Tin snails invade France!

The 19th annual meeting of Citroen 2CV started today, July 26 and runs until July 31 in the Loire Valley region of France.

Salbris is located approx 2hr drive from Paris in the Loire Valley, where the recent Tour de France travelled through. The 60 hectare site was filled with over 2,600 2CVs the last time Salbris hosted the event in 2006. Actual vehicle numbers were still being confirmed at time of writing, but organisers expect more vehicles this time around.

The event has attracted over 5,300 registrations, including 19 Australians and a trio of New Zealanders for a celebration of the "tin snail". How many of those Antipodeans actually took their cars over for the event is unknown.

Activities over the six big days of the event include a "rotating" 2CV museum with different themes and displays each day, including many 2CV prototypes and rarities, 'World Championship 2CV Dismantling' competition, classical "Guinguette" (drinking and eating area), off-road track, live music, market & trade stalls, drive simulator, DIY corner, rocker cover racing, go karting, kids activities, flea markets and more.

While it is a 2CV celebration, the event will also feature other 2CV-derived models, with special acknowledgement of this year's 50th Anniversary of the Citroen Ami6.

Further details are available at www.2cvfrance2011.fr