Travelling in France in a 93-year-old Minor.

[SV_Minor]

I've just received my new passport, with the previous one having expired way back in 2020, so I'm keen to take the little Morris across La Manche and deep into France in 2025. Any advice or pointers? I've done many thousands of miles in France and other EU countries over the years, mostly at the wheel of my 2CV, but it's been a decade since I last went abroad in the car (having spent most of the last 10 years living in Shetland), so I'm a bit behind the times with regards to driving an old car in the EU. What do I need to take/have?

[Ian Grace]

Johnathan, I'll relay this to Vincent Dransart in France, a very keen and supportive Register member who owns a D Type and with whom I have been discussing a potential VMR rally to France in 2026. I'll report his thoughts here.

Jayne and I will be taking the car ferry to France in September (Portsmouth to Le Harve), touring France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy - taking our LR Disco.

[SV_Minor]

Thanks Ian, that'll be great. The bi-annual 2CV World Meeting takes place in Slovenia at the end of July, the last one I attended was France in 2011, so I have it pencilled in. It's 1,200 miles each way!

[Ian Grace]

That will clash with our Summer Rally - 25th to 27th July.

For some inspiration, how about:

[Ian Grace]

Vincent's reply:

"Dear Ian,

No problem to come to France. All you need is a pass and a well-insured car. Normally, classic cars are not subject to emission zones or LEZ. It is good to see in England the laws relating to classic cars abroad. He won't have any problems with speed limits. If you have a problem, I am in Etaples at 30 rue Gabrielle. My phone: 0686780346 but my English is not good.
Vincent Dransart."

[SV_Minor]

From what I can see from the French Crit'Air website, only French registered 'Historic Vehicles' are exempt from LEZ restrictions. All vehicles registered outside the Cinquième République are Voiture Non Autorisée (car not allowed). Belgium appears to allow foreign registered historic vehicles into its LEZs, but one has to fill in an online form and submit an online copy of the V5C. I haven't checked any other country.