The selection British classic cars gathered around a bright red London bus. Who would have thought that this was the Place Massena in Nice, and it was the set-off point for a tour to Cannes. But 120 classic car enthusiasts were joining the Riviera Classic Car Picnic, a new event organised by the Automobile Club de Nice, celebrating  British classic cars. And to prove it, as part of the event, the entrants would be enjoying a typically English picnic including salt and vinegar crisps and Branston pickle en route. Not your typical Riviera fare.

The interesting new event has with a uniquely English twist ended up attracting 65 British classics to the south of France and provided some first rate viewing opportunities for local car fans to see the Brits close-up, as well as the drivers to experience the roads at their best. Along the way, they stopped off for lunch and enjoyed a concert by local crooner Alain Gorla, and then watched a cricket match put on by the Beaulieu Cricket Club, who came ready with bat and ball to demonstrate 'the gentleman's game'.

In short, it was a full day dedicated to British lifestyle and the country's classic cars. Star cars on the event were a 1948 MG once owned by Sir Stirling Moss. As well as the tour, the event also included a regularity rally, and Matthew Fisher's 1972 MGB GT won the event, followed by Xavier Roux (1965 Austin Cooper) and Nicolas Malbert (1965 Jaguar Mk2). The Automobile Club de Nice is now considering hosting similar events with German, French and Italian themes – but the British picnic is already confirmed for 2012.