Don't be surprised to come across a large number (about 500) of classic cars this Sunday, July 29th if you're in Paris. They're on their twice-yearly jaunt or stately progress, depending on your viewpoint. The Traversée de Paris has become the largest summer classic car meeting in Paris, set up by the Vincennes en Anciennes association and the Fédération Francaise des Véhicules d'époque (French Federation of classic cars). It takes place in high summer and the depths of winter each year.
The vehicles from Europe cover cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors and buses leave the Chateau de Vincennes in a suburb east of Paris at 8am, go via the Place Daumesnil, Place de la Bastille, rue de Rivoli, Montmartre and along the Champs-Elysees to arrive around noon at the Observatory' terraces in Meudon, a suburb on the southwestern edge of Paris. They helpfully stop at place de l'Etoile, place de la Concorde, Grand Palais and place des Invalides so interested onlookers can look at the cars and talk to the drivers.
The drivers and their passengers are all dressed in white, but in period costume to suit the age of their vehicles. It's decorative, fun and it ends in Meudon with a giant picnic.
Don't worry if you miss it; on the first Sunday of every month, the Vincennes en Anciennes meets on the esplanade of the Chateau de Vincennes.