Touring France in a classic French Citroen 2CV – the ‘Tin Snail’
More French than a baguette is the Deux Chevaux or French Citroen 2CV which is also known affectionately as the ‘tin snail’. There is no disputing the enduring popularity of this iconic French classic car. My love affair with this little car has developed over the years I have been visiting France and I always look out for them when touring around the country.
If you too have a love of the ‘tin snail’ then here’s a brief article on the car and where you can find tours and hire vehicles in France.
If you want to enjoy this classic car when in France there are a number of car rental agencies and tour operators that specialise in 2CVs. Snail’s Pace Holidays is one company: they suggest you pack a picnic, roll back the roof and enjoy driving around the beautiful South West of France at a snail’s pace.
Brief History of the Citroen 2CV
The Citroen 2CV oozing French character was designed before WW2 for France’s rural population. The 2CV’s simple design disguised a car that was very clever, with interconnected suspension and an unburst-able air cooled two cylinder engine capable of running all day long.
The body shape was considered ugly when the car was launched in 1948 but, over the years, its combination of minimalist charm and French chic has ended up winning the 2CV an army of fans across the globe. Australia has its own fan and owners club called the 2CV Club Australia where car owners and fans share information, list their cars for sale and organise events.
Renting a 2CV in France
If you want to enjoy this classic car when in France there are a number of car rental agencies and tour operators that specialise in 2CVs. Snail’s Pace Holidays is one company: they suggest you pack a picnic, roll back the roof and enjoy driving around the beautiful South West of France at a snail’s pace.
Add a visit to a wine château, a morning at one of the many local markets and at the end of the fun filled day stay in a typical French hotel. Doesn’t that sound fabulous?
For more information on Snail Pace Holidays and Tours check out their website and for a detailed history of the Citroen 2CV by guest researcher and writer Emily Morgan, read our Historical Development of the Citroen 2CV article.
Other companies that also hire 2CVs in France are: CC Sports Cars UK; Classic Car Rental France and Tour de Canard.
