10 August 2011

A PASSION FOR OLD VEHICLES

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We had a lovely couple of hours in the “Musée auto, moto, vélo” in Chatellerault last month.

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It is in some kind of old an old arms factory premises* down by the river. You can’t miss it – just look for the two magnificent chimneys outside.

(*Thanks to Susan for this info.)

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Inside there is everything from the original penny farthing, through the first motorised cars and cycles to more familiar two, three or four-wheeled vehicles most of us will have seen on our roads.

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There is something for everyone with an interest in cars or bikes, all beautifully displayed, with old garage workshops, videos and posters. All for a modest entrance fee.

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Quite a bit of space was dedicated, as you would expect, to the 2CV. However, I was more interested in the displays of something having a big birthday this year.

The Renault 4 is 50 years old.

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The bottom one was just like mine !! Or at least the one I had in the 1970’s. I didn’t check if its starting handle was just as well used !!

9 comments:

  1. "Been there - Done that"
    Fantastic museum and hope to return again some time.
    Thanks for the memories and it will be posted on our blog sometime in the future.

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  2. That looks like just my cup of tea - really good.
    I love the old building and double chimney stacks too!

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  3. Yet another visit to add to the list Jean. I think if Tim were here he would put it right at the top ...

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  4. What a beautiful 2CV!

    And surrounded by pretty girls!

    All the best

    Keith

    P.S. Renault 4s are pretty cool as well - generally I find that the yellow ones go fastest with the blue ones not far behind them?

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  5. The building is the old arms factory. The site started as a sword factory but switched to rifles when the army did.

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  6. Delightful photo collection, Jean. Someone has taken real care of those bikes, cars and the like. Thank you for sharing this.

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  7. Aha, a place that we both would love to see. Added to our list. Thanks so much for sharing this one with us. Diane xx

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  8. I went to a similar musee in Germany a few years ago. From your pictures I think I would prefer the one you viited especailly with all the bikes and 2CVs. Fab! loved the petrol pump. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Leon - there's more to come, too!

    Craig - it's hard to see how most people wouldn't love it but there were only four people in it when we were there and two of them were us!

    Gaynor - Tim obviously has good taste!

    Keith - watch this space......!!

    Susan - thanks!! I knew someone would know what it was.......Nick said there was a display in the entrance hall about it but I confess I only had eyes for the Renault 4's.

    Rob - you're welcome, thanks for enjoying it.

    Diane - it's quite a distance from you but it would be worth it for a day out. Chatellerault has plenty of good places for lunch, too.

    Phil - being ageing bikers and complete saddos we have visited scores of motor museums in several different countries and I have to say, this was the best so far.

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