The 34th edition of the Tour Auto took place from April 7 to 12, 2025, celebrating the golden era of motorsport with over 200 classic cars journeying from Paris to the sun-drenched streets of Nice. This legendary rally, organized by Peter Auto, once again combined competition, heritage, and the stunning diversity of the French countryside.
A Grand Beginning: Paris to Dijon (Leg 1 – April 8)
The festivities began with a public exhibition at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on April 6 and 7. Crowds gathered to admire vintage Ferraris, Porsches, Jaguars, and more, all polished to perfection. On April 8, engines roared to life as the rally officially started at the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Drivers headed southeast through Burgundy, passing vineyards and sleepy villages, before reaching Dijon. Along the way, competitors faced their first special stages and a race at the Circuit de Dijon-Prenois, a track known for its technical corners and elevation changes.
Historic Roads: Dijon to Mulhouse (Leg 2 – April 9)
The second leg took teams further east to Mulhouse, near the German and Swiss borders. This stage included a loop through the Vosges mountains and timed sections on closed country roads that tested both driver skill and mechanical reliability.
A major highlight was the visit to the Cité de l’Automobile – the world’s largest car museum – where participants could drive on the museum’s private circuit. For fans and competitors alike, it was a rare chance to see rolling history against the backdrop of one of the richest automotive collections in existence.
Mountain Drama: Mulhouse to Clermont-Ferrand (Leg 3 – April 10)
From Mulhouse, the rally turned southwest into the heart of France, climbing into the Jura and Auvergne regions. Leg 3 was among the most scenic and challenging, with winding mountain roads leading to Clermont-Ferrand.
Drivers faced grueling stages on narrow, twisting passes and competed on the undulating Charade Circuit — a former Formula 1 venue known for its dramatic elevation changes. It was a day where both man and machine were pushed to their limits.
Sunshine and Speed: Clermont-Ferrand to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon (Leg 4 – April 11)
The fourth leg marked a shift to warmer climes as the rally descended toward Provence. The terrain opened up, offering faster stretches of tarmac and sweeping countryside views. The leg included more road stages and a sprint at the Circuit de Bresse.
Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, a quaint medieval town near the Rhône River, welcomed the weary yet exhilarated drivers with open arms — and well-earned glasses of local wine.
Final Glory: Villeneuve-lez-Avignon to Nice (Leg 5 – April 12)
The final stretch was both a celebration and a challenge. Participants passed through rolling Provençal hills before descending toward the Côte d’Azur. The closing special stages tested endurance and navigation, but spirits were high as the Mediterranean Sea came into view.
The rally concluded on the iconic Promenade des Anglais in Nice, where thousands gathered to welcome the vintage convoy. The backdrop of palm trees and sea breeze made for a fitting finale to a journey that had spanned nearly 2,000 kilometers.
Picture gallery Leg 1 & Leg 2 of Tour Auto 2025
Pictures by Wilfried Geerts & Belinda Luytten
