Time was when the Monte Carlo Rally featured on the evening news - full of stories of Paddy Hopkirk, Stirling Moss and other chaps starting out from London and trying to beat those foreigners in getting to Monte Carlo over the Alps - much in the style of the "Italian Job" - indeed the Mini Cooper was often the car of choice!
These days it is a more seriously organised, professional and commercial affair - and now starts and ends in Monte Carlo and is concentrated in the Apline hinterland of the principality using closed roads and special stages as part of the World Rally Championship. It runs from 19th - 22nd January 2006.
There is however a "Rallye Historique" which is a more gentle affair using some of the old rally cars and following public roads - starting from places such as Copenhagen, Strasbourg, Reims, Barcelona, Turin and St Etienne which is run from 26 January to 1 February 2006 which should be fun to watch - see the Automobile Club de Monaco website for full details, routes and timings.
For more on French Wine, Food & Travel see www.frenchduck.co.uk
Keywords: France,Rally,Monte Carlo,Reims,Monaco
