Molsheim
Molsheim is French commune in Bas-Rhin department in Grand Est region, with population of approximately 9,000, positioned 25 kilometers southwest of Strasbourg at the foot of the Vosges mountains. The town is world-famous as historic birthplace of Bugatti since 1909 and continues to host the Atelier Bugatti where modern hypercars are manufactured. Molsheim benefits from exceptional location for circuit access, situated 80 kilometers from Hockenheimring, 280 kilometers from Nürburgring, and only 35 kilometers from Anneau du Rhin, making Molsheim ideal base for motorsport enthusiasts in Alsace.
Anneau du Rhin (35 kilometers south, 30 minutes via A35 and D83) at Biltzheim represents the most important automobile circuit in eastern France. Created in 1996, the circuit offers multiple configurations: main layout of 3.7 kilometers with 15 corners, short circuit of 1.7 kilometers, and various specialized sections including karting track, off-road zones for rally, and skid pad. Track days are organized by multiple operators. GT Track Club organizes sessions at 350-450 euros per day. Europa Trackdays offers events at 380-480 euros. Super Trackday provides sessions at 320-420 euros. Sportfahrer.ch organizes Swiss events. The circuit hosts French GT championships, historic racing, and motorcycle competitions. Anneau du Rhin's proximity gives Molsheim residents practical access to modern circuit with professional facilities.
Hockenheimring (80 kilometers northeast, 50 minutes via A35 and A5) at Hockenheim in Germany offers 4.574-kilometer Grand Prix circuit. The circuit hosted Formula 1 until 2019 and continues hosting DTM, ADAC GT Masters, and other professional series. Track days are available through several organizers. RSR Hockenheim offers track days at 400-550 euros. Circuit Days organizes events at 450-600 euros. Nürburgring.de coordinates days at 500-700 euros. Pistenclub e.V. (annual membership 120 euros) offers access to member track days at reduced prices. Hockenheimring constitutes one of the most accessible track day destinations from Molsheim.
Nürburgring (280 kilometers north, 2 hours 45 minutes via A4 and A61) offers two legendary circuits: Nordschleife at 20.8 kilometers with 73 corners, and Grand Prix Track at 5.1 kilometers. Touristenfahrten (public laps) on Nordschleife are available select days at 30 euros per lap. Organized track days typically cost 150-300 euros via RSRNurburg, Pistenclub, and other organizers. Grand Prix circuit hosts track days at 400-600 euros. Distance from Molsheim makes Nürburgring accessible for weekend trips.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps (300 kilometers north, 3 hours via A35, A4 and E42) in Belgium presents 7.004 kilometers with iconic Eau Rouge and Raidillon corners. Track days are organized by RSRSpa, Circuit Days, and Spa Summer Classic at 400-600 euros per day. Distance from Molsheim allows international track day travel.
Active automobile clubs in the region include ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) through Südbaden and Pfalz sections organizing motorsport events and track days. Porsche Club Deutschland has strong presence in Alsace with members organizing circuit outings at Hockenheimring and Nürburgring. Club Lotus France coordinates track days for Lotus owners. Club Bugatti France maintains connections with Molsheim's Bugatti heritage and organizes gatherings and circuit tours. Bugatti heritage creates unique automotive culture in Molsheim with regular events and visits to Atelier Bugatti.
Karting facilities near Molsheim include Karting Indoor Strasbourg (25 kilometers, indoor), karting circuit at Anneau du Rhin (professional outdoor track), and Karting de Colmar (40 kilometers south). Arrive-and-drive sessions cost 20-35 euros. Facilities also offer rental leagues and competitive karting programs.
Rally opportunities exist through regional clubs in Alsace. Rallye du Piémont Vosgien passes near Molsheim. ASAC Alsace (Association Sportive Automobile du Club d'Alsace) coordinates rally events in region. Vosges mountain roads offer natural terrain for rally sport.
Region around Molsheim offers exceptional driving roads in the Vosges. Route des Vins d'Alsace presents winding roads through vineyards. Route des Crêtes in Vosges offers spectacular mountain curves with panoramic views. Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Schlucht, and other Vosges passes are popular with motorcycle clubs and sports cars. These roads attract enthusiasts every weekend.
Molsheim benefits from excellent highway access via A35 (north-south Alsace axis) and A4 toward Germany. Town maintains unique automotive culture centered on Bugatti heritage. Musée de la Chartreuse in Molsheim exhibits Bugatti history. Regular events include Festival Bugatti and classic car gatherings. Modern Atelier Bugatti produces Chiron and recent models, maintaining Molsheim's connection with high-performance automobiles. Combination of Bugatti heritage, proximity to multiple world-class circuits, exceptional mountain roads, and rich automotive culture makes Molsheim unique destination for motorsport enthusiasts in Europe.