French Grand Prix™ Travel Packages
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The Formula One French Grand Prix is back and it’s a fantastic destination for F1 fans, whether you’re on a budget or pushing the boat out.
The French Grand Prix has looked for a home at 16 different venues since its inception in 1906. In 1971 it moved to the newly-opened Circuit Paul Ricard, which was lauded at the time for its safety and innovative facilities. But following several big crashes, involving Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell no less, the event moved to Magny-Cours. Financial problems with that venue put the French Grand Prix on indefinite hold in 2008, and so despite France’s motor racing pedigree - it’s the birthplace of Grand Prix racing - it seemed Formula One may have left the country for good. Re-enter the Circuit Paul Ricard, redeveloped for the modern era. It’s a fast and power-hungry circuit, where 70% of each lap is taken at full throttle and the cars’ power units are put under enormous stress. Its trademark section is the Mistral Straight, a fast 1km stretch with a chicane slap bang in the middle of it. Paul Ricard also has a unique look, with black, blue and red “escape zones” instead of the usual gravel, which provide varying levels of grip to the cars as they slip deeper into run-off areas. The 2018 race was a fantastic experience, with plenty happening on off-track including tasting of the excellent regional Bandol wine in the Fan Zone. So if you’re an F1 fan, it’s time to put this thrilling and historic race back on your own calendar. Here are three options for enjoying a brilliant French Grand Prix weekend, plus a grandstand guide to help you choose your seats. |
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Stay in Marseille
Marseille is a great base for your trip to the French Grand Prix, thanks to plenty of travel options, the beauty of the city and its proximity to the circuit.
Getting there
If time’s on your side, consider driving to Marseille. This allows you to use your own car to get to and from the circuit. Marseille is only an hour from the Circuit Paul Ricard, although F1 weekend traffic makes the journey longer.
If you’d rather fly, it’s easy to pick up a hire car from Marseille Airport. We can arrange your car in advance, as part of your French Grand Prix package. If you’d prefer not to drive, we can also assign an experienced driver to take you to and from the circuit all weekend.
There’s also a direct Eurostar service from London to Marseille.
Where to stay
Marseille has a wide choice of quality hotels. Here are a few to choose from:
Sofitel Vieux Port has stylish interiors, a pool and spa, plus lovely harbour views. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the centre of Marseille.
Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port is close to the city’s shopping area. It has an elegant 1950s feel and most rooms have port views.
Casa Ortega is ideal for those on a budget. Close the railway station, it’s B&B but with retro designer interiors.
Getting there
If time’s on your side, consider driving to Marseille. This allows you to use your own car to get to and from the circuit. Marseille is only an hour from the Circuit Paul Ricard, although F1 weekend traffic makes the journey longer.
If you’d rather fly, it’s easy to pick up a hire car from Marseille Airport. We can arrange your car in advance, as part of your French Grand Prix package. If you’d prefer not to drive, we can also assign an experienced driver to take you to and from the circuit all weekend.
There’s also a direct Eurostar service from London to Marseille.
Where to stay
Marseille has a wide choice of quality hotels. Here are a few to choose from:
Sofitel Vieux Port has stylish interiors, a pool and spa, plus lovely harbour views. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the centre of Marseille.
Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port is close to the city’s shopping area. It has an elegant 1950s feel and most rooms have port views.
Casa Ortega is ideal for those on a budget. Close the railway station, it’s B&B but with retro designer interiors.
Enjoying the city
Marseille is a culturally diverse, waterside city full of stunning architecture.
You’ll want to check out the new waterfront, which has attracted some of the world’s most exciting architects. Then head up to the Basilica of Notre Dame for panoramic views of the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea.
There are lots of downtown attractions too, from the bustling fish market to the Stade Velodrome, home of the Olympique Marseille football team. Or you could hop on a boat and tour the dramatic calanque rock formations along the Mediterranean coast.
If you’d like to extend your trip after the Grand Prix weekend, we can help you plan your itinerary taking in more of Provence and other regions of France.
Marseille is a culturally diverse, waterside city full of stunning architecture.
You’ll want to check out the new waterfront, which has attracted some of the world’s most exciting architects. Then head up to the Basilica of Notre Dame for panoramic views of the whole city and the Mediterranean Sea.
There are lots of downtown attractions too, from the bustling fish market to the Stade Velodrome, home of the Olympique Marseille football team. Or you could hop on a boat and tour the dramatic calanque rock formations along the Mediterranean coast.
If you’d like to extend your trip after the Grand Prix weekend, we can help you plan your itinerary taking in more of Provence and other regions of France.
Stay closer to Circuit Paul Ricard
Circuit Paul Ricard is in a rural location, but there are a number of hotels close by. Be aware, though, that limited room availability and close proximity to the circuit mean these hotels come at a premium.
Getting there
Flying to the city of Toulon is probably the easiest way to reach a base near the circuit. Toulon is only 30 minutes from Circuit Paul Ricard, and there are direct flights from several European airports.
From Toulon, you could take a hire car to your hotel nearer the circuit. Or you could base your trip in the city -- it’s home to peaceful beaches and a traditional French way of life, largely unspoiled by tourism.
Where to stay
If you choose to stay closer to the circuit than Toulon, consider these two hotels:
Domaine Gold de Dolce Frégate - Mediterranen Sea views and two on-site golf courses lift this stunning 163-room complex above the ordinary. It’s a 24-minute drive from the circuit.
Hotel Berard - Located in a hilltop village surrounded by beautiful Provence countryside, this 4-star hotel and spa is only 20 minutes away from the circuit.
There are also several campsites located within a few minutes’ walk of the circuit.
Getting there
Flying to the city of Toulon is probably the easiest way to reach a base near the circuit. Toulon is only 30 minutes from Circuit Paul Ricard, and there are direct flights from several European airports.
From Toulon, you could take a hire car to your hotel nearer the circuit. Or you could base your trip in the city -- it’s home to peaceful beaches and a traditional French way of life, largely unspoiled by tourism.
Where to stay
If you choose to stay closer to the circuit than Toulon, consider these two hotels:
Domaine Gold de Dolce Frégate - Mediterranen Sea views and two on-site golf courses lift this stunning 163-room complex above the ordinary. It’s a 24-minute drive from the circuit.
Hotel Berard - Located in a hilltop village surrounded by beautiful Provence countryside, this 4-star hotel and spa is only 20 minutes away from the circuit.
There are also several campsites located within a few minutes’ walk of the circuit.
Stay in Monaco and take a chopper to the circuit
If you want to pull out all the stops for an unforgettable French Grand Prix experience, Monaco is a surprisingly practical option.
Just imagine taking breakfast in the breathtaking Cote d'Azur, at any of Monaco’s outstanding hotels, and then hopping in a helicopter to Circuit Paul Ricard. It’s only a 45-minute flight, and Monaco heliport is just a short walk from the Columbus Hotel. Or, if you prefer the Fairmont or Metropole hotels, you can use their complimentary shuttle services to and from the heliport.
It’s a door-to-door service, which takes you straight to the heart of the Circuit Paul Ricard - so you’ll avoid traffic jams you’d have to sit in even if you were staying in nearby Toulon!
Cannes and Nice are other good alternatives to Monaco, both with easy-to-reach heliports.
Just imagine taking breakfast in the breathtaking Cote d'Azur, at any of Monaco’s outstanding hotels, and then hopping in a helicopter to Circuit Paul Ricard. It’s only a 45-minute flight, and Monaco heliport is just a short walk from the Columbus Hotel. Or, if you prefer the Fairmont or Metropole hotels, you can use their complimentary shuttle services to and from the heliport.
It’s a door-to-door service, which takes you straight to the heart of the Circuit Paul Ricard - so you’ll avoid traffic jams you’d have to sit in even if you were staying in nearby Toulon!
Cannes and Nice are other good alternatives to Monaco, both with easy-to-reach heliports.
Compare the Circuit Paul Ricard grandstands and pick the perfect seats.
The seats you choose at a Grand Prix have a huge impact on your experience. It’s not just a case of buying the “best” tickets. Different grandstands offer different kinds of action, so you need to know which ones have the right view for you and your party. Here’s a rundown.
Main grandstand
The main grandstand spans the long straight through the start and finish line. Sit here if you love watching the race buildup and seeing the cars fly by at full throttle.
Main grandstand
The main grandstand spans the long straight through the start and finish line. Sit here if you love watching the race buildup and seeing the cars fly by at full throttle.
Virage du Pont
The circuit’s final two corners, known as Virage du Pont, are a long, mid-speed left leading into a sharp and slow right. There are four stands here -- all offer intense action and great photo opportunities, but 2 and 4 have the best views of that dramatic final corner. Video screens allow you to follow the whole race easily.
Saint Baume
The Saint Baume area of the track is home to an exciting complex of three corners: Turn 3’s right-hander, Turn 4’s longer left and Turn 5’s sharp right. All four stands here give you an outstanding multi-corner view, but stands 2 and 4 are closest to the track and have the best view of the approach and TV screens.
The circuit’s final two corners, known as Virage du Pont, are a long, mid-speed left leading into a sharp and slow right. There are four stands here -- all offer intense action and great photo opportunities, but 2 and 4 have the best views of that dramatic final corner. Video screens allow you to follow the whole race easily.
Saint Baume
The Saint Baume area of the track is home to an exciting complex of three corners: Turn 3’s right-hander, Turn 4’s longer left and Turn 5’s sharp right. All four stands here give you an outstanding multi-corner view, but stands 2 and 4 are closest to the track and have the best view of the approach and TV screens.
Mistral chicane
There are six grandstands around the famous chicane that breaks up the high-speed Mistral straight, but stands 3, 4, 5 and 6 have the best views of the chicane itself. You’ll see the cars slowing right down as they attempt to navigate this dangerous left-right, which is exposed to high winds, before they floor it into the second half of the straight.
As you can see, every grandstand at the French Grand Prix has something different to offer -- and there’s no shortage of choice when planning your trip, either.
If you’d like more help to choose your seats and plan the perfect French Grand Prix weekend, talk to us. We’re F1 experts, we’re seasoned travellers, and we love to help fellow fans!
There are six grandstands around the famous chicane that breaks up the high-speed Mistral straight, but stands 3, 4, 5 and 6 have the best views of the chicane itself. You’ll see the cars slowing right down as they attempt to navigate this dangerous left-right, which is exposed to high winds, before they floor it into the second half of the straight.
As you can see, every grandstand at the French Grand Prix has something different to offer -- and there’s no shortage of choice when planning your trip, either.
If you’d like more help to choose your seats and plan the perfect French Grand Prix weekend, talk to us. We’re F1 experts, we’re seasoned travellers, and we love to help fellow fans!
Formula One Paddock Club
Join the most privileged circle in Formula One
Witnessing a Grand Prix as part of the Formula One™ Paddock Club™ is a milestone experience you will never forget. You can’t get closer to the action – or the glamour and first-class hospitality of the Formula One lifestyle.
The best seats in the house
With an incredible race viewing location above the pit lane garages and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nothing can match the thrill of the Paddock Club. You’ll see the determination in the drivers’ eyes, and the clockwork-precision of your favourite team at work. And what’s more, you’ll be close enough to feel part of the race.
Walk among F1 legends
As a Paddock Club ticket holder, the pits are your domain. You can take scheduled pit lane walks, during which you’ll see familiar Formula One faces and watch the teams make their final preparations. You could even be present at a live driver Q&A, where you’ll hear the inside story on tactics, practice and more.
Enjoy the Formula One lifestyle
The glamour of a Grand Prix is almost as captivating as the race itself. The Paddock Club welcomes you to the glitterati, to enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet catering and champagne among truly distinguished company.
Above: Views from the Formula One Paddock Club™
Witnessing a Grand Prix as part of the Formula One™ Paddock Club™ is a milestone experience you will never forget. You can’t get closer to the action – or the glamour and first-class hospitality of the Formula One lifestyle.
The best seats in the house
With an incredible race viewing location above the pit lane garages and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, nothing can match the thrill of the Paddock Club. You’ll see the determination in the drivers’ eyes, and the clockwork-precision of your favourite team at work. And what’s more, you’ll be close enough to feel part of the race.
Walk among F1 legends
As a Paddock Club ticket holder, the pits are your domain. You can take scheduled pit lane walks, during which you’ll see familiar Formula One faces and watch the teams make their final preparations. You could even be present at a live driver Q&A, where you’ll hear the inside story on tactics, practice and more.
Enjoy the Formula One lifestyle
The glamour of a Grand Prix is almost as captivating as the race itself. The Paddock Club welcomes you to the glitterati, to enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet catering and champagne among truly distinguished company.
Above: Views from the Formula One Paddock Club™
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