For a luxury vacation in France that embodies retro chic, authenticity and relaxation, little beats an excursion in a vintage 2CV car. The iconic Citroen model, instantly recognisable by its bright colours and characteristic curved design, may not be easily be classed as a luxury car: when it was released in post World War II France, it gained popularity as one of the most accessible new vehicles on the market. It’s known in French as a “deux chevaux”– literally, “two horses”– referring to its modest but reliable horsepower.
But it’s become representative of a certain French “je ne sais quoi”– an unpretentious and effortless chic that doesn’t require bling to spell ease and luxury. That’s why so many companies have sprung up in recent years offering travelers vintage 2CV tours of Paris and around France. There’s simply something romantic and classically cool about embarking on a trip onboard one of these coveted old cars, rolling back the retractable sunroof and letting the wind blow through your hair as you wend through gorgeous vineyards, cruise down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris or through fields of lavender in Provence. Since it has light off-roading capabilities and offers an unusually smooth ride, it’s also an ideal vehicle for adventurous, off-the-beaten-path tours of France. Even corporate excursions and team-building trips can be memorable when planned around drives in these classic cars.
Read on for our recommended places to explore in these beloved vintage cars: places that that embody old-school glamour, rustic charm and authenticity, or all of the above. And if you find yourself convinced that a vagabond adventure onboard one of these iconic automobiles sounds like the perfect way to spend your luxury vacation, get in touch with us– we’ll put together a perfectly bespoke 2CV tour of France for you.
