FranceHundreds of antique automobiles will roll down the streets of Mulhouse starting Friday during the annual Mulhouse Automobile Festival.
The Alsatian town is a logical choice for the festival, since it is the home of the Cité de l’Automobile (Automobile Museum), which features the Schlumpf Collection, one of the most prestigious car collections in the world. Festival events include activities in the museum’s new Autodrome and exhibits of legendary cars in Mulhouse’s Salvator park.
On Sunday, at 2:30 p.m., a grand parade presents the history of the automobile with a focus on the Ferrari. The festival lasts through the weekend.
For details, head to www.tourisme-mulhouse.com/en, and under “News” click on Automobile Festival .
This year’s Tour de France holds its opening ceremony Saturday in the Vendee region of France.
The ceremony includes riders cycling on the Passage du Gois, a tidal causeway linking the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier. A parade of team sponsors and other race associates will be followed by the riders as they begin their race for that day’s prestigious yellow jersey.
The 21-stage race will cover 3,430.5 kilometers (about 2,132 miles) in France through July 24.
To follow the race, go to www.letour.fr , which has an English option.
GermanyArtists will converge on the grounds around Trier’s famous Porta Negra, the ruins of the city’s last remaining Roman gate, for the annual crafts market this weekend.
About 95 artists will show off their skills and works, a mixture of traditional handwork techniques and modern designs. The market will be offering ceramics, jewelry, textiles and other imaginative pieces.
The city’s website is www.trier.de, which has an English option.
