Circuit Châtre — Roulage moto piste 🇫🇷

Le circuit de La Châtre: 70 years of motorsport history

The circuit de La Châtre, officially named circuit Maurice Tissandier, is one of the oldest permanent circuits in France. Its history dates back to 1928 with the famous Ars hill climb race on the D943 between La Châtre and Châteauroux, organized by the local festival committee and the Automobile Club du Centre. The permanent circuit was inaugurated on June 17, 1956, at a place called Chavy, in the municipality of Montgivray (Indre), on the former rectified route of the road to Bourges. In the 70s and 80s, it hosted the Grand Prix de La Châtre in Formula 3 — European and French championships — with drivers such as Alain Prost (winner in 1979), Jackie Stewart, Jean-Pierre Beltoise, Jacques Laffite, Henri Pescarolo and Jean Alesi.

Track and characteristics of the circuit de La Châtre

The current circuit offers a short and technical track of 1.1 km with 9 tight and varied turns. The asphalt track is 11 meters wide — a generous width for a track of this size. A straight line with a slight incline (~200-300 m) allows for brisk acceleration before plunging into the winding downhill section with changes in elevation. The circuit also has a large 2.325 km track (enlarged in 1978) using the D940, used annually for the Auto Rétro Sport event. The sound limit is 95 dB and 20 stands are available in the paddock.

Riding tips at the circuit de La Châtre

La Châtre rewards precision and fluidity rather than pure speed. The uphill straight is the only area for brisk acceleration — exploit it to the fullest but anticipate braking before the first turn of the downhill section. The 9 technical turns require finesse: the changes in elevation downhill modify the grip, pay attention to the camber areas to optimize your corner entries. Avoid opening the throttle too early when exiting a turn, the track is short and every mistake is costly. With only 1.1 km, memorizing the track is quick and you can concentrate on perfecting your trajectories.

Access to the circuit de La Châtre

The circuit is located on route de Bourges, 36400 La Châtre (place called Chavy, municipality of Montgivray), on the D940. It is located approximately 40 minutes from Châteauroux, 1 hour from Bourges, and 2 hours from Clermont-Ferrand, Limoges or Poitiers. Ample parking is available on site.

Why ride at the circuit de La Châtre?

The circuit de La Châtre is a place steeped in history where Alain Prost, Jean Alesi and Jean-Pierre Beltoise cut their teeth in Formula 3. Its short and technical 9-turn track is ideal for rapid progress: the track width (11 m) forgives approximations, and the total visibility on the track makes it a perfect setting for a first experience on the track. The atmosphere is friendly, in the heart of the Berry countryside. The annual Auto Rétro Sport event (on the large circuit) brings together nearly 300 historic and modern vehicles, for the pleasure of enthusiasts. Consider a track day booking to ride at this historic circuit.