Circuit International des Remparts d'Angoulême

A legendary circuit in the heart of the city

The Circuit International des Remparts d'Angoulême was born in 1939, conceived by the Automobile Club des Deux-Sèvres, Charente et Vendée. Designed in the style of the urban circuits of Monaco and Pau, its 1,279-meter track follows the contours of the historic ramparts of the old town of Angoulême, with slopes of 5.38% downhill, seven turns including four right angles and three hairpins. This layout has not changed since 1939.

Prestigious origins

From the very first edition in July 1939, 19 participants lined up at the start, including the most prestigious names in motor racing: Maurice Trintignant, Jean-Pierre Wimille, René Bonnet, and Raymond Sommer, who won the inaugural race. Interrupted by World War II, the circuit resumed in 1947 and gained significant notoriety thanks to the presence of Juan Manuel Fangio and Trintignant at the starting line.

A festive weekend around automobiles

Today, the Circuit des Remparts takes place every year in September over three days. The program includes a concours d'élégance on Friday evening on the Esplanade du Champ de Mars, an international tourist rally on the roads of Charente and a state and restoration competition on Saturday, followed by FFSA races and demonstrations on Sunday on the historic circuit. Exhibitions of exceptional cars line the city center throughout the weekend.

A living automotive heritage

The Circuit des Remparts is more than just a competition: it is a popular festival that transforms Angoulême into an open-air automotive museum. The streets of the old town host hundreds of historic vehicles, from Bugatti to Ferrari, including Talbot-Lago and Maserati. The event attracts thousands of enthusiasts from all over Europe each year.