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Circuit du Grand Sambuc

Located at Vauvenargues, approximately 30 minutes away from the town of Aix-en-Provence and 50 km away from Marseille, the circuit du Grand Sambuc is a reference in the field of the motor race. The circuit is established on the Domaine of Grand Sambuc, which is more than 600 hectares wide. It thus offers to you a sporting getaway in a unique and exceptional natural environment.

The Circuit du Grand Sambuc is accredited by the French Federation of Automobile Sport and by the National Commission for Speed Circuits Examination. It was renovated in 2016 and automotive professionals hosts nowadays individuals and for the enjoyment of mechanics lovers.

The 2 kilometres long race track follows a succession of unique curves and turns which give it a remarkable dynamism. Its long straight line of 800 m allows pilots to perform superb accelerations and bring rhythm and complexity to their race. With its fast and slow sequences, its pin and its relief, the Grand Sambuc is a reference in regard to racing tracks. Discover this unique course in France and let yourself get overwhelmed by the passion for motorsport in the heart of nature.

Exceptional events

Iconic circuit of the department of the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Grand Sambuc was the witness of remarkable automobile events. After its renovation in 2016, the track was pleased to host for the first time in France the Lotus Driving Academy, a driving school recognized worldwide which trains its members with true techniques of driving. The training provided by the Lotus Academy is recognized as one of the best training on the market. The day of its installation in the Grand Sambuc, the academy gathered close to 80 Lotus cars: a colourful arrival for an exceptional school!

Training and testing circuit for the best cars, the track unveiled in December 2017 the big comeback of the French car manufacturer Alpine. The steering wheel of the new Alpine A110 was thus left in the hands of the hundreds of journalists present during this month of testing. The Alpine experience has visibly lost none of its appeal!

Cinematographic moment: did you know that the Grand Sambuc hosted the shooting of the film TAXI 5 in 2017? The famous saga of the south of France stopped on the circuit to shoot some of the track scenes of the fifth part of the TAXI show. When a Ferrari races a Peugeot, there is no doubt that it is a Luc Besson production!

Various services

Do you want to enjoy the circuit experience behind the wheel of your own car? It is possible thanks to the driving days organized for motor sports enthusiasts. The “Track Days” allow you to have free access to the track in order to discover new sensations and discuss with other enthusiasts of automotive activities. The number of drivers is however limited in order to guarantee the best driving conditions. Moreover, as a member of the CLUB, you can benefit from many advantages on the prices and the reservations on the circuit.

Motorsport is committed to road safety by offering prevention training courses on road dangers. These training courses are particularly recommended for people registered in supervised driving and young drivers to provide them with a solid foundation on their understanding of driving. By becoming aware of their role behind the wheel and by learning the emergency manoeuvres, the participants come out of this formation with solid skills which will help them all along their life of driver, whether that it is on circuit or road.

Want to live a memorable experience behind the wheel of the most beautiful cars? Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, Aston Martin, Ford Mustang, Subaru and obviously Lotus, the most beautiful cars in the world are waiting for you for a driving course or a first drive. It is the perfect gift to offer to the adrenalin lovers. So don’t hesitate to book your lap: thrills guaranteed.

Near the circuit

Nearby the circuit, make a stopover in a small house of Provence with its traditional architecture: La Bastide. There, you will find several apartments with different types of rooms (duo rooms, family rooms), with kitchen and private bathrooms. Enjoy the comfort of the place in a green setting, far from the tumult of the city.

Fans of walks in nature can swap the steering wheel of cars for the handlebars of bikes or the hiking boots. Indeed, the col du Grand Sambuc gives access to forests and unique landscapes on this immense domain, thus enabling you to vary the activities within this exceptional framework.

Finally, in the town of Vauvenargues, discover the Château of Vauvenargues, an incredible 18th century building famous for having been the last residence of the painter Pablo Picasso. The artist is also buried there alongside his wife. Although the castle can no longer be visited, you can still go there to appreciate the superb exterior architecture of the place.

 

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