On this historic racetrack in the Île-de-France region, driving courses are offered for motorsport enthusiasts.

Craving the thrill of driving a high-speed race car on one of France’s most iconic circuits in the Paris region? The Autodrome of Linas-Montlhéry (Essonne) offers a range of driving experiences suitable for beginners and seasoned motorsport enthusiasts alike. Here’s what you need to know before slipping on your helmet.

The Linas-Montlhéry Circuit was established in 1924 on the Saint-Eutrope plateau, about 30 km south of Paris. Originally conceived by visionary engineer Alexandre Lamblin, his goal was to create a high-speed oval track that could rival the world’s top circuits. From its very opening, the venue quickly became a testing ground for the era’s race cars, setting over a hundred speed and endurance records in a remarkably short period.

Over the decades, the Autodrome has played many roles: hosting car, motorcycle, and even bike races; serving as the stage for historic Grand Prix events; and acting as a testing ground for manufacturers or a venue for enthusiasts of vintage cars. Today, although the circuit no longer hosts major international races like in the past, it still holds a legendary status.

The venue combines historic facilities with one-of-a-kind setups: an inclined speed ring built to push vehicles to their limits at high speeds, alongside a more technical, winding track. This route features tight turns, inclines, and rhythm changes — a true test for anyone passionate about steering and performance.

This blend of heritage — with walls that have witnessed triumphs from the early 20th century — and modernity — featuring supervised driving courses and sleek, contemporary cars — makes Montlhéry a truly unique destination. Visitors come for the legend, the engineering, but above all, for the thrill of the experience.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France for May 4–10, 2026.
• The ultimate guide to running and road races in Paris and Île-de-France for 2026

Training programs: what can you participate in, for whom, and at what age

At Montlhéry, a variety of driving experiences are available to suit every taste and level of expertise. For fans of GT cars and supercars, there's the chance to take the wheel of renowned models: Alpine, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi… These sessions can be booked as short experiences, perfect for those trying it out for the first time — for instance, behind the wheel of the iconic Alpine A110 S.

For those craving a more adrenaline-pumping experience, single-seater driving courses—especially in Formula Renault—are available. These sessions teach the unique skills of track driving: racing lines, braking techniques, gear shifts. Depending on the package you select, you can complete anywhere from 7 laps to multiple full sessions—including qualifying and warm-up runs.

Age and Conditions: For certain introductory sessions — such as GT, supercar, Alpine, and others — participants can join from the age of 15, provided they are accompanied by an adult and often hold a driver's license or are in a supervised driving program. For single-seater experiences or more ambitious racing packages, a valid B driver's license is required; these sessions offer a more in-depth experience, including a briefing, track reconnaissance, and technical driving instruction.

It's worth noting that each session includes a safety briefing, provided equipment (helmet, jumpsuit, sometimes gloves), and guidance from qualified instructors — making the experience accessible even for eager beginners.

So, if you're a fan of and want to try your hand at this adrenaline-pumping activity, or if you're looking for a unique gift idea, this thrilling experience near Paris is perfect for thrill-seekers!