Author Archives: JJS

When the Universe hits “Repeat”

Posted on June 21, 2026 by JJS

Some people measure a life in milestones: first steps, first kiss, first job, first grey hair. The Universe, apparently, prefers calendars. I was born on Sunday, June 21st, 1953. It was the first day of Summer, Father’s Day in France, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Avignon

Posted on June 20, 2026 by JJS

Thirty Years, One Baby, and a Belt I Couldn’t Find In which our correspondent drives two and a half hours to celebrate a marriage that has outlasted several monarchies, meets a granddaughter who has been on the premises for considerably … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The week that was 24/2026

Posted on June 16, 2026 by JJS

It began, as the best weeks invariably do, at a table. Les Grands Buffets in Narbonne — that magnificent, slightly delirious temple to the French conviction that more is not enough, and that what is needed is considerably more — … Continue reading →

Posted in Weekly recap | 1 Comment

Le Mans 2026 – Day 5

Posted on June 16, 2026 by JJS

Home, glorious home Nine o’clock. On the dot. Bags packed, gîte left in a condition that would not disgrace a TripAdvisor review, and four slightly battered but thoroughly happy Le Mans veterans pointing the Audi Q5 south toward civilisation. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars and bits, Motorsports | Tagged | 2 Comments

Le Mans 2026 – Day 4

Posted on June 15, 2026 by JJS

The morning after the night before There are mornings when you spring out of bed refreshed and ready to conquer the world. This was not one of them. Emerging sometime around 9am, I felt less like a seasoned motorsport veteran … Continue reading →

Posted in Automotive Events, Cars and bits | 1 Comment

Le Mans 2026 – Day 3

Posted on June 14, 2026 by JJS

The plan survives contact with reality (mostly) Race day The words that make every other day of the year feel like a rehearsal. I had, as is my custom, a plan. A proper one. Not the kind scribbled on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Le Mans 2026 – Day 2

Posted on June 13, 2026 by JJS

McLarens, andouilette and a Bourbon under the stars A thousand classics, one monumental disappointment at the pit lane gate, and the sort of evening that makes the rest of it worthwhile. Cloudy skies greeted us when we surfaced, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in Classic Cars, Motorsports | 1 Comment

Le Mans 2026 – Day 1

Posted on June 12, 2026 by JJS

The long road to La Roche Racan There is something almost meditative about setting off at 9am for a destination that involves forty-eight hours of sleep deprivation, petrol fumes, and grown men arguing about lap times at three in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars and bits, Hobby, Motorsports | 1 Comment

Turning the page

Posted on June 10, 2026 by JJS

🇬🇧 This morning I performed what can only be described as a last rites ceremony on four plastic wheels: one final lap of honour with the Méhari. I eased her out of the garage with the delicacy of a surgeon … Continue reading →

Posted in Cars and bits | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The week that was 21/2026

Posted on May 30, 2026 by JJS

🇬🇧 Les copains d’abord Or: how to drive 600 km, watch kites, drink wine, and solve the great Leclerc debate of our time. ➿➿ Monday ➿➿ Every good road trip needs a logic to it. Mine was, frankly, impeccable: drive … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Weekly recap | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment