Heading towards the French Riviera and Cannes for the 32nd Tour Auto to take place from 16 to 23 April 2023! The competitors will drive along a route of about 2,000 km through the most beautiful roads of France to reach Cannes via Beaune, Clermont-Ferrand, Valence, the fourth stop off city will be revealed later. On the circuit side, the drivers will compete on Dijon-Prenois, Bresse, Charade and Paul Ricard layouts, not to mention the 10 special stages on closed roads which will not be unveiled until their start. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte has been chosen as the official rally start.
Monday 17 April: Paris – Grand Palais Éphémère
Back to the Grand Palais Éphémère for Checks & Scrutineering! So, the public will be able to admire this ephemeral museum on Monday 17 April from 10am to5 pm.
Tuesday 18 April: Paris – Circuit de Dijon Prenois – Beaune + 1 Road stage
At first light, the Tour Auto caravan will leave the Grand Palais Éphémère for the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte where the official start will be given. Located in the town of Maincy in the Seine-et-Marne, 50 km south-east of Paris, Vaux-le-Vicomte was built from 1656 onwards by Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s superintendent of finances. Fouquet called on the best artists of the time to build the castle: the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles Le Brun and the landscape architect André le Nôtre. A 17th century masterpiece, Vaux le Vicomte was the scene of significant historical events and the witness to the tragic ousting of its creator. Nicolas Fouquet imprisoned following a fantastic trial.
The competitors will head to the Dijon Prenois circuit for the first circuit event of the week. In 2022, the circuit celebrated its 50th anniversary! Since its construction, the circuit has been one of the most modern of its time, hosting stars such as Jean-Pierre Beltoise who saw it as a wonderful opportunity to develop motor sport in France. The circuit is also one of the historic stages of the Tour de France Auto.
To close this first leg, the competitors will head for the town of Beaune. Heir to a rich historical and architectural heritage, Beaune is considered the capital of Burgundy wines and is famous for its Hospices sale.
Wednesday 19 April: Beaune – Circuit de Bresse – Clermont-Ferrand + 2 Road stages
After this first warm-up stage, the Tour Auto drivers will leave Beaune to join the Bresse circuit. Born from the will and passion of private investors and open since 2006, the Circuit of Bresse is a 55-hectare motorsports complex, unique in its kind, with 3 complementary activities (Speed, Karting and Safety), allowing to combine passion for motorsports, leisure, and improvement needs.
The participants will finish this second day in Clermont-Ferrand, capital of the Auvergne. Ideally located between the Limagne and the Puys chain, Clermont-Ferrand has a rich heritage. The city has many private mansions, magnificent religious buildings in the old town, such as the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption cathedral, a gothic building built of black Volvic lava stone, whose interior is decorated with splendid old stained glass windows and …houses the Michelin tyre factory.
Thursday 20 April: Clermont-Ferrand – Circuit de Charade – Valence + 2 Road stages
The Charade circuit is the circuit venue for the 32nd edition’s third day. This track is an institution which has seen great names of the automobile world such as Jackie Stewart or Graham Hill at the wheel of a Formula 1 car. This 3.975 km long circuit is located around the Parc Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne, which makes it, since its creation in 1958, the only mountain circuit in Europe.
This leg will finish in Valence, a Roman city with a rich history that is full of archaeological, architectural and landscape wonders. Located in the heart of the Rhone corridor and subject to a Mediterranean climate, Valence is often referred to as the “South Gateway “. Between Vercors and Provence regions, its geographical location attracts many tourists.
Friday 21 April: Valence – Circuit du Castellet – City pending confirmation + 2 Road stages
The penultimate day will be marked by a timed session at the Paul Ricard circuit. Renovated and upgraded in 2002 according to Formula 1 standards, it hosts the official tests or races of various international championships such as the F1 World Championship (until 2022), and … the Dix Mille Tours by Peter Auto.
This fourth leg will conclude by joining a city which will be revealed soon, suspense…
Saturday 22 April: (City pending confirmation) – Cannes + 3 Road stages
For the final leg, the first crews will get up one last time early morning to reach Cannes. From the small fishing village to the world-famous seaside and cultural city, Cannes has forged a unique history, made up of passions and timely encounters. The Croisette, the boulevard along the coast, is lined with fine sandy beaches, luxury boutiques and palaces. The boulevard is also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a modern building with its famous red carpet walked by stars from all over the world during famous Festival de Cannes, and the Allée des Stars, Cannes’ “Walk of Fame”. Cannes is simply the ideal place to finish the 2023 Tour Auto!
