The village with a population of 2,500 has been organising a large-scale car show on the Friday before the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001. Before the motorway to the north of the city was built, British fans would go through Saint-Saturnin on their way to Le Mans from the Normandy ferry ports. The villagers enjoyed watching the classic cars go by throughout race week and when the motorway was opened, they set about giving British (and other) fans a reason to continue coming to Saint-Saturnin. It turned out to be a great idea. The event has grown over the years but warmth and friendliness remain the watchwords. These days, the Classic British Welcome, which is still free, attracts a thousand cars and some 6,000 visitors.

There’s something for everyone: artists, scale models, a cinema, a jazz band, eateries, a sit-down restaurant, a champagne bar, souvenir stands and lots more.

Visitors wander around the exhibition car parks and chat to classic car owners who proudly explain their vehicle’s history. Don’t forget your camera, there are some photogenic machines around! At 16:00, the St-Sat’Cavalcade of the twenty most iconic cars in the show heads for the city centre to join in the evening’s Drivers Parade.