Despite a deluge that reshaped the route, the fourth edition of the European Alpine Drive Out was a resounding success. A total of 95 participants in fifty striking Alpine A110s embarked on a road trip through the rolling landscapes, starting from Belgium’s Condroz region, passing through France and Luxembourg, and ending in Germany. The four-day, 700-kilometer journey concluded with a lap at the Hockenheim circuit.. Not even floods could dampen the fun!
Text by Anja Van Der Borght – Pictures and videos Y Hann
On the afternoon of Thursday, May 16, as we arrived at Domaine de Ronchinne in the heart of the Condroz region of Namur, the atmosphere was immediately set. Against the backdrop of this impressive estate at the gateway to the Ardennes, colorful Alpines began to arrive one after another. From the air, it looked like a spectacle of colored Lego blocks surrounding the castle. On the ground, participants enjoyed the variety of Alpine models: tuned, originally stickered, or in a special Jean Rédélé edition (limited series). As attendees made their way to their accommodations across the sprawling estate, we realized the vastness of Domaine de Ronchinne. “With 80 rooms, the estate can host over 200 people,” said Alpine Drive Out organizer Frank Slabbynck. “For this fourth edition, we could have easily had a hundred registrations, but we purposefully limited it to fifty Alpines. From experience, finding lodging for such a large group in one location is challenging. Keeping it to fifty cars makes everything more manageable and pleasant. That’s why we stick to that number.”
Fifty Shades
The best ideas often arise by chance, and the European Alpine Drive Out was no different. The concept was born in 2019 from the mind of Antwerp’s Frank Slabbynck, already a passionate organizer of various motor and circuit events. “After a test drive with a friend’s modern A110, I came up with the idea for this tour,” Slabbynck said. “Just a few hundred meters in this GT made me fall in love, and I knew I wasn’t alone. Its design, road handling, and performance make the Alpine A110 unforgettable. An Alpine gathering had to be my next project. From a first edition with just six participants, including myself (laughs), the Alpine Drive Out expanded to 72 cars the following year and now focuses on 50 cars. This means we sometimes have to disappoint enthusiasts, so early registration is a must!”
Flying Frank
Frank Slabbynck always finds a solution and ensures perfect organization, as we experienced firsthand. The fourth edition of the European Alpine Drive Out faced unusually heavy rains, local flooding, and landslides in Germany, making it too dangerous to follow the planned routes along the German Moselle. The planned lunch on a riverboat literally fell through, but Frank quickly found an alternative. While participants enjoyed their meal, Frank scouted for new routes. After lunch, participants could continue their road trip via the Alpine Drive Out app as if nothing had happened, which was met with loud applause.
Custom Luggage
Sharing meals, enjoying a drink in the evening, and experiencing a tour in a relaxed atmosphere among like-minded individuals was a highlight, especially for those who enjoyed a lap around the Hockenheim circuit. It was fascinating to hear stories about their Alpines or their adventures with motorcycles, rallies, and even everyday life. It’s clear that an Alpine A110 is not just any car but one suited for daily use, and the participants are devoted to the French brand. “We’ve driven Renaults all our lives,” said Alain, a retired French pilot. “When I first drove an Alpine, it did something to me. I’ll never forget that first ride. The sportiness and road handling were unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Today, I’m so proud of my car that we even had custom luggage made to fit the trunk for our road trips. It was expensive, but worth it.”
“My Alpine is like a pet that comforts me in tough times,” said Sylvie, a passionate French air hostess who participates in various rallies with her Alpine A110 S in Argent Mercure Mat gray. “My Alpine A110 has over 57,000 km on the odometer. It’s my only car, and I use it for everything: going to the movies, grocery shopping, or enjoying beautiful rallies. This European Alpine Drive Out is my fourth participation; I’ve been here since the beginning.” Everyone drives at their own pace during this rally. For some, the tour is a true rally that awakens the race driver within, like Laurent Richard in his Alpine A110 R in Blanc Glacier with the ‘LeMans’ theme. For others, it’s about leisurely enjoying the rolling landscapes. This year’s participants came from seven different countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Switzerland. Some women, like Swiss Sonja and French Fabienne, drove alone, which, thanks to the app, posed no problems, as they enthusiastically told us.
My Alpine is like a pet that also brings me comfort in difficult moments,” says Sylvie Enselme, a passionate French air hostess who drives various rallies with her Alpine A110 S in Argent Mercure Mat gray.
The next European Alpine Drive Out tour in the spring of 2025 will be a Tour des Alpes starting from Annecy. You will drive approximately 900 km in the French Alps, tackling no fewer than 23 mountain passes, including the Col des Aravis (1,486 m), Col de l’Iseran (2,770 m), Col de la Madeleine (1,993 m), Col du Galibier (2,646 m), Col d’Izoard (2,360 m), Col de Vars (2,109 m), Col de Turini (1,607 m), Col de la Bonette (2,715 m), and many others.
Each of the three days will feature four organized stops. Price €3,500 per car.
