Baltic Sea. From there I drove to Travemünde in Germany and took the ferry back to Finland.
Gdansk was an interesting and lively city, and since the weather was kind while I was there, it left a very positive impression on me. Another place that left a very positive impression was the island of Rügen. Beautiful landscapes and nice little villages.
The entire trip was 13 days long, and the Alpine clocked 2,673 km during the trip. 203 litres of petrol was used on the trip, and the average consumption based on those figures was 7.6 l/100 km. Now I have driven the Alpine in eleven countries in three years, so the car has already seen many sides of Europe. It remains to been seen where to visit next.
Longer version of my travel story can be found here:
https://pertti.com/en/alpine/01c-my-a110-experienc...
Here are some pictures from the trip:
Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Kaunas.
Malbork Castle in Poland.
Alpine safely parked in the parking garage of the accommodation in Gdansk.
There were plenty of restaurants on both sides of the Motlava River in Gdansk, and a lot of people on the move.
Sopot beach resort near Gdansk.
Slowinski National Park in Poland.
St. James Cathedral in Szczecin.
A couple of Alpine A290s in the Alpine Store Berlin where I had my A110 serviced.
Berlin Reichstag Building
Alpine at the Jasmund National Park parking area at the Rügen Island in Germany.
Kap Arkona lighthouse at the northern tip of the Rügen Island.
The short Priwallfähre ferry trip took me straight to the centre of Travemünde.
The route was via the Via Baltica route to Berlin. First I took a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and then drove through the Baltic countries. After staying one night in Kaunas, Lithuania, I continued to Gdansk, Poland where I spent three nights.
From Gdansk I drove to another Polish town called Szczecin and from there to Berlin. After work commitments and having the Alpine serviced in Berlin, I continued to Rügen Island by the Baltic Sea. From there I drove to Travemünde in Germany and took the ferry back to Finland.
Gdansk was an interesting and lively city, and since the weather was kind while I was there, it left a very positive impression on me. Another place that left a very positive impression was the island of Rügen. Beautiful landscapes and nice little villages.
The entire trip was 13 days long, and the Alpine clocked 2,673 km during the trip. 203 litres of petrol was used on the trip, and the average consumption based on those figures was 7.6 l/100 km. Now I have driven the Alpine in eleven countries in three years, so the car has already seen many sides of Europe. It remains to been seen where to visit next.
Longer version of my travel story can be found here:
https://pertti.com/en/alpine/01c-my-a110-experienc...
Here are some pictures from the trip:
Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Kaunas.
Malbork Castle in Poland.
Alpine safely parked in the parking garage of the accommodation in Gdansk.
There were plenty of restaurants on both sides of the Motlava River in Gdansk, and a lot of people on the move.
Sopot beach resort near Gdansk.
Slowinski National Park in Poland.
St. James Cathedral in Szczecin.
A couple of Alpine A290s in the Alpine Store Berlin where I had my A110 serviced.
Berlin Reichstag Building
Alpine at the Jasmund National Park parking area at the Rügen Island in Germany.
Kap Arkona lighthouse at the northern tip of the Rügen Island.
The short Priwallfähre ferry trip took me straight to the centre of Travemünde.
Portti said:
This spring's European road trip with my A110 took place at the beginning of May. The trip was a combination of holiday, car maintenance trip and work.
The route was via the Via Baltica route to Berlin. First I took a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and then drove through the Baltic countries.
Some impressive old buildings there Portti ! How is the Alpine in Finland ? Do you fit winter tyres or put it into storage over winter ?The route was via the Via Baltica route to Berlin. First I took a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and then drove through the Baltic countries.
Returned on Wednesday from a week in the Massif Central, France.
Puy Mary, looking down and then up to the summit. This is where Tadej Pogacar attacked on stage 11 of last year's Tour de France. It's a hell of a lot steeper than it looks on TV.
Col de la Croix Morand summit, before dropping down to Mont Dore.
Telegraphe du Sancy (cable car) @ Mont Dore ski station and the views from Puy Sancy.
Tour de France summit finish @ Station du Mont Dore on Bastille Day this July.
Volcanic formations @ Lac Guery, Mont Dore.
Puy Mary, looking down and then up to the summit. This is where Tadej Pogacar attacked on stage 11 of last year's Tour de France. It's a hell of a lot steeper than it looks on TV.
Col de la Croix Morand summit, before dropping down to Mont Dore.
Telegraphe du Sancy (cable car) @ Mont Dore ski station and the views from Puy Sancy.
Tour de France summit finish @ Station du Mont Dore on Bastille Day this July.
Volcanic formations @ Lac Guery, Mont Dore.
AL Peen said:
Some impressive old buildings there Portti ! How is the Alpine in Finland ? Do you fit winter tyres or put it into storage over winter ?
Yes, I especially liked Gdansk and also Rugen Island in Germany. There were some nice driving roads in Rugen. I put the A110 to winter storage every winter for about six months. It might be fun to drive Alpine on snow and ice but the winter conditions are so harsh in here that I don't want subject my Alpine to those conditions.
Alpine in Finland during the summer is great fun, we have some very nice roads with very little traffic in here. However since there is no Alpine dealers in Finland, it does require a bit commitment to own an Alpine in here.
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