At the risk of disappointing fans of Claude Autant-Lara's cult film, this is not about Grandgil or Marcel Martin or even suitcases full of meat to be transported to the black market. Here, Jean Gabin and Bourvil do not occupy the top of the poster of this Traversée de Paris. Nearly 700 old cars and antique motorcycles will be in the spotlight this Sunday, not meeting on rue de Poliveau, as in the film, but on the forecourt of the Château de Vincennes.
The organizers say they are surprised by the extent of the event over the years. "At the start, it was an informal meeting," says Jacques d'Andrea, president of the association Vincennes en Anciennes. It was a group of a few friends who met here because parking was free and who took the opportunity to have a bite to eat before hitting the road. Then other friends were grafted… ”
At the foot of the fortress, lovers of old vehicles from all over France will embark on a thirty-kilometer excursion through the streets of the capital. By car, utility, motorcycle, bicycle or even ... by tractor! With a particularity in the layout of the course. “As this is the 20th winter edition of the Traversée, we will be traveling through the 20 arrondissements of Paris. The route will therefore be a little longer than usual, ”announces Jacques d'Andréa. Participants will be able to admire the beautiful districts of the City of Light and thus discover or rediscover its historic monuments: the Pantheon, the Town Hall, the Institut de France, the Eiffel Tower, the Opera Garnier…
The Traversée de Paris is also an opportunity to see exceptional displacements before its eyes. The oldest is a Rochet-Schneider from 1919. Among the other emblematic cars, a Peugeot from 1923, a Citroën type C HP from 1924 or a Triumph convertible should appeal to lovers of beautiful bodies. All vintage vehicles are accepted by the event organizers. Or almost. "They must be at least 30 years old," says Jacques d'Andréa. After the parade, participants can meet at noon for a shared meal organized by the Vincennes en Anciennes association.
Where : gathering on the esplanade of the castle of Vincennes, then crossing of Paris.
When : this Sunday, departure of cars between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., return scheduled around 12 p.m.
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