Planning your road trip to Charade Circuit? Here are our favourite stops – all without straying far from the most direct route from Calais.

📅 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟕

Baie de Somme: A peaceful coastal escape with wild landscapes and sandy bays – its sandbanks are home to one of the country’s largest seal colonies.

Paris: A perfect place to spend the night – enjoy the city lights, iconic landmarks, and a well‑deserved break before continuing south.

📅 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟖

Fontainebleau: A favourite residence of French kings for over 700 years, where Napoleon famously abdicated in 1814 – surrounded by a forest that inspired painters of the Barbizon school.

Sancerre: Perched above the Loire Valley, this medieval village is known worldwide for its Sauvignon Blanc wines, shaped by centuries of winemaking tradition and unique limestone soils.

Bourges: Home to one of France’s finest Gothic cathedrals, and once a major medieval cultural hub — an atmospheric place to slow down and enjoy a peaceful evening before the final leg.

📅 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟗

Puy de Dôme: A dormant volcano once revered by the Romans, who built a temple at its summit – today offering one of the most panoramic views in central France.

Clermont-Ferrand: Famous for its black volcanic stone architecture and as the birthplace of Michelin, a city where industry and heritage meet.

📅 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟎

Circuit de Charade: The Trophées d’Auvergne are being revived, featuring 14 races across eleven grids. The track is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was referred to by Sir Stirling Moss as “the most beautiful circuit in the world”.

More information on the Trophées d’Auvergne at Charade Circuit is available here.