Le Mans excitement is building here in PHHQ and it seems that fever is shared across the PH community too as already our much-admired private campsite situated on Bleu Nord is already sold out. Yes, that’s right, sold out before the end of January. Thanks so much to all of you who responded to our earlier articles and paid their deposits so promptly. Thanks also to 1st Tickets for providing the best camping experience to PHers for another successful year.
However, that doesn’t mean you can no longer camp with PH at the most famous of endurance races; far from it in fact as we have non-private camping available at the 24H and still have availability for private camping at the Le Mans Classic (although that is selling fast too).
PistonHeads at Le Mans Classic
The PH/1st Tickets private campsite will be at its usual place on Bleu Nord, which is a short walk from the circuit and grandstands. The site is 12,000 square metres with approximately 120 spaces available for PHers.
Your package will include all of the following:
- Pre-allocated and marked out camping pitch – no need to worry, your space will be set out for you, whenever you arrive
- Free Wi-Fi access – No need to rely on patchy and expensive 3G
- Cooked meals included (3 x full English breakfast & 3 x evening meals)*
- Up to 5 day return Channel crossings
- General admission to the event is included
- Paddock access is included
- On-site security, including night patrols at the weekend – security for your car and belongings
- Fenced perimeter – for your peace of mind
- Good ratio of private toilets and showers – no long queues for filthy facilities
- Large marquee creating a social hub for all campers whatever the weather
- Cash bar with a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks in addition to tea and coffee
- TV coverage of the race so you don’t miss any of the action
- Guest Speakers (subject to availability) from teams taking part in the race!
- All tickets sent “Next Day” special delivery and insured
The table below details our package prices for the most popular channel crossings based on a standard sized vehicle and an up to five day crossing.
|
Standard Pitch(3.5m x 10m) |
|
Large Pitch(5m x 10m) |
|
Driver only Options |
Two per Car |
Three per Car |
Four per Car |
Two per Car |
Three per Car |
Four per Car |
Driver only pitch (2.7m x 10m) |
Standard Pitch (3.5m x 10m) |
Eurotunnel |
£390 |
£310 |
£275 |
£460 |
£360 |
£310 |
£545 |
£620 |
Dover - Calais |
£380 |
£305 |
£270 |
£450 |
£355 |
£305 |
£525 |
£600 |
Portsmouth - Caen |
£465 |
£365 |
£310 |
£535 |
£410 |
£345 |
£700 |
£775 |
Portsmouth/Poole - Cherbourg/Le Havre |
£505 |
£385 |
£330 |
£575 |
£435 |
£365 |
£775 |
£850 |
Portsmouth - Le Havre |
£480 |
£370 |
£320 |
£550 |
£420 |
£355 |
£730 |
£800 |
Newhaven - Dieppe |
£415 |
£330 |
£285 |
£485 |
£375 |
£320 |
£600 |
£675 |
European w/o Crossing |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
£POA |
Although our prices have increased from our 2012 packages, we have now included the meals (3 x breakfast & 3 x evening meal) and Wi-Fi into the package. You can be assured of a comfortable and, dare we say, luxurious stay, with all you need (bar a bit of beer money) included. Having fixed food, camping and even internet access costs means you can budget ahead of the event, which is important for us all.
* Prices are based on day sailings. An additional supplement is charged for onboard accommodation which is compulsory for night sailings.
However, if you decide the private campsite is not the right option for your group, we can still help you with standard camping on the main public campsites at the Classic, tailoring the package to suit your budgets and circuit location needs.
Parade Laps andPistonHeads Display Area:
The Club display areas on the Bugatti circuit are one of the great features of the Le Mans Classic. 2014 is no exception and there is expected to be over 8,000 cars displayed. To qualify your car needs to be in perfect condition and either built pre-1966 or one of the makes and models on the organisers "Happy Few" list (click here for the 2014 eligibility list).
Every fancied driving the full Le Mans Circuit? We have a limited number of Parade laps (£155 per car) with club enclosure parking on the Bugatti Circuit available for PHers at the Le Mans Classic! You can reserve these online as part of your booking with an initial deposit of £75.
To reserve your group’s spaces please click here. Initially you just need to pay a £150 per person deposit of with the remaining balance payable before 31st March 2014.
As spaces on the PistonHeads/1st Tickets private campsite are sold as a self-drive package including your channel crossing, you will also need to indicate your preferred crossing route and the number of people in each vehicle.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we will then contact you to discuss your preferred crossing dates and times, vehicle details, including registration and passenger details for your group.
What if all the spaces are sold?
Once all the spaces are filled, we will automatically allocate bookings to the standard PistonHeads camping area on the main Bleu Nord campsite where we will place PH members together. Although this does not offer all the facilities that are available on the private campsite, it gives you the opportunity to camp with likeminded PHers at Le Mans. We will still keep your details on the waiting list for the private camping option in case any spaces become available.
If you decide that the secondary PistonHeads camping area on the standard Bleu Nord campsite if not for you, we can look to find spaces on another of the standard ACO campsites or fully refund your group’s deposit.
- Can I add grandstand seats or helicopter flights to my booking?
Yes, you can add grandstand seats, helicopter flights to your order (subject to availability). As an official agent, we have a good selection of grandstands available. Grandstand prices at the Classic range from £20 to £45 per person you can add these at the time of booking. Helicopter flight prices are expected to be announced in March 2013 (likely price range is £100 - £120 per person). We will discuss these options with you when confirming you crossing requirements, etc.
- What will happen if we are staying for less than three nights and cannot take all our meals?
If you plan to arrive on Friday 4th July and depart on Sunday 6th July, that’s not a problem. We will adjust your booking details and convert the Monday breakfast to beer tokens!
- What if we are staying for more than three nights can we add additional meals?
Yes, if you are planning to arrive on Thursday 3rd July and depart on Monday 7th July, you can add an additional day's food for just £20 per person.
- What if I am not travelling in a standard sized car?
If your vehicle is not a standard size or you are travelling in a campervan or motorhome, then there may be an additional supplement payable for your crossing. When we call you to discuss your crossing details, we will be able to confirm any supplements due.
- Can you provide pre-erected tents?
Yes, there are pre-erected tents available. The pack will include a good sized tent, chairs, lantern, and air mattresses prices will be based on occupancy and will be in the region of £140 to £200 per tent and equipment depending on the number of people sharing and size of tent. There will also be a refundable £100 damage and excessive cleaning deposit per tent.
Non-private camping at Le Mans 24 Hour
We have a selection of options for PHers at Le Mans 24H. For full information please see our website.
In addition to camping, we will soon be in a position to share news of our Le Mans 24H Friday Service and Le Mans Classic meet too. Stand by for announcements.