We\u2019re all going on a Summer Holiday!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So sang Cliff Richard many years ago as he rattled along in a Routemaster Bus, heading for the seaside with all his mates.<\/p>\n

Well, it\u2019s that time of year again. School\u2019s out, the weather is turning nasty and the news channels are prophesying doom, gloom and traffic jams, but at least it\u2019ll take your mind off overblown \u2018phone hacking farrago\u2019s and impending financial melt down. Here in France it\u2019s just the same (although without the \u2018phone hacking stuff) with the great holiday exodus getting under way.<\/p>\n

\u2018Twas ever thus though, and just a few weeks ago we were given a timely reminder of what it was like in the seemingly more romantic times of fifty years or so past, when a classic run entitled \u2018Route de Vacances\u2019 ran from Lens to the C\u00f4te d\u2019Opale<\/em> resort of Berck-sur-Mer, a little way south of Le Touquet. As in times of yore, many people opted for to travel by classic \u2018bus \u2013 back then they probably didn\u2019t have the choice \u2013 so much so that a modern coach had to join the fleet of old-timers, but around fifty cars took part as well.<\/p>\n

A lengthy lunch stop in the ancient market town of Hesdin saw the vehicles parked up in the Place d\u2019Armes whilst the participants enjoyed their frites to the sound of the town\u2019s brass band, under the leadership of its charismatic conductor.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m no expert on buses but a couple of long-nosed Merc\u2019s somehow didn\u2019t look very French, unlike the delightful little Citroen-based \u2018bus. However, they all added colour to the occasion, as did many of the car owners, really going for the \u2018vacance\u2019 theme period caravans, loaded roof racks and outfits that would have done credit to the Goodwood Revival. Particular mention must go to a couple with a Renault Dauphine who not only looked the part but had a loaded roof rack and one-wheel trailer, not to mention period ephemera such as a transistor radio, camera and even a nodding dog on the back shelf!<\/p>\n

Cars on parade included a healthy selection of French classics from Citroen, Peugeot, Renault and Simca as well as a few foreigners such as VW Beetle and even a Chevrolet Impala.<\/p>\n

Suddenly it was two o\u2019clock and everyone loaded up and the square was cleared in the minutes despite the chaos caused by a bus that needed to do a three-point turn and delays by the traffic lights.<\/p>\n

So very French, so very laid back, so very friendly.<\/p>\n

Bonnes vacances!<\/em><\/p>\n

John Elwin, July 2011<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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