Rouen-Les-Essarts

Rouen-Les-Essarts was a 6.542 km (4.065 mile) race track in Grand-Couronne, near Rouen, France.

From its opening in 1950, Rouen-Les-Essarts was recognized as one of Europe's finest circuits, with modern pits, a wide track, and spectator grandstands. The circuit (which ran on public roads) had a few medium straights, a cobbled hairpin turn (Nouveau Monde) at the southernmost tip, and a few blind corners through a wooded hillside The appeal was greatly enhanced by the climb from Nouveau Monde at 56 metres to Gresil at 149 metres.

Rouen hosted five Formula One French Grand Prix races, the last one in 1968 resulting in the tragic burning death of Jo Schlesser. The circuit continued to host major Formula 2 events until 1978, after which it was used for various French Championships.

The circuit had a number of different configurations. From its construction in 1950 until 1954 it was 5.1 km (3.169 miles) in length. In 1955 major works increased the circuit's length to 6.542 km (4 miles), its most famous configuration. Construction of a new Autoroute across the circuit saw a new section of track built and the length of the circuit reduced to 5.543 km (3.444 miles). Finally, in 1974 a permanent chicane was built at Six Fréres and this part of the circuit was renamed Des Roches.

The circuit was closed down in 1994 due to economic and safety reasons, since it is very hard to organise a race on public roads if modern safety standards are to be met. In 1999, following the circuit's closure all evidence of area's racing past was demolished, including grandstands, pits, Armco and track signs. The cobbled Nouveau Monde hairpin was also asphalted but it is still possible to drive around on the original circuit configuration.

The name "Les Essarts" comes from a village, which was included into the commune of Grand-Couronne in 1874.

External links

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
There are no tips nor hints for Rouen-Les-Essarts yet. Maybe be you will be the first one to post useful information for fellow travellers? :)
2.4/10
4 people have been here
Map
0.3km from D938, Forêt Domaniale de la Londe-Rouvray, 76500 Orival, France Get directions

Circuit de Rouen-Les Essarts on Foursquare

Rouen-Les-Essarts on Facebook

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
Novotel Rouen Sud

starting $0

Novotel Rouen Sud

starting $143

Campanile Rouen Sud - Cleon Elbeuf

starting $110

Comfort Hotel Rouen Sud Cleon

starting $87

Campanile Rouen Sud - Parc Expo

starting $103

ibis budget Rouen Parc des Expos Zenith

starting $71

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Maritime, Fluvial and Harbour Museum of Rouen

The musée maritime fluvial et portuaire de Rouen is about the history

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Château d'Harcourt

The Château d'Harcourt, situated in the commune of Harcourt in the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Cleres Zoological Park

Cleres Zoological Park (Parc Zoologique De Clères) is located in

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Château de Robert le Diable

The Château de Robert le Diable is a French feudal castle from the

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Rouen Cathedral

Rouen Cathedral (French: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen) is a Roman

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Church of St Joan of Arc

The Church of Saint Joan of Arc (French: L'église

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Church of St. Ouen, Rouen

Saint-Ouen Abbey Church, also referred in English as Saint-Owen Abbey

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Rouen Castle

Rouen Castle was the castle of the town in Rouen, capital of the duchy

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Stade Roland Garros

Le Stade de Roland Garros ('Roland Garros Stadium') is a tennis venue

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Circuit Park Zandvoort

Circuit Park Zandvoort is a motorsport race track located in

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Suzuka Circuit

Suzuka International Racing Course (鈴鹿サーキット, Suzuka Sākitto), Suz

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Okayama International Circuit

The Okayama International Circuit (formerly known as TI Circuit Aida)

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Circuit de la Sarthe

The Circuit de la Sarthe, located near Le Mans, France, is a

See all similar places