The Automobile Club of France

The history of automobile clubs dates back to the nineteenth century and the Automobile Club of France or ACF is no different. The club was the brainchild of visionary builder Albert de Dion who along with sports journalist Paul Meyan and businessman, philanthropist, and car enthusiast Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt founded the institution on November 12, 1985.

The club found its initial place close to the France Opera but moved to Place Louis XV, currently known as Place de la Concorde in 1898 to offer a more prestigious and luxurious experience for its members. It is an enormous palace that holds all the amenities that go beyond the imagination of a common man.

How to be a member of the Automobile Club de France?

You do not necessarily need to be the CEO of an automobile brand but to be honest, this is not a public library either, you can just walk through the main door and ask for a membership. One needs to demonstrate the credentials of being a member of l'Auto which must be exclusive and your knowledge and contribution to the automotive world are big factors here.

However, a membership can be attained through a direct invitation from the club itself but the exclusivity of becoming a part of the century-old establishment is not disclosed to the general public. There is another way where one can join the club but it needs the backing of two existing members.

What are the benefits for the members of ACF?

Firstly, the ACF occupies over 10,000 sq meters of area in the Hotels du Plessis-Bellière and Moreau where the luxury is boundless. The members have access to multiple lounges, movie theaters, dining rooms, bars, a gym, a swimming pool, and a library that offers at least 50,000 books and references.

Each of these facilities is enormous in nature while the features and experiences are unmatched. Moreover, the activities for the members are not limited to automobiles only as the club includes several physical amenities like shooting, fencing, billiards, squash, and yoga as well. An exclusive hair salon is available for the members and a travel agency is also at their service.

What are the annual events of the club?

The annual events are like the main attractions of an automobile club but for the ACF they are not just simple events. In 1906 the club agreed with the département of Sarthe and organized a race event that marked the inauguration of the French Grand Prix and the 24 Hours Le Mans.

The Formula One organization also evolved from the Grand Prix racing and the French Government commemorated the 100th Anniversary by issuing a coin. The First World War disrupted the racing events in France and the authorities had to rename the competition as “ACF Grand Prix” which was ultimately changed into “French Grand Prix” in 1967.

How grand is the architecture of the ACF?

The Automobile Club of France is situated in the 6-8 Place de la Concorde which was designed by Jacques Ange Gabriel, one of the world’s finest architects. The two-palace project was the idea of Gabriel himself and one of these palaces is the house for the club. The art and craftsmanship coupled with the luxurious experience inside the palace demonstrate the pride of the place. The ceilings are as high as the sky and the chandeliers hang to amaze. The wooden surfaces are all handmade and the materials are best-in-the-class.

It is not just about the visual wonders but the culinary experience is also nothing short of extraordinary. The impeccable ambiance, the overall grandeur, and the feel of exclusivity and eliteness inside the halls are simply beyond description through words. It is no wonder that the venue is often used for private events, business meetings, and bespoke soirées.

Is it true that l'Auto is a men-only club?

The members are indeed men and the average age of the current membership is 55 years. However, the club has no rule against the joining of a woman and to be honest, in the modern era and the twenty-first century, a no-woman rule would only have a negative impact on the prestigious institution.

It is not as simple for a woman to join the club as the ACF does not generally send invitations their way. Despite the French Automotive industry having several female leaders, the only way to be a member is the second option of having two members backing the woman up.