La Traversée de Paris is a film by Claude Autant-Lara, released in 1956. Bourvil, de Funès and Gabin make this comedy a masterpiece, humorously depicting the dark hours of the Occupation, when Paris was hungry. While the movie caused a scandal upon its release for addressing topics such as the black market and denunciations – daring themes a mere ten years after the war – it became a success and remains fondly remembered today.
Decades later, inspired by the film’s legacy, a real-life homage to the spirit of Parisian culture emerged. Since November 1986, classic vehicle enthusiasts had been gathering informally at the esplanade of the Château de Vincennes every Sunday. In 2000, these meetings evolved into an organised event: the first Traversée de Paris en Anciennes (Crossing of Paris in Classic Cars). The event was an instant hit, drawing hundreds of participants and spectators alike.
Club Vincennes en Anciennes, which hosts the event, is the largest multi-make classic car club in France, having grown to more than 1200 members with an impressive fleet of nearly 3000 vehicles between them. Building on its success, the Traversée added a summer edition in 2007, turning it into a biannual celebration of classic motoring. What may seem like a straightforward event is actually a monumental organisational achievement.
The event begins at dawn with a parade of classic vehicles passing under the iconic AXA arch at the Château de Vincennes
Each edition of the Traversée requires meticulous planning and a dedicated team of volunteers. The process involves choosing a theme and designing a route to match, and submitting the proposal to the Paris Prefecture for approval, as well as printing route books and rally plates and assembling 1000 participant bags with the required materials and goodies. On the actual day, the crew prepares the event site overnight with barriers, banners and tents, and is on hand to welcome the first participants at 7:00am, directing them into lanes, checking registrations and distributing the bags.
No fewer than 80 volunteers ensure the smooth running of the event. A crucial partnership with Depann 2000 provides roadside assistance for classic cars that might suffer breakdowns along the route.
The event begins at dawn with a parade of classic vehicles passing under the iconic AXA arch at the Château de Vincennes. After collecting their participant bags, drivers set off to explore Paris in style. Nearly 1000 vehicles take part, including cars (570 in the latest staging), motorcycles (110), bicycles (26) and even tractors (22). Passengers can also ride in vintage buses chartered by AMTUIR.
This year, the tractors received a special blessing in front of the Sacré Coeur, Paris’s highest church. Traditionally, participants stop at landmarks such as Les Invalides and Place de la Concorde to chat, take photos and admire each other’s vehicles. The variety on display is breathtaking, from bicycles to a magnificent MV Agusta 750 nicknamed Dartagnan, from humble Citroën 2CVs to luxurious Rolls-Royces and Ferraris. The event fosters a true club spirit, transcending social and economic differences through a shared passion for classic vehicles.
Participants travel from across Europe (including Luxembourg, Belgium, England and Germany) and beyond, with media outlets from China, Japan, India, the US and the rest of Europe covering the event. Along the route, hundreds of photographers capture the ‘roll of honour’, immortalising the vehicles against Paris’s historic landmarks. For spectators and participants alike, the Traversée is a refreshing display of camaraderie, culture and community.
As with all good stories, the Traversée de Paris ends with a banquet. In winter, it’s held at the Vincennes racecourse; in summer, at the Meudon Observatory. The event’s joyful conclusion mirrors the feasts depicted in Asterix comics, reinforcing the sense of celebration and togetherness.
Vincennes en Anciennes participates in numerous prestigious events, including Chantilly, Reims, Rétromobile, Le Mans Classic and Epoq’Auto Lyon. Notable achievements such as the Reims show, the Montée Historique de Laon and the Traversée de Paris exemplify the club’s enduring success and passion.
No event of this scale would be possible without the support of dedicated partners. AXA Passion, represented by Jean-Pierre Houdeillé, plays a vital role by providing insurance tailored to classic vehicles, pleasure boats and motorcycles. AXA’s commitment extends beyond logistics – its team even helps pack participant bags with good humour and enthusiasm.
ELF, another key partner, contributes its expertise as a specialist in lubricants. Recognising the unique needs of classic cars, ELF has developed a range of products specifically designed to protect older vehicles, avoiding the excessive detergents found in modern lubricants. Its slogan ‘A brand of passion’ aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Traversée.
The Traversée de Paris is more than an event; it’s a celebration of history, community and the enduring love of classic motoring. With its blend of nostalgia, culture and spectacle, it continues to attract enthusiasts from around the globe. So, are you ready to join the club spirit? Hell yeah!
