Piggin' 'ell - catching a boat to work - that's classy.
You're right, I'm sure. My parents have lived near Saumur for the past 10 years and I don't think the police have become significantly more heavy-handed in that time. Mummydear and Pater both drive like total lunatics in an attempt to keep up with the locals and their postman is often seen in the local bar having a couple of fortifying brandys before driving off to do his round of a morning.
Avoiding the obvious (RN138) route to the track may help, I suppose - but at least the Gendarmerie courteously salute you before writing out the extortionate speeding ticket. Over here there's a 50/50 that the first interaction you'll have with Smokey Bear after a speeding indiscretion, is when he sticks his 9 mill in your ear'ole.