Gréoux-les-Bains 7th - 14th of June
Day 4 ... Thursday - Cassis et les Calanques
Today´s rally best showed the diversification of the Provence
ranging from the lovely open lavender fields, the twisty mountain
and forest roads to the méditerranée of the Cote d´Azur. After
passing Rians the Bugatti left the departement Var towards
Bouche-du-Rhone and after the capitol of the canton Trets the
road climbed up the hill to the Col de l´Espigoulier. Already part of
several Tour Auto in April when in the region this was the first real
highlight of the day as the crossing of the Massif de la Sainte
Baume offers a superb foresight over the entire region from the
north to the Mediterranean. But not just the landscape is
spectacular but also the sweeping serpentines offered real driving
fun in the small sports cars. After descending towards the coast
the cars were lined-up in the harbour of Cassis. Unlike the big
industrial city of Marseille or the posh Cannes and Nizza Cassis
can still deliver the romantic atmosphere of the Cote d´Azur.
Although touristy as well it still has the charm of the old colourful
houses near the harbour with the small boats at the jetty.
Whereas the drivers and their passengers climbed aboard of a
small cruise vessel to explore the coastal line the tourists had the
time to inspect the cars on the harbour mole. Coming directly
from the beach the bathers had a closer look at the intruders on
four wheels and not few went straight back to the hotel to pick up
their camera. One could see that even amongst those less into
classic cars the technique and the design of the 1920s and 1930s
has a magical appeal that gives the bystanders a smile apart from
the value (they might not even know).
After the return of the vessel and the lunch at the beach
restaurant the cars left Cassis over the Route des Cretes. Just
opened 45 years ago this scenic mountain road along the coast
over the Cap Canaille known for its splendid sight over the
coastline. Unlike the days the day was completely sunny and the
ride back was covered in the warm mediterranean evening light on
the way to Gréoux-le-Bains.
Report & images … Peter Singhof
www.ClassicCarPhotography.de
Chassis numbers compiled with the help of the Bugatti Register
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