Chinon Classic
The gathering of vintage vehicles and the commemoration of the Grand Prix de Tours
About Chinon Classic
An exceptional automotive event in Chinon
For over twenty years, Chinon Classic has transformed the streets of the medieval city into a true open-air automotive museum. Every June, nearly 300 vintage vehicles—cars, motorcycles, and race cars—are exhibited in Chinon's town center, offering an exceptional spectacle to the thousands of spectators who flock to the event. The event is organized by the Chinon Classic association, which works to preserve and promote automotive heritage.
The tourist rally and the commemoration of the Grand Prix de Tours
The weekend program is structured around several highlights:
- The tourist rally: participants follow a roadbook through Touraine, discovering the most beautiful wine-growing and heritage landscapes of the region at the wheel of their vintage vehicles (older than 30 years). The selection favors the oldest vehicles.
- The commemoration of the Grand Prix de Tours: a tribute to the historic car races that took place in the region, with dynamic demonstrations of race cars.
- Demonstrations: on Saturday afternoon, Group A and B, VHC (Vintage Competition Vehicles), and old racing motorcycle demonstrations liven up the streets of Chinon.
An exceptional medieval setting
One of the charms of Chinon Classic lies in its unique setting: the royal fortress overlooks the cobbled streets and squares of the town center where the vehicles are exhibited. The combination of Chinon's medieval heritage and the gleaming bodies of vintage cars creates a unique atmosphere that appeals to both automotive enthusiasts and lovers of heritage and beautiful architecture.
A popular and festive gathering
Chinon Classic is more than just an exhibition of vintage cars: it is a popular and festive event that animates the entire town center of Chinon for three days. The streets are transformed into an automotive village with food stalls, exhibitions of spare parts and vintage accessories, and a friendly atmosphere that makes this gathering a highlight of the Chinon summer season.
Chinon Classic — edition 2026
Chinon Classic returns for its 2026 edition on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 in Chinon city center. The tourist rally, commemorating the Grand Prix de Tours, will start from Place Jeanne d'Arc on Saturday, June 20 at 8:45 AM. Throughout the weekend, the exhibitors' village located on the Promenade du Docteur Mattray welcomes enthusiasts, with demonstrations on a secure circuit and an exhibition of over 300 vintage vehicles. Free access for spectators.
2026 Edition: A Weekend Dedicated to Automotive Heritage
The 19th edition of Chinon Classic will be held on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Chinon city center. Place Jeanne d'Arc and Promenade du Docteur Mattray become the epicenter of a gathering that annually attracts nearly 20,000 visitors from all over France and Europe.
Saturday's Tourist Rally
A highlight of the Grand Prix de Tours commemoration, the tourist rally starts at 8:45 AM from Place Jeanne d'Arc. Crews travel the roads of Touraine and neighboring departments, with a morning coffee break and a lunch organized in a prestigious setting. The route of the course is no longer communicated to spectators in advance, as the organization has chosen to protect the event's progress. Arrival is scheduled at Place Jeanne d'Arc around 5:00 PM.
The Exhibitors' Village
The exhibitors' village opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday on the Promenade du Docteur Mattray. On-site catering (bar, ice cream, stands), exhibition of spare parts, accessories, and vintage vehicles: classic cars, vintage motorcycles, agricultural machinery, racing cars, and GP motorcycles.
Circuit Demonstrations
On Saturday afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, a presentation of racing cars and GP motorcycles animates the circuit set up in the heart of Chinon. On Sunday, Place Jeanne d'Arc becomes the scene of exceptional entertainment: demonstrations of VHC (Historic Competition Vehicles) automobiles, NASCAR, WRC cars, and racing motorcycles follow one another throughout the day.
The Gala Evening
Saturday evening continues at the Caves Painctes de Chinon with a gala dinner accompanied by a show. The prestigious and friendly atmosphere is one of the highlights of the edition for rally participants.
A Medieval Setting, a Popular Event
The alliance between the royal fortress overlooking the city, the cobbled streets of the city center, and the gleaming bodywork of vintage automobiles creates a unique atmosphere. Chinon Classic remains a free, popular, and family-friendly event that brings the whole city to life for two days.
Programme Chinon Classic 2026
Saturday, June 20, 2026
- 8:45 AM — Tourist rally departure from Place Jeanne d'Arc · Commemoration of the Grand Prix de Tours
- 10:00 AM — Exhibitors' village opens · Promenade du Docteur Mattray (catering, bar, ice cream, stands)
- 2:00 PM — 4:30 PM — Presentation of racing cars and GP motorcycles on circuit · City center
- 5:00 PM — Rally arrival at Place Jeanne d'Arc
- Evening — Gala dinner and show at Caves Painctes de Chinon (rally registration required)
Sunday, June 21, 2026
- All day — Demonstrations on secure circuit at Place Jeanne d'Arc: VHC automobiles, NASCAR, WRC cars, racing motorcycles
- All day — Exhibitors' village open · Promenade du Docteur Mattray (on-site catering)
- All day — Exhibition of over 300 vintage vehicles: classic cars, vintage motorcycles, agricultural machinery, military vehicles
The detailed hour-by-hour program of demonstration series and Sunday's surprises will be revealed on the day by the speaker at the car-podium.
Highlights Chinon Classic 2026
- 19th edition on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Chinon city center
- Tourist rally commemorating the Grand Prix de Tours, departure Saturday 8:45 AM from Place Jeanne d'Arc
- Over 300 vintage vehicles on display: classic cars, motorcycles, agricultural machinery, racing cars
- Circuit demonstrations on Sunday: VHC automobiles, NASCAR, WRC, GP motorcycles
- Exhibitors' village Promenade du Docteur Mattray with on-site catering
- Free access for spectators · Nearly 20,000 visitors expected
- Three free parking lots connected by free shuttle (every 15 min, 10 AM - 8 PM)
Prices Chinon Classic 2026
Practical information — Chinon Classic
Access
The event takes place in the town center of Chinon.
- By car: Chinon is accessible via the D751 from Tours (45 min) or via the A85. Warning: traffic and parking are difficult during the event.
- By train: Chinon SNCF station.
Prices
Free access for spectators. Paid registration for the tourist rally.
Contact
- Official website: chinonclassic.com
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Where does it take place — Chinon Classic
Place Jeanne d'Arc et Promenade du Docteur Mattray, centre-ville de Chinon
Place Jeanne d'Arc, 37500 Chinon, 37500 Chinon