Vacation return highlights the legendary and sentimental National 7
Exploring the Charm of the National 7: A Journey Through Time and Culture
The National 7, also known as the Sun Road and the vacation road, is a particularly symbolic road for many motorists in France. This historic route, stretching from Paris to Menton on the French Riviera, has been associated with great vacations since the late 1950s, when the French obtained a third week of paid leave.
The National 7, a road that extends over 996 km, facilitated commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity across France. It traverses diverse landscapes and towns, offering travelers a vivid experience of French geography and culture.
Preservation efforts along the National 7 focus on maintaining its rustic and historical aspects to honour its heritage. Various sections of the road have been preserved or restored with original signage, roadside architecture, and landmarks that evoke the golden age of French motoring and holidays.
In Montélimar, Thierry Dubois, a cartoonist and enthusiast of the National 7, has created a museum showcasing remnants of this mythical road. Among the souvenirs, a surprising nougat truck tells the story of the dried fruit industry in Montélimar.
Claude Ducol, the heir and manager of a gas station in Étoile-sur-Rhône, maintains the station in its original state, with restoration work giving the building its original colours two years ago. Inside, an emotional collection of objects and souvenirs, including three oil distributor nozzles with different types of oil, refurbished by Claude Ducol, fascinate visitors.
Thierry Dubois takes us on a journey through the remnants of the National 7, driving an old car between Valence and Montélimar in the Drôme department. He recounts the story of going down south on the National 7 with a Charles Aznavour song, "Emmenez-moi". The line from the song, "Misery is easier to live with in the sun", perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the National 7.
The preservation of old advertising murals in Loriol-sur-Drôme is another testament to the National 7's cultural significance. Catherine Jacquot, deputy mayor of Loriol-sur-Drôme, used old photos by Thierry Dubois to find the original colours for the preservation of the murals.
The National 7 remains an important part of France's 20th-century transport and cultural history, preserved through both local and cultural valorization. Despite the development of newer highways, its historical and cultural value endures, supported by enthusiasts and local initiatives that highlight its role in French collective memory as a cherished symbol of post-war travel and leisure.
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