On the way to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa last month, we had the opportunity to stop off at the historic Reims-Gueux circuit, home of the French Grand Prix during the early years of the modern F1 championship.

The Reims-Gueux circuit was first used in 1926, hosting the second edition of the Grand Prix de la Marne. The circuit was notable for its long straights and slipstream battles. It’s layout remained fairly stable throughout the years, measuring between 7.15-8.37km between 1926-1969, when Reims-Gueux was actively used for a range of motorsport events, including Formula 1 (the French Grand Prix) and sportscars (the 12 hours of Reims).

Reims-Gueux hosted the French round of the inaugural modern Formula 1 World Championship in 1950. The race was won by Juan Manuel Fangio in an Alfa Romeo. The circuit would host both championship and non-championship F1 races until 1966, as well as F2 and F3 races. Winners at the circuit included some of the biggest names of the era, including Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren and Jim Clark.

After closing in 1972, the circuit gradually fell into disrepair before a group of local enthusiasts (learn more here) began restoring the remaining buildings – especially those around the start-finish line. They also hold regular events featuring classic cars. Large parts of the circuit are still used as public roads, including the main straight and the long back straight, which is now a double lane motorway.

As you can see from the photos, the weather was overcast and the circuit deserted on the morning we visited. This somehow seemed fitting, and it truly did feel like walking back in time to the early years of the F1 World Championship. It’s a special place for F1 fans and well worth a visit if you are in the area!