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The Best Episodes of The Grand Tour

With 23 episodes from The Grand Tour Series 1 & 2 available to stream on Amazon Prime, now is a great time to rank all of the episodes available so far to see which is best. The list below is a direct result of hundreds of votes placed through our site by you, fans of The Grand Tour!

There were a few surprise results here, so without further ado let’s get into it!

1. S02, E09 – ‘Breaking, badly’

Richard Hammond and James May attempt to set a new British water speed record for amphibious cars. A staggering 85 percent of all people who try to break records on water are killed but this doesn’t put off Clarkson, Hammond and May as they set about building their own road legal machine from an unholy union of car, boat and jet engine and then use it to spear across the choppy waters of a vast lake during something called “Coniston Speed Week”. Rated 9.9/10.

2. S02, E10 – ‘Oh, Canada’

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May reluctantly agree to test three SUVs in the rugged landscapes of Canada. Clarkson in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Hammond in the Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Pack and May in the Range Rover Velar. The boys will test their cars’ sporting side at a race track and their utilitarian side with some enormous dogs, before ending in an epic race across the snowy mountains. Rated 9.8/10.

3. S02, E02 – ‘The Falls Guys’

Jeremy Clarkson drives the all-new, 647 horsepower Ford GT from New York city to Niagara Falls, a trip that is made more challenging by the car’s uncompromising, racing-car-for-the-road design and by James May who, using only public transportation, is trying to beat Jeremy to the finish line. Rated 9.4/10.

4. S02, E03 – ‘Bah humbug-atti’

Jeremy Clarkson asks if Europe’s glamour set still need their jets and helicopters to fulfil a busy day of breakfasting in St Tropez, skiing in the Alps and dining in Turin or if they’d be better off with a car. And it’s not just any car because he’s testing the new, 1,479 horsepower Bugatti Chiron with an epic cross-Europe dash. Rated 9.4/10.

5. S01, E13 – Past v Future

Clarkson compares his Volkswagen Golf GTI to May’s BMW i3 with a drag race at an airstrip and a road trip from London to Dartmoor to attend a Roger Daltrey and Wilko Johnson concert. Clarkson and Hammond make May hang out with “winchers” who drive their 4x4s deep into mud. Rated 9.4/10.

6. S01, E06 – Happy Finnish Christmas

Hammond welcomes the new right-hand-drive Ford Mustang GT and gives it a tour of London and Stonehenge before Clarkson arrives and proceeds to argue that Mustang has no place in Britain and that the Ford Focus RS is a better option. Meanwhile, May talks about the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans rivalry between Ford and Ferrari, which gave birth to the Ford GT40 and the Ferrari P3. Rated 9.3/10.

7. S02, E07 – ‘It’s a gas, gas, gas’

Richard Hammond and James May work out that the average motorist loses 36 days of their lives filling up with fuel. The pair vow to do something about it using their skill and ingenuity to invent a system for filling up on the move. Rated 9.2/10.

8. S02, E01 – ‘Past, Present, or Future’

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May compare a V12-powered Lamborghini Aventador S, a hybrid Honda NSX and an all-electric Croatian supercar called the Rimac Concept One in a battle of past, present and future, set against the dramatic and car-unfriendly backdrop of Switzerland. Rated 9.2/10.

9. S02, E06 – ‘Jaaaaaaaags’

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to prove that old Jaguars are not only stylish and roguish but also strong and reliable with a road trip across Colorado. Along the way, they set laps around a punishing dirt track and test 0-100-0 performance at America’s highest commercial airport before embarking on one of the most perilous challenges they’ve ever attempted.  Rated 8.9/10.

10. S02, E08 – ‘Blasts from the Past’

Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond visit some evocative old motorsport locations in Europe using a pair of re-born 1950s sports cars, painstakingly rebuilt by their manufacturers to the original designs. With Clarkson in the Aston Martin DB4 GT lightweight and Hammond in the Jaguar XKSS, the pair start their adventure on the street circuit in Pau, France before their fun is interrupted by the arrival of James May in a modern Honda Civic Type R which he insists is better in every way. Rated 8.9/10.

11. S01, E12 – [Censored] to [Censored]

The presenters travel to Wank, Germany, where May in a Bentley Bentayga, Clarkson in a Range Rover, and Hammond in a Jaguar F-Pace plan a road trip on the Romantic Road via Kissing, Bavaria, then Petting, Bavaria, to Fucking, Austria. After passing Landsberg Prison and staying overnight in Fucking, Clarkson and Hammond suggest to May that they should skip Wedding (Berlin) and head for the Nürburgring instead. Rated 8.9/10.

12. S01, E03 – Opera, Art and Donuts

The presenters go “Grand Touring” in Italy with May in the Rolls-Royce Dawn, Clarkson in the Aston Martin DB11 and Hammond in the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Clarkson and May’s tour starts at the Palio di Siena horse race, before viewing The Birth of Venus painting at Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Clarkson and Hammond race each other the Mugello Circuit. Rated 8.9/10.

13. S02, E05 – ‘Up, down and round the farm’

Jeremy Clarkson decides to make one of those Ken Block-style car skidding videos that are very popular on the internet using an old Subaru and a suitable swathe of English farmland. His endeavours are swiftly dismantled by Richard Hammond and James May who are on hand in the studio tent to reveal some of the embarrassing behind-the-scenes footage. Rated 8.8/10.

14. S01, E05 – Morroccan Roll

To settle an argument over the best sports car, the presenters go to Marrakech, Morocco to compare the Mazda MX-5, the Zenos E10S and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. During the road trip Clarkson suddenly pulls over due to a leg cramp while driving the 4C. Later, he challenges Hammond and May to weigh their cars to prove that the 4C is lighter, using an improvised scale and animal carcasses as counterweight. Rated 8.8/10.

15. S01, E07&08 – The Beach (Buggy) Boys

The presenters are set a challenge by their producer, Andy Wilman, who wishes to show that beach buggies are poor vehicles. Their challenge is to drive one thousand miles (1,600 km) along Namibia’s Skeleton Coast in three beach buggies, each built to their personal specifications but all derived from the Volkswagen Beetle. Rated 8.7/10.

16. S01, E01 – The Holy Trinity

In this very first episode of The Grand Tour , Clarkson, Hammond and May testing three hybrid hypercars; the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari at the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal. Rated 8.5/10.

17. S01, E09 – Berks To The Future

The tent is within the courtyard of Ludwigsburg Palace, where Clarkson praises Germany as the “cradle of the automobile.” May reviews the new Honda NSX. Clarkson fuses the body of a 1978 MGB Roadster with the chassis of a Land Rover Discovery to make a “proper” sport utility vehicle, but when the MG body falls off, he replaces it with a 1980s Mercedes-Benz SL. Rated 8.5/10.

18. S01, E02 – Operation Desert Stumble

Producer Andy Wilman sends the presenters to the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre (KASOTC) outside Amman, Jordan for a SAS-style military training exercise. Rated 8.3/10.

19. S01, E10 – Dumb Fight at the O.K. Coral

The presenters then travel to Barbados to solve the problem of dying corals by dumping five car body shells into the ocean, but they lose two cars and a fishing boat on their first attempt before they are forced out of the premises by authorities. They manage to drop two cars into the reef site, and May is assigned to anchor them down while Clarkson and Hammond go jet skiing. Rated 8.0/10.

20. S01, E11 – Italian Lessons

To prove that a second-hand Maserati priced under £8,000 are a better buy than a Ford Focus, the presenters travel to Circuit de Croix-en-Ternois in France for a series of tests with Clarkson’s Biturbo S Coupé, Hammond’s 430 Saloon, and May’s Zagato Spyder. Because May injured his right arm prior to the challenge, he bought an automatic variant. The presenters then embark on a road trip through Northern France. Rated 8.0/10.

21. S01, E04 – Enviro-mental

The presenters travel to South Wales and set out to make the most environmentally friendly car bodies using the platform of a Land Rover Discovery. They take an 11 mile road trip to a dirt track, where they race against three normal cars. The idea of environmentally friendly car bodies is abandoned after Clarkson’s meat car is infested with maggots, Hammond’s garden car catches fire, and May’s mud and hay car falls apart. Rated 7.8/10.

22. S02, E04 – ‘Unscripted’

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May attempt to show what would happen if  The Grand Tour  made a completely unscripted film with no pre-arranged locations, no set-up stunts, and no planned incidents. All they agree is that the starting point will be in Croatia, where Jeremy arrives in an Audi TT RS, while Richard turns up with a not-at-all-comparable Ariel Nomad. What follows is a demonstration of why some kind of script is generally a good thing. Rated 6.3/10.

23. S02 Mini-Special – ‘Feed the World’

In this mini-special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May take it upon themselves to try and end world hunger with an incredible journey across Mozambique. The three notice that people in the coastal regions of this country are well-fed on the bountiful supplies of fish from the ocean, while those in the interior exist on the brink of hunger. Their solution is to find a way to transport that fish inland but, predictably, they cannot agree on the best method to do this. Rated 5.7/10.

Were you surprised where some of your favourite episodes ended up? Let us know in the comments below!

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Eres un figura… Gracias, Un saludo

Mozambique last !? This was for me the best and funniest of all the episodes!

I thought enviro-mental was one of the highlights in season one,although what James built was stupid and just not funny.They should re-do that episode except this time they all follow Richard Hammond’s concept idea.

Really disappointed with the mini special, was looking forward to it all series, think next time they should do a normal 2hr special cos that 1 was rubbish an just felt rushed :/

Yeah so was I to be honest. I wonder if carting around such a large crew puts a limit on how far they can go or what they’re able to do.

feels like all they do is talking while driving. usually we would’ve see them detour, buying souvenirs, ‘upgrading’ their vehicles, enjoying the view, etcetera etcetera

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May 'leave The Grand Tour'

29 November 2023, 19:23 | Updated: 29 November 2023, 23:13

By Kit Heren

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are said to have left The Grand Tour.

Listen to this article

Clarkson, 63, May, 60, and Hammond, 52, no longer wanted to film the Amazon Prime show, the Sun reported.

It comes after Top Gear, the show the three made their name on, was also axed last week.

“The Grand Tour is one of Prime Video’s most watched shows and Jeremy, James and Richard have a devoted following," a TV insider told the paper.

"But the guys have made no bones about the fact they’re all advancing in years and they have lots of other projects to pursue.

Read more: Jeremy Clarkson apologises to Harry and Meghan for saying he wants her stripped naked and pelted with excrement

Read more: End of the road: Top Gear 'axed after 46 years' following Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff's horror crash

"They just felt like the time was right and wanted to go out on a high when the show remained popular.”

The Grand Tour launched in 2016 after the trio left Top Gear, and has been well-watched, with generally positive reviews from critics.

The show has had five series since and 44 episodes, featuring Clarkson, Hammond and May's outlandish antics.

Trips to Mauritania and Zimbabwe are still yet to air.

Clarkson and May both also have their own separate Amazon shows - Clarkson's Farm and Our Man In...

The studio could later revive The Grand Tour after Clarkson, Hammond and May left, the Sun reported - something the current hosts would not be against.

LBC has contacted Amazon Prime for comment.

It comes after news emerged that Top Gear was set to be axed after 46 years following Andrew Flintoff's horror crash during filming.

The future of the show was plunged into doubt after Flintoff suffered facial injuries and broken ribs in a crash on the test track last December.

The former England cricket captain was driving a three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 at the time, worth around £43,000, described as a "motorised tricycle" without airbags.

Top Gear has been on hiatus since filming for the 34th series was paused over the crash.

Flintoff was spotted for the first time with scars and dressings on his face in early September after keeping out of the limelight for nine months.

But now production staff are understood to have been told to focus on other work.

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The Grand Tour release date: When is the next episode out?

The Sand Job is out now!

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The boys are back with a brand new episode of The Grand Tour. This time, they are headed to Mauritania for their penultimate adventure – and viewers can watch it now!

In the latest episode, titled Sand Job, the trio will follow in the footsteps of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, but they'll have to take on their adventure in modified sports cars.

It'll no doubt be an exciting episode, with Richard Hammond previously teasing a "surprise" for the episode.

Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com ahead of the launch, Hammond revealed: "There was there was a surprise arrival in [the] minefield, because it's [Mauritania] still on the red list in terms of travel, and the last thing you want in or near a minefield is a surprise.

'There was a scary encounter with some Ebola carrying bats. My car, the Aston Martin, was the troublesome one of the bunch because it comes from an era when cars were just becoming intelligent... and that gave me no end prompt. Plus, the guys just destroyed me as well. There was quite a bit of pranking."

More like this

So, what else can viewers expect from The Grand Tour: Sand Job? Read on to find out everything we know.

When will the next episode of The Grand Tour be released?

The next instalment of The Grand Tour became available to watch on Friday 16th February on Prime Video . It's out now!

The Grand Tour locations

The trio have previously filmed in far-flung locations such as Colombia, Vietnam and Switzerland - and next time will be no different.

The newest instalment will see the trio head back to Africa, as they have this time filmed the show in Mauritiana, a country in the Northwest of the continent.

Speaking of the location, Clarkson said: "I love deserts, so I've always wanted to do the Sahara, but it's difficult to go there; you can't go to Mali or Libya or Algeria or Chad. You can't go to the top of Nigeria.

"And then it was really a question of finding the most inappropriate cars for trans-Sahara travel, and I think we did a pretty good job on that."

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Is there a trailer for The Grand Tour: Sand Job?

Yes! A trailer for Sand Job was released in anticipation for the new instalment and it gives fans an insight into what they can expect from the exciting new episode.

The Grand Tour: Sand Job is available to watch on Prime Video now. Try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days . Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime .

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now . For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast .

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Episode list

The grand tour.

S3.E1 ∙ Motown Funk

S3.E2 ∙ The Colombia Special Part 1

S3.E3 ∙ The Colombia Special Part 2

S3.E4 ∙ Pick Up, Put Downs

S3.E5 ∙ An Itchy Urus

S3.E6 ∙ Chinese Food for Thought

S3.E7 ∙ Well Aged Scotch

S3.E8 ∙ International Buffoons Vacation

S3.E9 ∙ Aston, Astronauts and Angelina's Children

S3.E10 ∙ The Youth Vote

S3.E11 ∙ Sea to Unsalty Sea

S3.E12 ∙ Legends and Luggage

S3.E13 ∙ The Mongolia Special-Survival of the Fattest

S3.E14 ∙ Funeral for a Ford

S4.E1 ∙ The Grand Tour Presents: Seamen

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"The Grand Tour" to return for farewell episode in 2024

C larkson, Hammond, and May are set to officially bid farewell to their program, "The Grand Tour," broadcast on Amazon, as reported by the BBC.

There's good news and bad news for fans. Good news: "The Grand Tour" will return in 2024. Bad news: this will be its final episode. The trio, who rose to fame through the BBC's "Top Gear," have continued their antics on "The Grand Tour," which has been available on Amazon since 2016.

While the initial seasons of "The Grand Tour" boasted a similar number of episodes to its predecessor “Top Gear," the series has recently been limited to sporadically published special productions. It appears that this was the beginning of the end for "The Grand Tour".

According to the BBC, which cited internal sources, a  special episode documenting a trip to Zimbabwe will be released in 2024 , marking the official end of "The Grand Tour".

Despite saying goodbye to "The Grand Tour," it doesn't mean that this popular trio will completely vanish from our screen. Each presenter has their own shows on Amazon's platform. As of now, these productions are set to continue.

It's worth noting that "Top Gear," the precursor to "The Grand Tour," is also seeing its end. Following Clarkson, May, and Hammond's departure, the BBC carried on with the series, introducing new presenters. However, this came to a halt in 2022, when one presenter, Freddie Flintoff, sustained serious injuries in an on-set incident. Nearly a year following the accident, the broadcaster announced its decision to discontinue the program.

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Did You Enjoy That Lancia vs Audi Segment? Here Are Five More To Watch

Viewers all over fell in love with the most recent episode’s history film looking into the rivalry between Lancia and Audi. Credit where credit is due; it was absolutely a beautifully made film and showcased Jeremy Clarkson at his very best.

But let’s not forget that this is not the first time a mini-doc of this caliber has been presented by the boys. They have had a long history of tossing in a few of these short history lessons throughout the entirety of Top Gear and The Grand Tour .

If you liked the most recent one, here are five more to check out:

Table of Contents

Ferrari vs Ford GT

The Grand Tour, Season 1, Episode 6

James May takes us to the 1960s to recount the bitter rivalry between Ferrari and Ford at the battlefield of Le Mans that led to the creation of one of the most iconic cars ever made: The Ford GT40.

History Of Saab

Top Gear, Series 18, Episode 5

Only the boys can make a film that is genuinely interesting about a carmaker like Saab.

Aryton Senna Tribute

Top Gear, Series 15, Episode 5

An incredibly informative and touching tribute to the legend, Ayrton Senna, on what would have been his 50th birthday.

History of Lancia

Top Gear, Series 14, Episode 3

Honestly, there is almost nothing better than the look on Jeremy and Hammond’s face when they were jetting around in a Stratos. I wasn’t super familiar with Lancia outside of the Stratos, but this film opened up a need to research as much as I could about this amazing brand.

History of BTCC

Top Gear, Series 12, Episode 7

If you ever wanted to find out what the big deal was with British touring car racing, then look no further than this episode. Hammond takes us through a comprehensive look at what makes the BTCC so appealing for 50 years.

Let us know some of your favorites below!

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The Grand Tour Wants the US Navy's Penis Drawing Pilots On the Show

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How to plan a weekend in Le Mans, gateway to France's Loire Valley

Le Mans may be best known for its 24-hour car race but the French city offers more than high-speed thrills. Explore its old town then venture into the Loire Valley for canoe trips and chateaux stays.

To most people, ‘Le Mans’ means racing cars. For over a century, this medieval city in the Loire region of northwest France has hosted the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, an iconic rally around the Circuit de la Sarthe that’s as much a test of stamina as speed. You’ll find plenty of nods here to this rich motoring history, from postcards of classic Aston Martins to a dedicated museum that displays numerous race cars.

But you don’t need to be a petrolhead to fall in love with Le Mans; it’s a place with the most evocative of ancient centres, featuring cobbled alleys, some of the world’s best-preserved Roman walls and a blockbuster of a cathedral with beautiful stained glass. There are both intimate restaurants and busy al fresco bars by the river where you can take a bench seat and soak up the atmosphere. And Le Mans is a springboard to much more besides, from the pottery centre of Malicorne and the rustic charm of the Mancelles Alpes area to the royal city of Loches. And all this can be reached flight-free, with the train journey from St Pancras International taking just four-and-a-half hours.

Day 1: River trails & Old town strolls

Morning Le Mans can wait — start your day with a 20-mile drive south west to Malicorne-sur-Sarthe. The pretty town, with its 12th-century church and watermills, has been a heartland of French earthenware since the 18th century. Set in a former ceramics factory, the Malicorne Museum of Earthenware and Ceramics lets you try your hand at pottery-making and browse displays of earthenware, from tobacco jars to white Malicorne ducks with yellow feet. Down the road, Boutique Métiers d’Art sells the work of local artisans, including potters and jewellers. Have lunch at quirky Salon Arthé (7 Place de la République), run by painter Katrin Ehlers, with its dining room-cum-studio full of easels and canvases.

Afternoon On the way back to Le Mans, stop at Roëzé-sur Sarthe to enjoy a riverboat ride. Nautical Adventure rents out watercraft including electric boats, so spend an hour looking for kingfishers on this peaceful stretch of water. After that, crank up the pace at the Motor Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans . It showcases 140 racing cars and reveals the history of the epic race with fascinating archive footage. Its Heroes’ Alley tells the tales of individuals who have made special contributions over the years, focusing not only on the drivers but also the engineers who play such a key role in getting the cars across the finish line in the endurance race. You can take a tour of the circuit, too.

Evening Arrange an evening tour of Le Mans old town with tour guide Nathalie Jupin . You’ll stop at the town hall that was once the palace of Matilda, granddaughter of William the Conqueror, who gave birth here to the future King Henry II of England, and at the Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans, home to a 12th-century stained-glass window. Equally engaging are the town’s smaller details, such as the stone obelisks on street corners that once protected buildings from carriage wheels and the fourth-century arch that leads to a section of Roman wall. Wrap up the day with a meal of veal steak and heritage vegetables at the intimate, wood-beamed Bistrot des Gourmets 6 Rue Barbier.

Day 2: Canopy climbs & abbey visits

Morning Drive 40 minutes north to the Mancelles Alpes, a region of wooded hills, jagged cliffs and charming villages that follows the valley of the River Sarthe. You can take to the river once more, this time in a canoe or kayak rented from Préférence Plein-Air , just outside the Camping du Sans Souci site in the village of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. Alternatively, don a safety harness and try a spot of tree climbing in the commune of St Léonard-des-Bois. Parc Aventures du Gasseau has constructed a series of rope walkways, tunnels and swings among the oak trees in the grounds of its restaurant, La Maison du Gasseau . Afterwards, enjoy a lunch made from organic, local produce on the atmospheric terrace of the chateau.

Afternoon Heading back to Le Mans, make a stop 10 minutes from the centre at the L’Épau Abbey . This Cistercian complex was founded in 1229 by the English queen Berengaria of Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart, who’d been killed in battle 30 years earlier. A skeleton discovered in the abbey church in the 1960s is thought to be hers and has since been reunited with her tombstone here. You get a real feel for monastic life as you explore, calling in at the dormitory, where the monks slept on mats on the floor; the scriptorium, where they copied manuscripts; and the church, where they prayed eight times a day. Afterwards, take a walk through the Arch of Nature , a two-square-mile reserve that abuts the abbey grounds and includes a nature trail featuring artworks inspired by local wildlife.

Evening Dinner is in Le Mans at Brasserie Madeleine (7 Place des Jacobins), a family-run restaurant in a square overlooking the cathedral. it serves a good selection of seafood dishes — lobster, oysters, mussels and more — and a fabulously creamy rillette on thick pieces of toast. Then it’s time for La Nuit des Chimères , a free light show. At sundown every day in summer, more than 20 of the city’s buildings, walls and trees are illuminated with colourful images, from fairytale characters and historical symbols to portraits of locals who’ve made a special contribution to life here. The tourist office has a map with a walking route that takes in the illuminations. Round off the evening with a drink at Guingette des Tanneries (Square des Tanneries, Quai Louis Blanc), a relaxed riverside restaurant.

Where to stay in Le Mans

1. La Maison du Gasseau A blue-grey stone chateau with green shutters in the Mancelles Alpes, this place was built as a family home in 1939 and now offers six guest rooms with exposed beams and wooden floors. The breakfast features freshly baked scones, local honey and home-churned butter.

2. Domaine de L’Epau With grass rolling over their roofs, the six eco-lodges here look like Hobbit homes buried in the landscape. The interiors are unfussy and modern, with terraces perfect for an evening tipple. Kitchenettes mean you can self-cater but the complex also has a bar and restaurant.

3. Montmirail castle Parts of this castle, standing proud between Le Mans and Chartres, date back to the 12th century. Its guest rooms brim with a sense of history, and each is individually decorated with heritage features such as four-poster beds and elegant wood panelling.

4. Aventure Nautique Set on the banks of the River Sarthe in Roëzé-sur-Sarthe, Aventure Nautique has 10 bell tents that allow full but comfortable immersion in nature. Hire one of the site’s paddleboards or electric boats for a river adventure then kick back with a mojito at the characterful bar set in a shack.

5. Maison Courtin In La Chartre-sur-le-Loire, Maison Courtin is owned and run by Grégoire Courtin, who rents out a couple of guest rooms furnished in 19th-century style. He’s also the proprietor of the adjacent brush shop and homeware museum and will gladly give you a tour of his hoard of curiosities, ranging from model Aston Martins to 18th-century medical instruments.

What to eat in Le Mans

1. Rillettes A pâté of shredded pork cooked in fat that’s typically smothered on toast, rillettes originated in nearby Touraine but became associated with Le Mans when a local started selling it to passengers passing through on the train. There are several annual celebrations of the speciality, including the annual Spring of Rillettes festival held in Sarthe.

2. Chenin blanc One of the Loire’s wine-producing areas in the south of Sarthe, Jasnieres is well worth a look. Its Chenin Blanc wines date to the Middle Ages when they were made by Cistercian monks. They range from dry to fiercely sweet. Try them at the Domaine des Gauletteries winery in Ruillé-sur-Loir.

3. Sablé biscuits The classic Sablé biscuit, a crimp-edged shortbread, is thought to have originated during the 17th century in Sablé-sur-Sarthe. Named after the French word for ‘sandy’, there are both sweet (orange, lemon, almond) and savoury (green pepper, parmesan) versions. Take a tour of the Biscuiterie La Sablésienne biscuit factory, in operation since 1962.

What to do in Loches

1. Château de Loches and the Donjon The royal city of Loches is dominated by its elevated medieval royal quarter, surrounded by a fortified wall and featuring Charles VII’s royal residence, famously visited by Joan of Arc in 1429. Most impressive of all is the Donjon, an 11th-century castle tower containing dungeons etched with the graffiti of unfortunate former captives. The castle has a varied royal history that includes occupation by the one-time king of England, Richard the Lionheart, in the 12th century. Visitors are issued with interactive tablets that bring the past to life by showing how each of the rooms would have looked in its prime.

2. Cultu’raids Concept The city sits on the Indre River, an idyllic tributary of the Loire. You can gain a deeper appreciation of it by renting a canoe from Cultu’raids Concept, which has a base near the centre. From here, you can explore a quiet stretch of the water, allowing you to feel a world away from civilisation. The river is narrow and shallow, winding through a tunnel of overhanging trees. One option is to paddle five miles to the watermill at St Jean, perhaps escorted by grey wagtails, flashing yellow as they flit from stone to stone on the river bed. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of red deer through the branches on the banks. You can also rent standup paddleboards from the company.

3. Green Route A 35-minute drive south west of Loches is the village of Abilly, where you can rent bikes and e-bikes at Les Vélos de Paulette (8 Avenue des Termelles) and join the Green Route, a relaxing cycle path through woodland and fields of sunflowers. After five miles, a road takes you uphill through the village of Le Grand-Pressigny to a 12th-century chateau — guarded by a large model of a woolly mammoth — that now houses a museum of prehistory . Returning to Loches, if you wish to stay overnight, check in to the Hôtel de la Cité Royale , housed in the 19th-century Palais of Justice. Its terrace has views over the city’s castle and church.  

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La TOHU à Montréal : l’excellence du cirque, sans compromis - Épisode 1/2

Dans ce nouvel épisode, marie sorbier nous entraîne au québec pour nous faire découvrir un lieu unique en son genre : la cité des arts du cirque. située à montréal, cette structure se compose d'une école, d'une salle de diffusion (la tohu) et accueille le siège du cirque du soleil..

Après s'être rendue  à Montréal en avril dernier à l'occasion du Festival du livre de Paris  qui avait comme invité d'honneur le Québec, Marie Sorbier nous entraîne à nouveau outre-Atlantique pour continuer de nous faire découvrir la richesse culturelle de la ville de Montréal. Dans cet épisode,  elle nous fait visiter la Cité des arts du cirque , une grappe sectorielle créée à la fin des années 90 qui regroupe d'importantes structures du monde circassien, allant de la formation à la production et la diffusion des spectacles.

La Cité des arts du cirque est située dans le quartier Saint-Michel au nord-est de Montréal, l'un des endroits les plus défavorisés de la ville. Multiculturel, en proie à un fort chômage, délaissé par les pouvoirs publics, le quartier abritait même durant de nombreuses années une importante décharge publique. L'installation du  Cirque du Soleil  sur le site à la fin des années 90 a néanmoins permis de faire fermer cette décharge. La célèbre compagnie a en effet construit son siège social à cet emplacement devenu aujourd'hui un parc sous lequel sont toujours enfouies 40 millions de tonnes de détritus. Le Cirque du Soleil a ensuite été rejoint par l’École nationale du cirque de Montréal et par  la TOHU, seul diffuseur spécialisé dans le cirque en Amérique du Nord,  et que visite justement Marie Sorbier dans cet épisode.

L'ensemble forme donc un espace unique qui concentre une grande partie des professionnels du monde du cirque montréalais. Surtout, cette Cité regroupe tous les acteurs de la chaîne : la formation, la création, la production et la diffusion des spectacles. Il s'agit donc d'un lieu unique au monde entièrement dédié aux arts du cirque et qui permet de créer une synergie dans le monde circassien québecois. On compte ainsi près de 2000 personnes qui transitent quotidiennement dans cette Cité et la salle circulaire de la TOHU accueille chaque année 135 000 spectateurs, preuve de la réussite et de l'attractivité du lieu.

Le cirque produit et montré à la Cité va d'ailleurs à rebours de l'image que l'on peut avoir parfois du cirque traditionnel avec ses animaux exotiques. Il s'agit davantage à présent de proposer des spectacles qui doivent impressionner le spectateur grâce aux seules prouesses des artistes présents, comme l'explique Stéphane Lavoie, le directeur de la TOHU : " Le cirque que je présente ici est davantage centré sur la rencontre d'humains. Un artiste de cirque est apatride, il n'a pas de religion, il n'y a pas de frontières, on s'arrange p our la langue,. .. Ce sont des humains ensemble qui ont deux défis. Le premier, c'est de risquer leur vie pour nous, de repousser les limites. Mais derrière un artiste de cirque, il y a aussi majoritairement cette envie de défier la gravité, c'est quelque chose de millénaire. Et on est plus dans cet état d'esprit maintenant avec le cirque contemporain : faire rêver les gens, de nous amener ailleurs, dépasser nos limites."

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MotoGP Highlights

Action from the fifth round of the 2024 season as riders battle to become this year's world champion at the Michelin Grand Prix de France which is taking place at Le Mans.

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Episode 5 - Action from the fifth round of the 2024 season as riders battle to become this year's world champion at the Michelin Grand Prix de France which is taking place at Le Mans.

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MotoGP™ : Martín rafle tout en France

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Le pilote Pramac a triomphé ce dimanche au Mans au terme d'un final indécis. Il devance Marc Márquez et Pecco Bagnaia

Les pilotes MotoGP™ étaient en piste ce dimanche après-midi pour le grand événement du week-end : la course du Michelin® Grand Prix de France. Au terme d'une lutte à trois dont on se souviendra longtemps, Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac Racing) décroche sa deuxième victoire de la saison devant un étincelant Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) ainsi que Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), qui s'offre un podium au lendemain d'un zéro pointé en Tissot Sprint. Retour sur ces 27 tours de bataille en France.

Ne manquez rien du reste de la saison 2024 grâce au VidéoPass MotoGP™

Acosta trop gourmand

À l'extinction des feux, Pecco Bagnaia prend le meilleur envol et s'offre le holeshot devant le poleman Jogre Martín. Parti troisième, Maverick Viña les (Aprilia Racing) se manque et coupe la chicane Dunlop, de laquelle il ressort au cinquième rang. Excellent envol en revanche pour son coéquipier Aleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing), qui passe de la sixième à la troisième place. Parti 13e, Marc Márquez pointe déjà en septième position à l'entame du troisième tour de course. Auteur également d'un excellent début de GP, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) se montre trop ambitieux dans sa manœuvre sur Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) et part à la faute dès les premiers tours.

Acosta commet sa première erreur...

Le rookie se faisait piéger dans le troisième tour, alors qu'il luttait pour le podium.

Un duo s'envole

Même son de cloche pour Marco Bezzechi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) au virage 6, qui offre sa huitième place au héros local Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™). Sur un rythme effréné, Marc Márquez met la pression sur Maverick Viñales, cinquième, mais ce dernier résiste. En tête de la course, Pecco Bagnaia et Jorge Martín creusent un léger écart sur Aleix Espargaró et Fabio Di Giannantonio, dont la première offensive sur l'Espagnol est manquée. Quelques tours plus tard, le transalpin réitère et trouve l'ouverture sur le pilote Aprilia, désormais sous la pression de son coéquipier. Le n°41 se fait successivement déposer par « Top Gun » puis par Marc Márquez et rétrograde en sixième positon, juste devant Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

🔥 @FabioDiggia49 into third!!! Maverick has his sights set on @AleixEspargaro now!👀 #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/NMuwZXynrU — MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 12, 2024

Quartararo au sol

Gêné par le représentant de Ducati, l'Espagnol du team Aprilia tire tout droit et permet à plusieurs pilotes de gagner une position dont Fabio Quartararo, désormais septième. Quelques instants plus tard, tout est à refaire pour Enea Bastianini, qui ressort neuvième après un Long Lap pour avoir coupé au virage 9. Devant, on assiste à de jolies passes d'armes entre Marc Márquez et Maverick Viñales qui tournent pour le moment à l'avantage du pilote Gresini. Sous les yeux de son public, Fabio Quartararo se bat comme un lion pour défendre sa sixième place face à Aleix Espargaró. Malheureusement, « El Diablo » force un peu trop et part à la faute au virage 9, au moment où Joan Mir (Repsol Honda Team) chute également. Devant, l a troisième tentative est la bonne pour Marc Márquez sur Fabio Di Giannantonio, qui tire tout droit et voit Maverick Vinales le passer également.

Heartbreak for @FabioQ20 💔 His top 10 charge ends at T9 on home soil ❌ #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/mU4eBKEJN7 — MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 12, 2024

Martín l'emporte, M.Márquez dépose Bagnaia

À huit tours de l'arrivée, Jorge Martin s'attaque enfin à Pecco Bagnaia mais le n°1 croise parfaitement en sortie de la chicane Dunlop. Dans la boucle suivante, le « Martinator » réitère et repasse aux commandes du GP. Cette bataille fait les affaires de Marc Marquez, qui fait la jonction dans la roue de Pecco Bagnaia. Les trois hommes de tête sont roue dans roue à trois tours de l'arrivée et une bataille légendaire se dessine. Après quelques minutes d'observation, Marc Márquez, lance une attaque sur Francesco Bagnaia dans le dernier tour et décroche la deuxième place sur le fil, tandis que Jorge Martín célèbre son deuxième succès de la saison.

THAT LAST-LAP OVERTAKE FROM @marcmarquez93 THOUGH 🔥🔥🔥 #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ikQ021SlMK — MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 12, 2024

La suite du top 10

Derrière, Enea Bastianini trouve l'ouverture sur Maverick Viña les à deux tours du terme et se classe quatrième. Fabio Di Giannantonio est sixième devant Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) et Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), qui termine au huitième rang alors qu'il s'élançait dernier. Aleix Espargaró est neuvième devant Alex Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), qui complète le top 10. À domicile, Johann Zarco (LCR Honda Castrol) s'adjuge les points de la 12e place.

A SMASHING performance by all means! 💥 @88jorgemartin is on cloud 9! 🏆 #FrenchGP 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/bc1PeyMJ5m — MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) May 12, 2024

Le point au classement

Grâce à ce week-end parfait, Jorge Martín accroît son avance au Championnat du Monde et compte désormais 38 longueurs d'avance sur Pecco Bagnaia. Avec 29 points empochés ce week-end, Marc Márquez remonte au troisième rang à égalité avec Enea Bastianini et à seulement deux unités de Pecco Bagnaia. À huit points des deux hommes, Maverick Viña les est cinquième.

Rendez-vous dans deux semaines pour le Grand Prix de Catalogne !

Le top 10 :

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MotoGP™ Race : Grand Prix de France

Découvrez à qui les honneurs seront revenus au Mans.

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