Vintage gendarmerie vehicles such as the Alpine A110 and the Mégane RS 3 will be featured in the 2025 Tour de France.
In 2025, the Tour de France will not only be a sporting challenge. The festive and security-oriented caravan will also be a tribute to the automotive history of the National Gendarmerie. In a context where France celebrates its traditions, these vintage cars will create a sensation, combining performance, collectibles, and heritage. The presence of rare vehicles such as the Alpine A110 1600S from the 1970s or the Peugeot 405 T16 demonstrates a desire to highlight the rich mechanical history of the Gendarmerie. These vehicles, which have shaped the image of law enforcement in France, will be visible at two key moments: during the 7th stage in Brittany and in Paris, at the finish. Their participation is part of an approach to promoting automotive heritage, at the intersection of safety, sportiness, and collectability. More than just a parade, this represents a true journey through time, where the performance and elegance of these legendary cars bring exceptional craftsmanship back to life. Enthusiasts of rare vehicles will have the opportunity to discover these legendary vehicles, demonstrating their importance in the history of the French Gendarmerie.
Emblematic vehicles of the Gendarmerie: combining sportiness and collectability
For several decades, the Gendarmerie has relied on a fleet where performance rhymes with heritage. The collection of gendarmerie cars is rich in models that have marked their era. During the 2025 Tour de France, this collection will expand to include a range of sports cars and more unusual vehicles, testifying to their evolution. The list is impressive: the Alpine A110 and its Berlinette version, the Renault Mégane RS 3, not to mention the Subaru Impreza WRX, which was in service between 2006 and 2014. These cars represented different generations of technology, but all converged on a single idea: combining speed, maneuverability, and reliability to ensure safety. The exhaustive list also includes the Peugeot 405 T16, a legendary model used between 1995 and 2005. The debut of these vehicles during the Tour de France was not intended to be a mere spectacle, but a true showcase of these mechanical treasures. Models Year of productionTotal production Main features Alpine A110 1600S 1970-197914 units
| Sports car, legend, small berlinetta | Renault Mégane RS 3 | 2008-2017 | 65 units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance, rapid response | Peugeot 405 T16 | 1995-2005 | 50 units |
| Rally, power, versatility | Subaru Impreza WRX | 2006-2014 | More than 30 units |
| Off-road, speed | More than just a parade, this selection highlights the history of performance and design in the Gendarmerie. The participation of these vintage vehicles proves that the essence of police intervention has always been combined with exceptional technical mastery, reinforced by a passion for mechanics and maintenance. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire these models steeped in history, witnesses to key moments in the fight against crime and the preservation of heritage. These vehicles, often rare or exceptional, become rolling museum pieces, merging past and present in a powerful symbolism for enthusiasts and the general public alike. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmAo1hRPyzE | A living collection serving security and memory |
| The National Gendarmerie’s collection is not limited to these iconic models. It includes nearly 80 cars, armored vehicles, motorcycles, and even more unusual vehicles such as a snowmobile and a helicopter. The richness of this historical and mechanical collection reflects the concern to preserve this memory by linking it to major events such as the Tour de France. The participation of these vehicles in this major race not only celebrates their history, but also creates an interactive experience for the public, who will be able to discover these rare pieces in a festive setting. The exceptional 2025 debut also contributes to promoting the collective memory of the Gendarmerie’s heritage, while embodying the efficiency and robustness of these racing cars on French roads or during special operations. | Rare Gendarmerie Vehicles: Gems Not to Be Missed | Among the vehicles selected for the event, some stand out due to their rarity or prestige. The Alpine A110 1600S | , for example, was produced in only 14 copies. It drove on our roads from 1970 to 1979, symbolizing French sportiness. This model is today a collector’s item prized by classic vehicle enthusiasts. |
There
constitutes another exclusivity, with barely 10 copies in circulation during their use by the gendarmerie. This car, which performs very well in rallying, was used between 1995 and 2005 for rapid, high-tech intervention missions. As for the
Renault Mégane RS 3
, this modern sports car equipped with a powerful engine, was the result of a production limited to 65 units. It will continue to roll as part of the event, testifying to a link between past and modernity.
discover our range of gendarmerie vehicles, combining performance and safety. Ideal for security missions, these cars are designed to meet the requirements of law enforcement while ensuring efficient service in the field. The impact of these legendary vehicles during the 2025 Tour de France: between tradition and innovationThis exceptional parade aims to celebrate both tradition and innovation in the fight against crime in France. The presence of these old cars shows to what extent the gendarmerie has evolved by relying on a precious heritage. If the
Alpine A110 1600S evokes sporty performance and moderate design, the Megane RS 3 embodies the capacity for rapid response to emergency situations.The selection of rare vehicles also draws attention to the nation’s mechanical history while promoting the Gendarmerie’s sports car industry. Their appearances in Brittany and Paris are highlights for car enthusiasts, who can admire these vehicles in their original or restored condition. The complementarity between tradition, performance, and utility represents the very essence of the message conveyed during this special edition of the Tour de France.
Featured Vehicles
Main Objective 7th Stage in Brittany 🏞️ Alpine A110, Peugeot 405 T16, Subaru WRX Promotion of Mechanical Heritage Arrival in Paris 🚩
Mégane RS 3, Alpine A110, Subaru WRX
| Tribute to History and Modernity | This event demonstrates that the Gendarmerie’s vintage vehicles are much more than just emergency vehicles. They embody a sporting, technological, and historical legacy that has a lasting impact on the national automotive culture. Their participation in the 2025 Tour de France thus becomes a powerful symbol of the alliance between memory, tradition, and progress. | Frequently asked questions about vintage gendarmerie vehicles during the 2025 Tour de France |
|---|---|---|
| What are the flagship models from the giant collection of gendarmerie vehicles to be discovered in 2025? | The list includes the Alpine A110 1600S, the Mégane RS 3, the Peugeot 405 T16, and the Subaru WRX. | Why are these vehicles important to the history of the gendarmerie? |
| Because they embody the technological, sporting, and historical evolution of law enforcement in France, while also being iconic collector’s items. | Where can you see these vehicles during the Tour de France? During the 7th stage in Brittany and on the Champs-Élysées at the finish line, for an exceptional spectacle accessible to all. | Will these vehicles be restored or original? |
The majority are original or carefully restored to preserve their authenticity and historical value.
How do these cars contribute to security during the event?
- Although the vast majority are collector vehicles, their presence symbolizes the constant vigilance and heritage of the profession.