... is the oldest Grand Prix of all. It was first held at Le Mans in 1906. Since then it has been held at no fewer than 16 different courses.
Circuit Paul Ricard, which is near Marseilles and opened in 1970, first hosted the race in 1971. From 1972 to 1984 it alternated with Dijon, although it wasn't strictly turn and turn about (Paul Ricard was the venue for two consecutive years on two separate occasions).
Circuit Paul Ricard hosted the race every year from 1985 to 1990, but in 1991 it was replaced by Nevers Magny-Cours (in central France, between Paris and Lyon). This was an attempt to stimulate the economy of the area, but it was not a popular move; many within Formula One were not happy with the remote nature of the circuit.
The French Grand Prix ran into financial difficulties during its time at Magny-Cours, and it was not held between 2008 and 2018. In 2018 it returned to Circuit Paul Ricard.
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