Driving experience at Charade: all our 2027 historic single-seater courses
On 2 and 3 October, our single-seaters closed the 2026 season at the Circuit de Charade. The 2027 calendar is now open: here are all our historic single-seater driving experiences near Clermont-Ferrand, so you can pick the one that suits you.
2026 is over, the 2027 calendar is open
A great season has ended at Charade, with driving courses, coaching days, private events and the Classic Racing School & Friends Rally. The team is already preparing 2027, with six events from April to October at the circuit:
- 16 and 17 April 2027
- 7 and 8 May 2027
- 25, 26 and 27 June 2027
- 23 and 24 July 2027
- 3 and 4 September 2027
- 15 and 16 October 2027
Good to know: our current prices are guaranteed until 15 November 2026, before they increase. Drivers who have already enjoyed a Classic Racing School experience also get a 10% discount.
Circuit de Charade, a Formula 1 track near Clermont-Ferrand
Ten minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Auvergne volcanoes park, the Circuit de Charade hosted four French Formula 1 Grands Prix between 1965 and 1972. Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt and Jackie Stewart (twice) won there. Stirling Moss called it “the best circuit in the world”.
Today, its 3,975-metre layout has 18 corners and an average gradient of 9%. A hilly, technical and demanding track, perfect for learning old-school driving. Learn more about its history on our circuit page.
Four historic single-seater driving courses
Each programme is named after a legend linked to Charade. All of them are open to beginners: you just need to be 18 and hold a driving licence.
Half-day, Innes Ireland programme (from €1,190)
The perfect first step in a historic single-seater. Named after the winner of the very first race at Charade in 1958, this course gives you your first sensations at the wheel of a Crosslé 90F, morning or afternoon, coached by our instructors.
Full day, Jim Clark programme (from €2,090)
A tribute to the winner of the first French F1 Grand Prix at Charade in 1965: a full day to discover old-school driving and refine your lines at your own pace.
1-day coaching, Chris Amon programme (from €2,790)
For enthusiasts looking for technical progress. Precision, reflexes, consistency: a performance course designed to improve fast, with personal advice throughout the day.
2-day coaching, Jackie Stewart programme (from €4,640)
The most complete immersion: 13 sessions including 11 solo runs, around 5 hours on track, timed laps and personal video debriefs. The ideal programme to build real driving skills.
The Crosslé 90F, a genuine sixties single-seater
Our fleet includes 13 Crosslé 90F single-seaters, rebuilt by the original factory in Northern Ireland from the 1969 model. Manual gearbox, no driver aids, raw sensations: this is driving as it was in the 1960s. Our cars keep their authenticity while being reliable, safe and accessible to all levels.
To go further, the Formula 3 option puts you in the advanced version, with front and rear wings and wider tyres, for higher cornering speeds.
Everything around your driving course
Passenger ride in a 1966 sports prototype
To enjoy Charade without driving, ride two laps alongside a professional driver in the Crosslé 9S, a 1966 sports prototype built in a run of 73: 240 hp for 550 kg. Passenger rides start from €150.
Companion and co-driver packs
Your friends and family share the day too: lounge access, a visit to the control tower with race control, a minibus tour of the corners on the safety roads, meals and a soft drinks open bar. The co-driver pack adds two laps in the Crosslé 9S and the onboard video.
Sixties lounge and vintage race wear
Chesterfields, a bar and a 100% British atmosphere by the track: our lounge takes you back to the paddocks of the past. You wear FIA-approved, made-to-measure race wear with a vintage look.
And after the course?
The passion goes on all year: the Classic Racing School & Friends Rally on the roads of Auvergne, coaching days on other circuits and, for the most competitive, the Vintage Club Series championship in the Crosslé 92F.
Coaches from the world of racing
On track, you are coached by professional instructors with a racing background, who adapt to every profile. You may meet well-known paddock names such as Laurent Fradétal, Arthur Rougier, Loïc Depailler, Malivaï Castelli and Pierre Sancinéna.
Give a driving experience for Christmas
All our courses and the passenger ride are available as gift vouchers at the same price, with a “choose the date later” option. The lucky driver receives a welcome letter and books a 2027 date whenever they like. The perfect gift for a car enthusiast.
Not sure which course suits you best? Our team will be happy to advise you.
