Reims-Gueux Circuit: 100 Years of a Legendary Motorsport Venue
7 km west of Reims, between the villages of Gueux and Thillois, a triangular layout on country roads preserves the memory of forty-six years of motorsport. The Reims-Gueux circuit, active from 1926 to 1972, hosted 14 French Grand Prix, witnessed the racing debut of the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner, and gave birth to a tradition that endures: offering champagne to the winner.
Its buildings, listed as historic monuments since 2009, form the last surviving remnant in Europe of a period road circuit still visible today. This unique site celebrates its centenary in 2026. Here is what you need to know about the circuit’s history and how to plan your visit. If you are also exploring the city, see our guide to the best things to do in Reims.
A racing circuit born on country roads (1926)
On 2 August 1925, the Automobile Club de Champagne organised the first Grand Prix de la Marne on a 21 km course around the village of Beine-Nauroy, east of the city. The race worked, but logistics proved difficult.
The following year, the organisers moved the race closer to the city. On 25 July 1926, the triangle formed by the RN31, the CD 26 and the CD 27 between Thillois and Gueux was inaugurated. François Lescot, driving a Bugatti 35, won the first race in 2 h 50 min at an average speed of 112 km/h. That same evening, Roger Gauthier won the first Coupe d’Or des 12 Heures. The track measured 7.816 km: three long straights connected by three corners.
In 1932, Nuvolari, Borzacchini and Caracciola completed an Alfa Romeo clean sweep at the Grand Prix de la Marne, averaging over 145 km/h. Speeds had doubled in six years.
In 1938, the Automobile Club de France chose Reims-Gueux for the French Grand Prix. The venue joined the ranks of Europe’s great racing circuits.
The first grands prix of the World Championship (1950-1953)
On 2 July 1950, Reims-Gueux hosted the 6th round of the very first Formula 1 World Championship. Juan Manuel Fangio, driving an Alfa Romeo Alfetta, took pole position at 186.8 km/h and won ahead of Fagioli and Whitehead.
That day, the Pommery champagne house offered a jeroboam to the winner. The tradition of champagne on the podium, later adopted by every grand prix worldwide, was born at this very spot.
In 1952, a southern bypass was built to avoid the village of Gueux for safety reasons. The course was shortened to 7.198 km. It was on this reduced layout that Jean Behra drove Gordini to victory in the Grand Prix de la Marne. In 1953, the northern bypass extended the length to 8.347 km, with five corners instead of three.
The “Race of the Century” (5 July 1953)
The 1953 French Grand Prix remains one of the closest races in history. Mike Hawthorn, aged 24, driving a Ferrari 500, beat Juan Manuel Fangio (Maserati A6GCM) by exactly one second after 60 laps and 500 km. González finished 1.4 seconds behind, Ascari at 4.6 seconds, Farina at 7.6 seconds. Five cars within 8 seconds. Hawthorn became the first British driver to win a grand prix.
The golden age of motor racing (1954-1961)
In 1954, a modification at Thillois set the final length at 8.301 km. It would remain unchanged until the closure. The course consisted of the RN 31 (pit straight), the CD 26 (the long Gueux straight) and the CD 27, forming a fast triangle where single-seaters exceeded 250 km/h.
The return of Mercedes-Benz (4 July 1954)
The 1954 French Grand Prix marked the return of Mercedes-Benz to racing after fifteen years away. Three W196 R Streamliners, with their streamlined bodywork, made their competition debut. Fangio won ahead of Karl Kling by 0.1 seconds. It was the German manufacturer’s first official Formula 1 victory.
The long straights suited powerful cars. Teams tested aerodynamic solutions that no other circuit allowed them to exploit. Fangio returned to win in 1951 and 1954; he drove his last race at Reims in 1958, aged 47.
In 1961, Giancarlo Baghetti (Ferrari 156) won on his first World Championship entry. He remains the only driver in history to have won on his debut.
The price of speed: the tragedies of motorsport
Reims-Gueux was never a technical circuit. Three long straights, no succession of fast curves. Speeds were among the highest on the championship calendar. With speed came accidents.
On 30 June 1956, Annie Bousquet lost control of her Porsche 550 RS Spyder approaching the Muizon corner during the 12 Hours of Reims. The corner was named after her. On 14 July 1957, two F2 drivers, Peter Whitehouse and Bill Mackay-Fraser, were killed during the Coupe de Vitesse. In 1958, Luigi Musso died on lap 10 at the same spot.
On the night of 5 July 1964, Jean-Pierre Beltoise lost control of his car at 250 km/h on an oil patch. The car caught fire. A marshal found him by chance and pulled him free just in time.
The decline of a legendary circuit (1966-1972)
On 3 July 1966, Jack Brabham won in a Brabham BT19-Repco: the first driver-constructor to win in Formula 1. Lorenzo Bandini took pole at 233.8 km/h. It was the last grand prix at Reims-Gueux. The top tier of motorsport would not return.
Safety standards were evolving. The venue, laid out on open roads, could not be brought up to the standards required by the international federation. The cost of upgrades was prohibitive.
In 1969, the last motor racing meeting featured F2, F3, R8 Gordini Cup and FFSA Critérium races. François Cevert won the F2 event. Six cars finished within half a second of each other.
On 11 June 1972, a motorcycle race was the last competition held at the site. The roads became ordinary roads again. The closure resulted from two insurmountable problems: non-compliant safety standards and financial difficulties.
What remains: the circuit’s surviving structures
The pit boxes, grandstands, the trackside restaurant and several buildings constructed between 1927 and 1956 are still standing. These remains form a unique site: no other period road circuit in Europe has preserved its facilities along the roadside.
The former layout remains readable. The pit boxes, parts of the kerbs and the course are still visible. The three roads that formed the circuit are still there, with their surface and road markings. You can drive them by following the D 27, then the D 26 and returning via the former RN 31. The full lap covers 8.3 km.
In May 2009, the grandstands and pit boxes were classified as a historic monument. This listing protects the ten main buildings and commits public authorities to the preservation of this heritage.
Bringing the circuit back to life: the associations
Two associations have successively managed the site. The Amis du Circuit de Gueux (Friends of the Gueux Circuit), founded in 2007, spent 17 years restoring, maintaining and running events at the venue with dedicated volunteers. They offer a free audio guide (in French and English) available on their website.
In February 2024, the municipality of Gueux handed management to a new association: Circuit Reims Gueux Passion Légende (also known as “Les passionnés du Circuit de la Marne”). The handover was debated locally, but both organisations share the same goal: to preserve this unique motorsport heritage and bring this historic venue back to life.
The Fondation du patrimoine supports the restoration of the circuit’s restaurant tower. The fundraising campaign on the Foundation’s website, launched in late 2025 with support from the national heritage lottery, aims to raise EUR 75,000 for window repairs and facade restoration. Work is scheduled for spring 2026.
100 years in 2026: the circuit’s centenary
The first race at the Reims-Gueux circuit was held on 25 July 1926. In 2026, the site celebrates its centenary.
The Passionnés du Circuit de la Marne are organising a centenary festival on 12 and 13 September 2026. The programme includes historic racing, track demonstrations, a classic car exhibition, a concours d’élégance, an artists’ village and club displays. Food and drink available on site.
Regular Cars & Coffee gatherings take place throughout the year, particularly on the first Sunday of each month. Classic car meetings regularly attract enthusiasts from across Europe; British visitors passing through often stop by with period cars.
Visiting the Reims-Gueux circuit: practical information
Getting there
The site is located on the RD 27, between Gueux and Thillois, 7 km west of the city centre. By car, take the Gueux exit from the A4 motorway or follow the D 26. The buildings are visible from the road.
Free parking on site.
Opening hours and admission
The site is open all year round, every day, free of charge. The buildings cannot be visited inside (except during events), but the exterior is freely accessible. Allow around 30 minutes for the pit boxes and grandstands, plus 20 minutes if you drive the former layout. The Amis du Circuit de Gueux offer a free audio guide available on their website, in French and English.
Driving the former circuit
You can drive the full 8.3 km of the former circuit on public roads. Start from the pit boxes on the D 27, follow the road south to Thillois, turn onto the D 26 toward Gueux, and return via the former RN 31 (now D 27). The route is signposted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cover photo: Paul.schrepfer / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
