This is one of the secret treasures in the historic racing calendar. Described as Monaco without the sea, the round-the-streets race in the pretty French town of Angoulême first ran in 1939.

Revived in 1978, it now provides a glorious gathering for both pre- and post-war cars. One race is dedicated to Bugattis, and the spectacle as the exhaust notes reverberate from the ancient city walls is a magical one.

Just inland from Bordeaux and the Atlantic coast, this would fit in perfectly with a short break or family holiday.