A romantic drive? Yes, but with a flashback to the 70s in a Citroën Dyane!
Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the desire to spend some time with just the two of us has prompted me to book an accompanied vintage tour in a Citroën Dyane with Normandy Classic Tours!
Of course, Thibault and I didn’t live through the period when more and more French people bought Citroëns to take advantage of their paid vacations to go “to the seaside”.
However, having heard our grandparents and parents reminisce so many times about their fond memories, we wanted to experience a ride in this mythical vintage car!
As a car enthusiast, I surprised Thibault by booking this outing.
So off we go: 2pm, meet at Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, in the parking lot where I’ll be leaving my car for the duration of the excursion.
My darling’s gaze is immediately drawn to this little blue convertible that’s so out of place…
I announce our program: a walk with a few historic stops between land and sea. Thibault is delighted! It’s true that here, on the Normandy D-Day Beaches, we’re more used to being offered a ride in a jeep than in a retro car!
First contact with Bernard, our guide and pilot, was easy and pleasant.
Introductions made, we settle in.
The interior is very clean, with soft armchairs and plaids.
We’re a little cramped, but that’s no problem – that’s the charm of old cars! I take the opportunity to get closer to my lover!
After opening the Dyane, Bernard starts the car.
We’re a little surprised by the roar of the engine.
In the age of electric cars, this din makes us laugh.
Come on, let’s take off! For once, as a passenger, I’m enjoying the scenery. It’s like rediscovering Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, the Queen of Iodine, for the first time!
The seaside villas, the narrow streets, the little stores and, above all, the sandy beach.
My hair is blowing in the wind. With the impression of being plunged into another era.
I’m won over!
I breathe in the fresh, iodized, invigorating air. What euphoria! The excitement of the moment, the sea spray, Bernard’s conviviality (sharing a moment like this creates bonds), my partner’s smile, and even the kind eyes of passers-by, it’s all here!
And what about the view? Driving along the seaside resorts of the Côte de Nacre, I enjoy this panoramic view from the open-topped Dyane.
Luc-sur-Mer, Lion-sur-Mer, Hermanville-sur-Mer… these towns smell like vacations!
The white beach huts and beautiful middle-class villas lend an old-fashioned charm to this walk!
Bernard introduces us to the eclectic architecture of seaside resorts.
Bernard suggests a few stops to take in the panorama of the Normandy coastline. He also shares a few anecdotes about the sea-bathing era.
Our guide also tells us about the Allied landings on Juno Beach and Sword Beach on June 6, 1944. Fascinating and moving.
All these young people who fought here for our Freedom.
Head for the country lanes towards Douvres-la-Délivrande.
It’s 4pm. The sea air “digs in”. Not even Thibault, a true gourmet Norman, would disagree!
Bernard chose the medieval site of La Baronnie in Douvres-la-Délivrande for his snack break.
He takes his pretty wicker picnic basket out of the trunk.
With a red Vichy tablecloth and retro crockery, Bernard offers us a hot drink and some local delicacies!
The place is ideal for a break, with picnic tables under the apple trees that are beginning to blossom.
Having recently set up his own business, Thibault and I take the opportunity to talk a little more about the reasons behind his career change:
The desire to make contacts, to share and then to reconcile his passion for history, heritage and, of course, for old cars, were all factors in his career path, and it shows!
Bernard plays photographer and Thibault and I pose in front of the vintage car.
It’s 5pm and time to head back to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. The engine starts up again. The wind has picked up. This time, we put the hood back on.
We won’t soon forget this “timeless” interlude, this vintage ride in a Citroën Dyane!
Sightseeing commented tour in a classic car
LUC-SUR-MER
Discover the seaside heritage of Normandy in a new way by being the passenger of an old convertible car! Famous […]
