The Montbéliard region unveils a new way to savor its riches through a classic car ride. This unique route offers the chance to board vintage vehicles, including Renaults, Peugeots, and Citroëns, for a spectacular discovery of the local heritage and its picturesque surroundings. Each turn on the roads of this region rich in history imbues the adventure with a nostalgic atmosphere, where the comfort of a Peugeot 203 or the sophistication of a 1955 Citroën Traction take on their full meaning. The itinerary includes emblematic sites such as the Château de Montbéliard, the Mont-Bart fort in Bavans, and the Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard aerodrome, all unmissable. In 2025, this escapade takes on a very special character, combining automotive passion and heritage, with guidance provided by experts from the Franche-Comté Vieux-Volants club. This experience is also an invitation to immerse yourself in the world of legendary French brands like Bugatti, Alpine, Panhard, and Simca, testifying to the region’s rich industrial past. Accessible and friendly, this tourist experience offers a unique two-hour experience, including brunch at the airfield and a price of €110 to €140 per group, including a strong human and historical dimension. Perfect for lovers of authenticity, those familiar with mechanics, or those curious about an unusual detour, this trip behind the wheel of a classic car is a must-see summer event in the heart of Bordeaux-Montbéliard.
Explore local heritage in a classic car in the Montbéliard region
The Montbéliard region invites you on a journey through time, reviving the region’s charm through a vintage car tour. The tour highlights the rich heritage that permeates every corner of this Franche-Comté region. The various legendary models available offer an immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the architecture, landscapes, and iconic sites in complete tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The Château de Montbéliard proudly dominates the skyline and is a major stop on this adventure aboard a 1955 Citroën Traction. This historic monument, now a museum, tells the town’s ancient history, drawing on its past as a former duchy. Just beyond, the Mont-Bart Fort in Bavans offers a glimpse into the 19th-century military fortifications, viewed from the vehicles parked on site, veritable mobile exhibits.
Each stop is carefully selected for its cultural appeal and accessibility by classic car. The stopover at Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard airfield, for example, is more than just a technical stop. It offers an immersion into the world of Étienne Oehmichen, an aviation pioneer, while also offering a convivial brunch in the intimacy of this uniquely atmospheric setting.
The aim is to build on the complementary nature of local history and the passion for vintage vehicles, a partnership that enriches every kilometer traveled. It also allows visitors to approach the region from a less common angle, with a fresh perspective on its treasures. In this context, the drivers, members of the Franche-Comté Vieux-Volants club, become passionate guides capable of sharing anecdotes and historical details as they drive—a more important element than ever for a complete experience.
- 🚗 Visit to Montbéliard Castle with panoramic views
- 🏰 Discover Mont-Bart Fort and its fortifications
- ✈️ Stopover at Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard airfield and brunch
- 👨✈️ Expert and passionate guides from the Vieux-Volants club
- 🛣️ Accessible route suitable for vintage cars
| Site 🚩 | Main attraction 🏛️ | Special features 🌟 |
|---|---|---|
| Montbéliard Castle | Historical museum and architecture | Emblematic viewpoint of the region |
| Mont-Bart Fort | 19th-century military fortifications | Vintage car parking |
| Courcelles airfield | Aeronautical heritage and brunch | Tribute to Étienne Oehmichen |
History and automotive heritage: a strong bond in the Montbéliard region
The Montbéliard region is historically linked to the French automotive industry, positioning the car at the center of its cultural and economic identity. Between Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën, Franche-Comté has seen the development of an industrial fabric crucial to the worldwide renown of these legendary brands.
The classic car tour continues this tradition by showcasing not only iconic models but also the industrial past of the surrounding area. A stop in front of the Stellantis factory entrance is a reminder that this is where a large part of French automotive history was written, with innovations and models that have marked several generations.
This heritage also extends to other prestigious French brands present in the region, such as Bugatti and Alpine, not to mention rarer names like Panhard, Simca, and Delaunay-Belleville, testimonies to a once vibrant industrial diversity. Each car on board thus embodies a living part of this past. The 1955 Citroën Traction or the Peugeot 203 are not just vintage cars: they are full of memories and strong emotions.
The tour thus offers an itinerary that is not only geographical but also historical, where each kilometer traveled evokes these industrial figures. The choice of vehicles is not limited to aesthetics but is based on this history, with the goal of enriching the understanding of the territory. 🚘 Stop in front of the Stellantis factory: a modern industrial symbol
- 🏎️ Focus on the contribution of Bugatti and Alpine
- 🚙 Presence of Panhard, Simca, and Delaunay-Belleville models
- 📜 Historical context provided by passionate guides
- 🔧 Emphasis on the technical evolution and design of the vehicles
- Brand 🎖️
| Specificity 🛠️ | Origin/Relationship with the region 🌍 | Renault |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation and mass production | Presence in local industry | Peugeot |
| Classic and popular models | Factories in eastern France | Citroën |
| Avant-garde design of the 1950s | Iconic cars in the collection | Bugatti |
| Prestige sports cars | Links with French circuits | Alpine |
| Lightweight sports cars | French tricolor origin | Panhard |
| Early innovation in Engines | Former French manufacturer | Simca |
| Post-World War II popular cars | Former French brand | Delaunay-Belleville |
| Early 20th century luxury and refinement | Historic French brand | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c__R-qgJeg |
Setting off on an adventure behind the wheel of a vintage car, such as a gleaming Peugeot 203 or a powerful 1955 Citroën Traction, offers an experience that goes far beyond a simple journey. The retro mechanics, the distinctive smell of the leather seats or the dashboard, awaken precious sensations and memories. These cars, true icons, guarantee a direct connection with the past and a total immersion in the Franche-Comté countryside.
The two-hour route takes in scenic and easily accessible roads, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the scenery without the constraints of modern traffic. Drivers are thus immersed in the beauty of each place visited, with the opportunity to stop at unexpected sites, often little-known but rich in history, rarely visited by mass tourism.
Driving a Citroën Traction or a Peugeot 203 also offers a living testament to the longevity and robustness of these French vehicles. Their timeless design often arouses the admiration of passersby and locals, who find in these rides a palpable connection to the automotive and social past. 🚗 Authentic thrills behind the wheel of classic cars
🌄 Route through picturesque landscapes
- ⏱️ Organized tour lasting a controlled two hours
- 📸 Photo opportunities in front of historic sites
- 💬 Interaction with other enthusiasts during stops
- Vehicle 🚘
- Year of production 📅
| Main features 🔍 | Peugeot 203 | 1948-1960 |
|---|---|---|
| Elegant design, robust engine | Citroën Traction | 1934-1957 |
| Avant-garde, front-wheel drive | A unique experience at the heart of the Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard airfield during the tour | Located on the historic grounds of Étienne Oehmichen, an undisputed pioneer of aviation, the Courcelles-lès-Montbéliard airfield is a cultural and gourmet stop during this classic car getaway. This stop offers a special break where you can learn more about the first innovations in aeronautics through exhibitions or explanations, and enjoy a friendly brunch. |
The interior of the airfield, with its distinctive atmosphere and dedicated spaces, allows visitors to combine relaxation and discovery. The blend of this historic site and the mechanical world of vintage cars creates a fascinating dialogue. The association between automotive and aeronautical heritage makes the site a highlight of the tour, reinforcing its unique and unusual character.
Accessible only as part of this outing, the tour is led by members of the Vieux-Volants club, who enliven these moments with their stories and shared anecdotes. It’s also a moment of conviviality, inviting visitors to enjoy a meal in an unusual setting—a moment more important than ever to strengthen ties between enthusiasts and curious visitors. ✈️ Discover the history of Étienne Oehmichen
🥐 Gourmet brunch in an exceptional setting
🔍 Exhibitions and technical explanations about aviation
- 🤝 Meet members of the Vieux-Volants club
- 📅 A beneficial break halfway through the tour
- Activity 🚀
- Description 📝
- Approximate duration ⏳
| Guided tour | Presentation of Oehmichen’s innovations | 30 min |
|---|---|---|
| Brunch | Bread, pastries, hot drinks | 45 min |
| Discussions with enthusiasts | Sharing anecdotes and advice | 30 min |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNmKmiAElrM | Practical details for booking a classic car tour in the Montbéliard region | Organized by the Montbéliard tourist office and the Franche-Comté Vieux-Volants club, These vintage car tours are reasonably priced and are aimed at the majority of enthusiasts and those simply curious. |
, with a €15 supplement for booking fees. Reservations are required and must be made at least ten days in advance, allowing for smooth planning and a warm welcome. Contact can be made via the tourist office (03 81 94 45 60).
This offer also makes a unique gift for family or friends, an invitation to share a timeless moment. The tour lasts approximately two hours, an ideal length to enjoy this excursion without rushing.
The itinerary, which is cultural, historical, and touristic, is designed to combine the pleasure of driving exceptional vehicles with an in-depth exploration of the Montbéliard region. Participants also benefit from the expertise of guides who share the history of the sites and the vehicles. 📞 Reservation required 10 days in advance 💶 Price: 110 to 140 euros + 15 euros administration fee 🕒 Tour duration: approximately two hours 🎁 Original gift idea for family or friends🚗 Groups of up to four people
Number of people 👥
Price (€) 💰
- Administration fee (€) 📄
- Total (€) 🔢
- Up to 3
- 110
- 15
| 125 | 4 | 140 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 155 | This classic car tour in the Montbéliard region is an invitation to slow down and savor every moment, while reconnecting with the automotive history of a symbolic region of France. | FAQ – Classic Car Tour in the Montbéliard Region | What type of cars are used during the tour? The vehicles on offer are vintage French models, mainly Peugeot 203s, Citroën Traction, and sometimes Renaults or other classic brands like Bugatti or Alpine. |
| Do you need a specific driving license to participate? | A standard driving license is sufficient. The cars, although vintage, are easy to handle for experienced drivers. | Can the tour be privatized for a special event? | Reservations can be adapted for private groups or family events, subject to prior arrangement with the tourist office and the Vieux-Volants club. |
What health precautions are in effect in 2025?
The organizers are complying with current health standards, with an adapted protocol to guarantee the safety and comfort of all participants.
- How do I book the tour and what are the deadlines?
- Reservations can only be made through the Montbéliard tourist office, at least ten days in advance, by calling +33 3 81 94 45 60.