Through his business at 31 avenue de la gare, Denis rents out a dozen vintage cars for a trip to La Rochelle or for weddings during the summer months.
Even if you're not a fan of fast cars, you have to admit that the presence of a vintage car at a wedding often has a wow factor. I saw this for myself at my very first wedding at Château de Crazannes on July 30, 2022. There, in the driveway of the Château du Chat Botté, purred a beautiful cream-colored Burton. Before long, she became the sole focus of my lens and the audience, who relished every stroke of the gas pedal. In retrospect, I realized that many of my best wedding photos had been taken during that suspended moment when the beauty of a dress, a face, a moment, a light, mingled with the bulging forms of this little jewel mounted on four wheels.
Roots, country, chic or classy, every wedding has its own car.
This famous Burton, which contributed so much to the success of my first marriage, was easy to find, as its owner had the ingenious idea of emblazoning its sides with the name of his sign: "31 avenue de la gare". And a visit to his website reveals that the Burton is just one of the specimens that populate his garage in Lussant, near Rochefort. A dozen or so cars are waiting to be taken for a spin, and there's something for everyone. Mehari, Dodoche, Z3 Cobra, Burton... There's bound to be a car to suit your style, whether you're planning a roots, country, chic or classy wedding. And there's no need to break the bank to treat yourself. At a weekend budget of €300, you can have a Burton, a Mehari or a 2CV. And hot photos!
Denis, a super-friendly landlord
As I've just told you, I knew his cars before I knew Denis. And I haven't regretted my efforts to find out who's behind this collection, which is as sympathetic as it is improbable. After selling his business two years ago, Denis decided to invest in classic cars to "meet nice people". I really appreciate the human project behind this activity, which is devoid of mercantile ambitions (just look at the prices he charges). And I like even more the idea that Denis is not an old car enthusiast as one might expect. As for the enigmatic name of his business (31 avenue de la gare), I'll leave it to you to ask him about its origins.
Practical info
31 avenue de la gare
Website: 31avenuedelagare.fr
Denis - 07 84 37 47 19
Walks between La Rochelle, Rochefort, Royan and Saintes
Wedding rates
- Burton - Mehari - 2 CV
Saturday 8 a.m. to Sunday 6 p.m.: €300
- Z3 Cobra
Saturday 8 a.m. to Sunday 6 p.m.: €450
Les Noces de Florent, wedding photographer in Poitiers, France
Photographer and videographer based in Poitiers, Les Noces de Florent travels all over France (but mainly in the former Poitou-Charentes region) to immortalize your wedding. From the preparations to the evening, trust me to accompany you on the most beautiful adventure of your life. As a journalist for 15 years, I like to work in reportage mode, keeping a low profile to capture unexpected, spontaneous moments.
See my photos of Camille and Nathan's wedding
See my Camille and Nathan's wedding video
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