Newbee: camp sites?

[Mk2lewis]

Have been looking at campsites and it's a first time at Le Mans for a couple of us.

Thinking of going with a private campsite. Like the idea of security, organised entertainment, bar, restaurant, toilets etc.
Speedchills looks like a favourite at the minute.

Any recommendations of which one to use? Are they worth the money?

Thanks everyone

[eastsider]

If you use the search function you should find quite a few past threads on the various private sites.

The ACO site facilities aren't that bad these days.

Whichever you choose location is important imho. Much better to be at the top end of the main enclosure, nearer to village, tram to town, variety of decent viewing etc. The likes of Beausjour are a long way from most of the action.

[Output Flange]

Whatever you want to do, you need to do it quickly - I'd wager that the private sites are going to be sold out soon, if not already.6

[Potatoes]

Yeah, many main sites are already sold out.

We (my brother and I) settled for Speed Chills in Beausejour as it's closest to the main road and we know a few people there. It's our first time so we wanted to be near as many people as possible that we have even the slightest connection to (everything from folks we trackday with to people who once posted on a thread I posted on here or on the VX220.org).

I know PH Blu Nord has a few spots left but it's over double the price of Beausejour... we figured doing the walk once a day would probably be better for us than forking out, we may change our minds next year

[gt6]

Good info on campsites on beermountain, but also in general you get what you pay for, However would confirm that the ACO sites are all pretty good now with facilities improving and on some sites the security is excellent. However at this late stage you will have to take what ever is available so keep your eyes peeled for as good a site as you can

[MrC986]

I'd concur with the comments above although I've only used PH/1st Tickets on my annual trips to the race - if you're after a well organised campsite with food etc. as part of the package there will be limited choices available by now as they get taken up early on. The main PH campsite is, as stated, one of the more expensive options although you've got an organiser whose based on site with a proven team of staff. Yes, it does lack some of the charm of the sites situated in the woodland areas, but the positives are that it's well organised with decent marked out plots; has clean wash facilities; good security and good food with the peace of mind of it being inhabited by a generally good group of petrolheads as the organiser is quite clear unacceptable behaviour isn't tolerated and you won't be allowed back! If you're interested, I suggest you call 1st Tickets asap.

[MadMacMcMad]

Op, YHM

[VanquishRider]

Try Chateau de Chanteloupe, a 10 minutes from the circuit, fantastic atmosphere, party on the Friday evening. Loads of space and great facilities. He even organises cheap taxis to the circuit if that is wat you need.

http://en.chateau-de-chanteloup.com/24-hours-of-le...

[lewisco]

VanquishRider said:

Try Chateau de Chanteloupe, a 10 minutes from the circuit, fantastic atmosphere, party on the Friday evening. Loads of space and great facilities. He even organises cheap taxis to the circuit if that is wat you need.

http://en.chateau-de-chanteloup.com/24-hours-of-le...

This is where I will be this year again. They also have a sports car show on the Friday evening where they pick the cars they like from the site to drive in a mini parade and a hog roast after the race on Sunday.

[Mk2lewis]

Thanks everyone you all your help, especially the people who pm'd me.
Should be booked by tomorrow. Wish I had done it sooner, bad organising.

Do people find it easier/cheaper to book their ferries separate to booking with tour operators?

[FraMac]

Hi. Let us know where you finish up. We've always booked passage separately as we book as soon as the sailings are available, so around nine months in advance.

See what your operator can offer you, and make your own enquiries too. The official ticket agents and most of the private sites are as sound as a pound but I wouldn't want to see you striped up.

[SEE YA]

Worth a look,try Beermountain for advice.

[C70R]

We tend to bundle camping/admission passes together from an operator (the excellent JustTickets), and book our ferries separately (a group booking via AFerry - much cheaper than going direct).

We might pay a slight premium on our camping/admission passes, but it's worth it for the ability to get our pick of campsites 10 months in advance.

[NickNJ]

We tend to buy camping direct from the aoc. Works out at £46 between two.

I sometimes use a ferry or go direct, whichever is cheapest. Aferry came in at £56 for the ferry last year.

[Mk2lewis]

All booked up with team langoustine now. Very excited!

Anything I shouldn't miss doing over the weekend? Except the race of course.

[MrC986]

Mk2lewis said:

All booked up with team langoustine now. Very excited!

Anything I shouldn't miss doing over the weekend? Except the race of course.

(In no particular order) find out when the practice is for the race & also the pit walk
The Classic British Welcome / PH Friday Service (http://www.classicbw.org/?ln=UK)
The Drivers Parade
The supporting races

If you haven't done so already, have a look at one of the guides from the various operators i.e. Beer Mountain etc. on what you need to bring especially for LM24 I.e. ear defenders etc. if your planning on getting a quick power nap whilst the racing is on as it's too late or expensive to equip yourself once you're in France. Above all, make sure you've got a decent memory card in your phone and some kind of back up battery for your phone if it's heavy on the power.

[LFB531]

Well done for getting into TL (assuming it's their own site). I went to LM as a newbie about 6 years ago and found them by pure chance. They looked after me and my chums really well and we've been back every year since.

9 of us with them this year. Our best bit of kit advice is a comfy chair but maybe we're getting a bit older! Most other stuff you forget can be bought quite easily and we're still perfecting the kit list. We do the Thursday to Monday as Sunday night is properly funny on site.

See you there!

Duncan

[Mk2lewis]

MrC986 said:

(In no particular order) find out when the practice is for the race & also the pit walk
The Classic British Welcome / PH Friday Service (http://www.classicbw.org/?ln=UK)
The Drivers Parade
The supporting races

Yep had them on my to-do list already.
Heard about a tram into Le Mans town, think that might be the best way as I imagine it gets very busy down there on Friday.

Do I need tickets or sign on to get into the CBW/ PH FS?

[Mk2lewis]

LFB531-

Yes on the TL campsite. Will be doing Thursday to Monday also, looking forward to all the fun.

[MrC986]

Mk2lewis said:

Yep had them on my to-do list already.
Heard about a tram into Le Mans town, think that might be the best way as I imagine it gets very busy down there on Friday.

Do I need tickets or sign on to get into the CBW/ PH FS?

You'll need to sign up for the PHFS at the CBW via the forum & also get there early as it gets very busy & if you've got a nice car, you'll want to get 'in' rather than be relegated to the car park outside the event (which we've heard happen to some). The other thing is that you might want to try & pick your route back to your campsite early on the Friday given the various roadside ambushes that pop up around the place (& also cause traffic jams).