First timer

[DS240]

TOV!E said:

Nice to see I am not the only one that is doing it this way

You're definately not the only one. The surrounding areas are filled with supporters in any available hotel, gite, campsite.

I have now concluded the village we stay in is the perfect formula. Great routes in, facilities, and we now know the same regulars who stay there, plus some of the locals who are now friends.

[The Leaper]

We stay 80km away in a hotel and find it no problem to-ing and fro-ing to the circuit and parking up provided you're prepared to do so early/late. We are familiar with the back routes into and out of the circuit too. We also sleep overnight in the car in Parking Blanc. Been doing this since 1996, no problem. Rain and sun plus camping is not a good plan in our view so we're prepared to put up with the logistics of being off site, and COMFORTABLE!

R.

[Dblue]

Got to agree with most here. We stay in Ecommoy which is a lot closer than 30 mins but far enough to get away if we want. Its easy getting in and out, not sure what you guys who camp imagine its like.
Gives us the chance to see the race from Mulsanne, Arnage as well as the main entrance
As well as staying in this

[gt6]

Did i read that right
Lemans is NOT a matter of Life and death, now that is something you do hear very often on this or other le mans forums, Le mans is more than just a race.

[Dblue]

gt6 said:

Did i read that right
Lemans is NOT a matter of Life and death, now that is something you do hear very often on this or other le mans forums, Le mans is more than just a race.

Race, What race?

[surveyor]

TOV!E said:

gt6 said:

Love to know what is ment by priority access, can you imagine any of the local plod giving priority to anyone and especially a load of english in a minibus, I think that might be a sales pitch, I have seen seriously important people stuck in the jams and no one has priority.

He works for the tyre company that is supplying some if the teams so is aloud to use some of the exit gates to get in.
You may have seen some important people stuck in jams, but with 24 years in the SAS, planning is everything.....
There will not be a load of English in a mini bus, just the 2 of us in a tyre company van........'

Don't take life so seriously GT6 it's only a car race not life or death.......

Why do I have the scenes from the Italian Job in Turin in my head right now?

[Harryh87]

Nice little drive back and forth to the track through lovely french countryside and villages (que Homer Simpson donut dribbling/gargling impression), is there a Credenhill TVR appreciation club?

[t1grm]

TOV!E said:

DS240 said:

Stayed off circuit each year since 2003. Max 20 min drive away in nearby villages.

You are obviously limited to your track side drinking, but the amount put down where we stay it is probably a good thing.

Hotel, comfy bed, bar, shower/bath, breakfast. Shut the rooms windows if it rains. No camping gear to lug down.

Plans now perfected. Car park and route in means zero queues at any time! (ok, slight delay at race finish, but nothing major).

I'm sure the atmosphere at the track sites are great, but I can't be arsed with the hassle and worries. Fine if sunny all weekend, but miserable if it rains.

Nice to see I am not the only one that is doing it this way

I’m another one. After 4 years camping I’ve done the last 5 years in hotels. In my case I’ve always gone for hotels in Le Mans town centre (last minute cancellations) rather than the country chateau or surrounding villages option. You can take the tram to and from the circuit and not worry about traffic jams or drinking at the trackside. Also you can stumble back to your hotel in the small hours of Saturday morning after the post parade party.

[Nosynchro]

Have done both (well once stayed in a farmhouse 30 mins away when SWMBO came)but mostly camping at the circuit. They both have their upsides and downsides but on balance I much prefer camping as you feel you are missing something when off site and not just the beer and transportation issues mentioned. I think your plan is a fair one for first visit but guaranteed you will be back so try camping in 2014.