[EP6] 2CV to Croatia: France, Reims!

This time, we begin our trek across France, from The Ardennes to Reims, ultimate destination Normandy. It includes a visit to the iconic Reims GP circuit, which ran on public roads. Which means you can easily visit the surviving sections, which have been restored over the past few years.
I also take a nose around the Cathedral in Reims, because why wouldn't you? This trip also saw us complete our 1000th mile on the journey! That's 1600 kilometres since home.
HubNut goodies! Head to hubnut.org - worldwide shipping available!

[@richardsedding8444]

Merci beaucoup M.Hubnut. Have lived and worked in France, so refreshing to see a 2CV on the D roads. Am enjoying the journey ... Ellie is a star!

[@gosportjamie]

The Reims pits and grandstands were a remarkably eerie place when they were all faded and run down. With the sounds of the vehicles approaching from the distance you could almost imagine you were hearing the old Grand Prix cars off in the distance. Very strange and atmospheric. Having driven around as much of the old circuit that is still accessible it really makes you wonder how these drivers got in those little cars as you'd have needed balls the size of planets to tackle that track at over 150 mph...

[@GreyTheFloydianSergal]

in the words of Jon pertwee, "being Brave isn't just a case of not being frightened. It's about being afraid & doing what you have to do anyway", so in that regard, i think they were all brave soldiers. This road trip is so full of wow, first was that Belgian town in the gorge, now, a racing grandstand by a french country road. Marvellous

[@frothe42]

I agree, incredible! We all know Europe is full of history, but this road trip is documenting bits I don't think any of us knew about, at least I did not. I feel like I am a companion on this trip, as I dislike to travel, especially long distances. I am find it breathtaking.

[@GreyTheFloydianSergal]

@@frothe42 I love the idea travelling &, if Annie Alpine is up to it & i have the money to do it, then I think i'll take the plunge, maybe take a similar route but on a round trip going through the Netherlands, into Germany, then Belgium & into France before making my way back to the UK. I certainly do like the companion feel of these videos

[@frothe42]

@@GreyTheFloydianSergal I do as well! The little villages seem similar, but the history! I am comparing this to where I reside here in the US, and it looks familiar, yet a different feel, because it is France, and Europe 🇪🇺, the countryside is vast, the vehicles so different than here in the US. And the French greeting Ian in his 2CV, which has so much history, a classic, which I am sure brings back memories to many a Frenchman & French Woman!

[@GreyTheFloydianSergal]

@@frothe42 The states is a country I have to crack, I'd love to drive a classic BL car across the states, nothing like an MGB or TR7, but an Austin Allegro or even a Princess, heck, maybe even an Austin Metro, cars that maybe they should of tried selling in the states when buyers wanted more fuel economical cars

[@frothe42]

@@GreyTheFloydianSergal It is such a shame British Leyland did not try harder here in the US. The Rover 3500 sold so poorly due to reliability, I believe the same goes for Triumph. I also believe Thatcher contributed to the downfall of BL. The only marques that survived BL are Land Rover and Jaguar, now owned by Tata. The Princess is such a unique vehicle! We here in the US love big vehicles; trucks now account for over 50% of vehicle sales vs cars, even though gas in some states hovers around $3/gal. And yes, I know fuel is frightfully more expensive in the UK and EU, as you use litres instead of gallons. My friend had to say goodbye to her Bentley Continental Cabriolet because it was so expensive to fuel up. And I know this very friend has done road trips on their holiday, so I definitely recommend them. I wonder what will happen to you after Brexit?

[@MGBetts1]

"Ah. there is a toilet block....that will be useful!"...…. *LOCKED* - haven't we all been there? 🤣

[@gosportjamie]

I thought that only happened in good old Blighty...

[@johnnorth9355]

I love France (except Paris these days) and this episode reminds me why. Quite why the French want to be more like us when they already have the perfect lifestyle, where you work to live not live to work, is beyond me. Magnificent countryside and beautiful provincial towns full of summer serenity - what's not to like ? Glad to hear you are going to stay put and chill for a couple of days. Enjoy.

[@adarbs6384]

Wonderful trip! Thanks so much for taking us all along with you and Elly.....and fantastic that Elly has gone back to her roots in France lol

[@RoyCousins]

The Reims-Gueux Circuit buildings are being restored by "Les Amis du Circuit de Gueuex." The local volunteers meet there every Friday to work on the structures and they are very friendly and helpful to visitors, as I found out when I was there last month. On 15th September 2019, there will be the first "Reims-Gueux Legende" event, featuring demonstration runs and static exhibits.

[@cockneyse]

More here on it kzbin.info/www/bejne/opzLZ3quhLJgr6s

[@oldcarnut1]

Beautiful video Ian Beautiful town Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it🤔

[@PurityVendetta]

Sadly most british people seem to be utterly ignorant of their own history. I was stunned by a university graduate who believed the Dunkirk evacuation and D Day were one and the same!

[@automotivemischief.1978jamie]

I'm really becoming addicted to the sound of Elly's engine :) glad to see the old GP Circuits getting much needed tlc, such breathtaking sites in Reims.

[@glynjones2540]

I remember the 1961 French Grand Prix. Baking heat caused the tarmac to melt with drivers losing control on the semi-liquid surface and the front of the cars being sandblasted to bare metal. Winner was Giancarlo Baghetti by millimetres from Gurney and Bonnier in Porsches. A lot more fun than F1 today!

[@MattBrownbill]

Watching paint dry is more enjoyable than F1 nowadays, especially emulsion on a Reliant. 😜

[@PurityVendetta]

@@MattBrownbill You beat me to it 😆

[@yanndenis5628]

Bienvenue en France. I Hope you'll enjoy your stay in our country. I like your channel and watch it regularly, with all its interesting cars and trips. Your prononciation of Reims is good, after your visit at the office de tourisme.

[@miguelfernandezgarrido3553]

Hi from Spain Ian. I have to say that your videos and you yourself have been an inspiration. After some classic car ownership failures and shortcomings, I decided to get my hands on a Dyane upon watching you tear up Welsh B roads on a camoufalge one. I totally buy into the "less is more" philosophy, an I thoroughly enjoy your videos, specially those featurin Elly and Took (looking forward to more Foxanne ones!). Keep up the good work and keep living the dream, I feel totally envious of the chance you got of travelling across Europe in Elly, as I´ve only been able to travel a couple hundred kilometers at a time so far in Diana, my 75 Dyane. Good and safe travels!

[@johnsbox]

Wonderful chronicle of a bygone era, referring to the victims of WW1 and the former racing circuit. Thanks ;-)

[@martinneumann7783]

If I remember right, it was summer 1993 when I was in Reims. With my girlfriend Ruth and my golden Peugeot 304 Coupé. On our way to Paris! We were in our twenties, happy, in love...

[@kimkiriniki9433]

Another terrific video, many thanks Mr HubNut

[@kim007250]

Feels like on Holiday with you Mr Hubnut

[@sg8539]

Open roads, historical race circuit, fantastic architecture, what more could you want. Great video, thanks Ian.

[@Jer0nim0]

Elly looks very much at home and no doubt enjoying the attention.

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Loving this series. The GP circuit was amazing.

[@rydermike33]

Wonderful stuff Ian, thank you again. Reims looks like a beautiful place. I very much appreciate hearing your thoughts on the horrors of war. My grandfather fought in WW1, it must have been hell on earth.

[@CampervanJon]

Loving HubNut on his travels

[@MaximumZargon]

What a beautiful way to spend your summer. So envious.

[@saintfunny]

Brilliant series Ian, and now the French D roads in a 2cv 👌

[@frothe42]

Spectacular! Showing us incredible history, and the landscape, simply stunning!

[@Rjhs001]

...and I feel like I'm having an awfully nice time watching these vids Ian. Just moseying around these lovely French towns is something me and my family have happily spent many a holiday doing.

[@dynamicscreen358]

Very good Ian, the cathedral was very impressive and the old race track stands,hope your having a nice time and thanks for your videos..... enjoy your break , love the sign post segment,Brussels to the right ,lille to the left,sorry french people not very good at french lol.

[@dodgydruid]

Lovely to see the old iconic BP logos at the stands, I used to love collecting old petrol memorabilia and my collection got nicked years back and never had the heart to start again.

[@redsorgum]

My mother is from Chatellerault France. Hello my French cousins. 🇫🇷🇺🇸 I remember the people in the south of France, being very nice. 🥖🧀🍷

[@richardbrabbs8283]

Been seeing lots of france thanks to "le tour" this week its a beautiful place very envious of you Ian you lucky bugger keep up the great "work"

[@tech-rich]

The phone noise will only be when your phone is on a 2G network, i.e when in middle of nowhere (showing G or E icon.) You could turn mobile data off on your settings when recording if it becomes an issue. Loving the videos!

[@ginggur17]

Phenomenal place of worship in that square. Splendid.

[@srfrg9707]

It was the church where the corronation for every single french king had to take place. British used to occupy it to prevent the corronation of a new french king until Jeanne d'Arc liberated the city.

[@richardcallison1637]

Blimey I had only just finished watching your last video when this one popped up! I’m loving following your adventures! It must be very liberating doing what you’re doing! Hubnut urbex could be a spin off channel😂 Enjoy your break and thankyou for taking the time to make videos for us👍

[@lordleonusa]

Great Video Hubnut, Thank You and have fun in France!

[@stevenjones19-m8i]

Hi Ian, another great video, scenery is awesome,the Gran Prix buildings are epic to see them with the original paint and words on them.

[@SmR8008]

I love the Grandstands and pits. The tank memorial marks the Battle of Montcornet in 1940, although the tank is a French Amx 13, which was produced in the 1950's. Quite a nice looking tank😊

[@cockneyse]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/opzLZ3quhLJgr6s

[@Zadster]

You are hitting an all-time high with these videos, absolutely beautiful. Thoughtful, considered and so easy to identify with. This is far more like being there and experiencing the place than the vast majority of tourist movies ever show.

[@lossadjuster1]

Great video Ian, really enjoying seeing all the sights, it's like I'm with you!

[@stuarthall6530]

Nice touch on the futility of war Ian, we owe those brave boy's EVERYthing. Enjoy your break, don't eat too many frogs legs or horse meat. Look forward to the 2cv gathering.

[@RexWaldron]

Reims - stayed overnight there en route to Burgundy back in 1999. Beautiful city! Elly looking great on the roads that she was designed for :)

[@tonythewelshtrucker]

Wow the old grandstand and buildings were really cool!

[@TheFlyingSaucePan]

I started typing a comment about Reims pronunciation, but you got it right in the end. Spot on :) It's not how it's spelt, but then again nothing is in French... Never been there myself, thanks for the tour!

[@chrisfrob]

Excellent video.......great to see Reims. They also produced Cessna aircraft there up until recently.

[@subbookkeeper]

3:33 felt almost like in that 1971 Duel movie by Steven Spielberg.

[@I-T-S-M-E]

Great film 🚗🚛

[@michaelgoode9555]

If you are still in Reims it is worth a visit inside the cathedral. The shots from the main square in front and from the paths around invoked some fond memories.

[@robertbills4290]

Ian this has got to be one of the best series of videos I've seen so many interesting places cars and I would imagine people for you to meet you must be very pleased with your self keep safe mate Rob

[@niklaswejedal463]

oh dear - watching this made me long for taking my french car on a extensive journey to nowhere in particular in France... - great stuff!

[@julienbee3467]

What car have you got ?

[@niklaswejedal463]

@@julienbee3467 Renault Scenic -07. The perfect tool for long European journeys. Have been all the way to Gibraltar, all around Spain, through France and Germany up to Sweden where I live. The car was bought in Spain, while I was living there. Now my daily driver, soon clocking 300 000 km and I will never sell it!

[@andyjones7689]

This is a fantastic video Ian, my favourite so far. I first visited France on a school trip in June 1984 for the 40th anniversary of the D day landings which really brought to life the history and horrors of war for me. My sons are school age and know a bit about it, my eldest loves history and is particularly interested in WW1, it's really important that this stuff isn't forgotten, so thanks and well done for talking a bit about it, it would have been easy not to. Being a motorsport nut (especially the older stuff), I loved the section about Reims. I visited here in 1991 or 92 when I was in my early 20's and on holiday with a friend's family. I'd read that the pits were still there and there were rumours that they were going to be pulled down so if possible, I really wanted to see them before that happened. Not knowing exactly where we were staying (between Bordeaux and Toulouse with an overnight stop in Tours as it turned out), I innocently asked if it would be possible to stop & see it on the way. To their eternal credit they told me a couple of days later that it would be no problem, I only realised later that they'd added the best part of 80 miles to the route on day one just to accommodate my wishes even though none of them were F1 fans. Legends. I remember standing in the middle of the road with the pits on my left looking down the straight trying to imagine all those old racing cars coming towards me. There had been no restoration back then and you could get up into the stands (I don't know if you still can). I think we had 30/40 minutes there and to them, although they appreciated it, it was just some old grandstands. To me though, it was a glorious faded monument to a bygone era of motorsport. This short video shows Reims in its heyday with some great shots of the busy grandstands and pits kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX7KiWaqo8R2prs My wife and I have been talking about taking our sons on a camping trip to the west coast of France and this video has made me want to go the wrong way round Paris just to see it again and maybe visit the cathedral this time as well. Sorry if this is long winded but your video just brought so many brilliant memories flooding back.

[@MCallsen]

The tank you passed there is an AMX 13-75, post world war era machine. One of the biggest export "hits" of French tank design.

[@MegaBreadvan]

Stunning Belgian landscape in the previous video. 22 years living in France and I've never visited (although I did travel through it from London to Frankfurt by coach in the early 90's). The pronounciation of Reims is a difficult one if you don't know it. I have a secret weapon... my wife is French! We visited Reims in 2004. Lovely place. Safe trip on to Normandy. Another nice part of the world. One of my English students is from the region and stores the DS he is restoring at his parents place there. He has a further donor DS with it too.

[@ti1de]

Once again a lovely video! There's only one drawback: no foxann updates.

[@barsorrro]

Well, as far as my private use is concerned, I'm going to call this an educative series from now on :) -- I have never heard of the Reims circuit and in my mind was trying to fit Le Mans into that location for quite a while :). Beautiful piece of automotive history. Fortunately, I have actually heard of the Reims cathedral -- never have I seen much of the surroundings, though. Thank you, Ian, for another splendid round of sightseeing! (BTW, I enjoyed the road vistas just as much as the premium sightseeing bits :).) Have a nice stay in Reims!

[@michaeldavidson4510]

On so many levels, this is my favourite video you've done Ian. 👍👍

[@MrGazzw]

More beautiful countryside, with very arrow like roads. I'm like you, not religious, but I can appreciate the beautiful Sculptural architecture of religious buildings, and that one is absolutely stunningly beautiful. Citroen centenary gathering video must be so close now, I really hope it's as exciting as it sounds.

[@captainkaos7696]

Thanks for the video Ian, enjoying the journey with you and Ellie

[@aston-martin-internationalist]

I utterly adore the roads in rural France. I take my Z32 over at least once a year. It’s a pure joy, they’re empty, well maintained and the villages, more often than not, are beautiful! Reims is pronounce ‘Rance’ however the R is almost silent and from the throat. Make a ‘Gr’ noise in the throat, then remove the G and you have have the start of the name. ** edit, I saw you go the diction in the end** I had the same level of surprise when my father told me (retired french teacher)!

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

15:45 good memories, at that café/bistro I had a beautifull baguette for lunch cruising towards Paris.

[@loosewheels1000]

I visited the Reims-Gueux circuit last year, well worth a visit, enjoy your few days rest, if you think its warm today, wait until next week, looking like 40+ again.

[@klwthe3rd]

I would have loved to have Hubnut utilized a tracer so i could track his exact route. I asked him if he would at least call out the different towns that he drives and stops in along his route and he has been happy to accommodate. Half the fun is knowing where he has been and where he will be going. The ending with the fake PTCHOUUUU was hilarious!!! Us Hubnuters love the PTCHOUUUSS!!!

[@torresalex]

I am thoroughly enjoying accompanying you on your trip, Mr. Hubnut. I may have said that already but it's always worth hammering these points home. Looking forward to more, keep safe and the best of luck! May Elly behave herself!

[@mendhamsmusicmoviesmovemen8075]

That GP circuit looked really good!

[@teamtinklermotorsports2859]

Absolutely fantastic videos Ian, thanks for the entertaining and interesting videos, Reims GP circuit is on my bucket list along with the compulsory Nurburgring! with our trusty 30-year-old Renault 5. once again thanks for the videos and look forward to your future videos.

[@dombooth86]

Another fantastic v log mr hubnut & Elly 😁

[@waynetetley584]

My 2CV always runs better in France. Love seeing the GP circuit. They have a great Goodwood type revival there in Sept. An old 2cv got a big cheer in a parade of much bigger cars there a few years ago. Great video again!

[@andrewgurney6019]

Outstanding video Mr Hubnut, looking forward to seeing more and your Aussie/NZ trip later in the year.

[@dazt103]

Well done Ian. I'm so jealous..🙂 I have never been to France (or Netherlands & Belgium for that matter.. ) You seem to be visiting some laid back, very relaxing places. Stunning scenery too.. I really need to get over there one day.

[@RWBHere]

With your mention of D roads, you reminded me about a conversation between two of our Cousins from across the Pond, a few days ago. One was driving in France, and he said, 'I'm at a place called Rue . . . something. Search for 'Rue' and you'll see where I am.' Thanks Ian.

[@bentullett6068]

Elly has returned to France. I would love to visit the reims pit lane and builds at some point looks really interesting.

[@tonycox5625]

Thanks Ian, another great blog. Loved seeing round the old Grand Prix site. Take care.😀

[@landsnailproject2875]

Thoroughly enjoyed the view of what remains of Reims circuit, thanks Ian. Hardly left the Cambridgeshire Fens for years now - you're making me feel I'm on holiday. Nice.

[@robinwells8879]

That was a joy to watch but it is stirring the wanderlust in me big time!

[@thepofmeister]

Atmospheric, impressive and fascinating. Another excellent video instalment, very much appreciated. Whenever and wherever Elly is in frame, Pretty happens! What an adventure the little car is on. Both enjoy your rest!

[@mikepeirson1150]

We have had six of these brave little cars in our time where we live in Kent. The first one was the same colour as the one in the video. I was a bit of a motor nut in those days and did strip one 2CV right to bits and put it together again to see to see how easy it was. It is a shame that the 602cc engine was deemed a dirty engine so no road tax deduction. We were converting a Mercedes 508 van to a motor home at the time, we went from Folkestone to a caravan scrap yard in Fulham in south London and loaded the car up to the gunwales with bits, stuff poking through the roof and all the rest of it. I would have one again in a heartbeat, very brave reliable little car.

[@richardirvine9469]

If Ellie can manage one more detour Le Mans is worth a visit,,,driving down the Mulsanne Straight is magical as the sun sets...beautiful scenery to ease the soul also...

[@sarkybugger5009]

I was at the chicane before I finally twigged the reason for the triple armco barriers on a dead straight road. ;o) I love France. Architecture, history, people, food, wine, women, weather... and the roads are so quiet compared to here in the UK. As a bonus, you rarely see a traffic cop on D(epartmental) roads. Mum's the word.

[@HubNut]

Le Mans is on the menu today!

[@sarkybugger5009]

@@HubNut Delicious. Going for the lap record?

[@grayfool]

Amazing place. History and architecture that blows your mind. Stunning stuff.

[@themadcoachman]

What some fantastic architecture on that church type building

[@legambaz]

Enjoy this journey. Thanx.

[@twocvbloke]

France is certainly a nice country, that's a given... :) And as for locked toilet blocks, that never stops a frenchman, they just go up against the wall next to the locked door... :P

[@BarryAllenMagic]

Don't we all!

[@s9enny]

Hi been past Rimes loads of time and never stopped thanks to your video I will definitely have to next time great video mate 👍

[@HowardLeVert]

Wonderful - again :) On my various visits to Paris I have seen only one DS on the streets in that time and probably the same number of 2CVs so yes, I think people are enjoying the sight of a 'Dersh' again! Certainly my experience the other week of the lowering of the speed limit from 90 to 80 km/h was that it was generally ignored... and yes, it's easy to forget just how big France actually is. I remain amazed at the former Grand Prix circuit now being part of a main road.

[@johnshellard6201]

Stumbled across your videos by accident and I must say I've found them extremely enjoyable. I've been catching up with your trip with Elle this week. Fab stuff, enjoy your trip because I know I am.

[@AndrewBryantPianoTuner]

Another superb video !!!

[@xyz2121]

I love the sweet sound of the 2CV engine. PLEASE put links to all the videos so we can watch them in the correct order. I watched 5,6 and 7. Could not find 1 to 4 but have now stumbled on 3 so will watch that next.

[@HubNut]

Sorry. Have now corrected the Playlist so they now all appear in order. Will add links when I can, but I didn't get time on that trip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5KVg6F8e798eZI

[@markharris7662]

Really enjoying your adventure.

[@SutherlandCharlie]

Absolutely loving this series, I’m doing AMS-CROATIA (via Prague+Milan) starting Tuesday myself. Thanks for the “per-chew” my daughter and I missed that, on the last video! Enjoy your trip buddy. *salutes*

[@Bevoin1970]

Im soooo envious!! Brilliant video. Thoroughly enjoying my tour :-)

[@sallyhobbit1956]

One of your best videos ever. Cheers!

[@Vomitstrides]

Another great video, keep up the good work.

[@stevelarkin3285]

I was going to mention the tour de france when you saw the mountain bike, im from yorkshire and over the last few years we have had our fair share of stages of various tours and there are lots of bikes hung up everywhere the tour as passed through. Excellent film looking foreward to seeing more, thank you

[@robc5955]

Enjoy a few days relaxation, enjoying the trip vicariously hugely jealous, but at least your sharing.

[@I_Love_Rugby]

Cant wait to see the centenary video...no pressure Ian! Hope your enjoying your holiers.

[@graemew7001]

Great architecture in Reims, amazes me how they managed to build such massive structures as that back then. Glad to hear you're taking a couple of days rest for yourself.....seems like you've barely stopped since you left Wales.

[@davidbrown6227]

Another great video Ian. Enjoying your fantastic road trip 👍

[@plezurhounds]

Straight roads??? You are in for a shock if you spend any time in Australia later this year;-)

[@davidk6271]

Enjoy the break. Car seems to be holding up well. Cheers

[@robbyxp1]

Lovely video Ian, Really enjoying your adventures.

[@robertngreen6]

Lovely rural France by 2CV with Mr Hubnut - what could be better? I am enjoying your adventure; it's really nice to see the scenery / towns etc. I am still catching up with you so have just spent the evening watching the whole Elly restoration series! Hope you managed to get a couple of relaxing days? Looking forward to the big Citroen meet soon! #2CVtoCroatia

[@rollingtroll]

Nice calm video, good heads-up material. 0:02: That's a hint of life, Ian. 1:14: And we still haven't learned. We advanced, we haven't improved. L'histoire se répète. 5:28: You are doing A tour de France, that's for sure. Reims looks adorable. Would you say it's worth a visit? It's only a 3.5 hour drive for me.

[@johnwinters4201]

And back in the olden days you would have had priority to pull out in front of that passing car. Such fun!

[@friedjohn]

Fantastic video(-s). It is by far better than the travel programs on the television. Just remember to enjoy the moments. Don't wear yourself out, satisfying us hungry followers. I really loved your behind-the-scenes tour of the old GP circuit. Makes me want to go there myself. Would also like to try the bubbly stuff Reims is wellknown for, but I forgot you're teetotal, good on you.

[@maxeaves]

Keep it up Ian. Love the relaxed style of the videoing. Glad that Ellie is still holding up. Are you planning to get the oil leak looked at whilst you are in France?