Le Mans - what to see in July...

[FARKIT]

Hi Guys,

I'm currently in France, heading back to the UK on Thursday, and I go past Le Mans - is it worth a visit when there's no racing? What can be seen?
Is it possible to see the original pit lane etc?

I'm so close, and would hate to miss the opportunity - any advice and suggestions welcomed!

[sidekickdmr]

One of my mates did a euro road trip and popped into lemans on way past, don't know what he actually did/saw but he posted some pics of the pits/various cars etc so it appears you can get access to something.

Worst case scenario the town centre/square is nice!

[mcdjl]

You can drive 60% of the circuit if you're so inclined, or the museum has a a good collection even if it's a bit dry.

[TomCI]

Try to drop in to Loheac on the way back if you can. It's over by Nantes. It has one of the best motor museums I've ever been to!

It's a shame you're coming back on Thursday as there is a track day at the Maison Blanche circuit on Friday and Bugatti circuit on Saturday.

[webby23]

Yep, well worth a visit.

As mentioned you can drive from Tertre Rouge all the way round to the Porsche Curves in your car.

Then the museum and shop are well worth a visit, museum is 8 euros per adult and 6 for children, plus for 3 euros each you can go on a little mini bus tour of the main points of the circuit infield, eg pit buildings, paddock etc

Stop off and enjoy mate

[lowdrag]

Living here, I understand the preoccupation with the circuit, but the old town by the cathedral is well worth a visit too, with restaurants and 17th century buildings. at the track you can get into the pits and wander around as already said and there is usually something going on there. If so, walk up behind the museum to the Dunlop bridge (outside the track, not inside so before the tunnel) since it is a good viewing point just there. admission now gives you access. I shall be in Munich or else I'd have met up.

[FARKIT]

This is such a good forum!

Many thanks for all the advice - very much appreciated. I'll leave early and allow a couple of hours to wander around.

Thanks again!

Bruce

[leyorkie]

lowdrag said:

Living here, I understand the preoccupation with the circuit, but the old town by the cathedral is well worth a visit too, with restaurants and 17th century buildings. at the track you can get into the pits and wander around as already said and there is usually something going on there. If so, walk up behind the museum to the Dunlop bridge (outside the track, not inside so before the tunnel) since it is a good viewing point just there. admission now gives you access. I shall be in Munich or else I'd have met up.

Unfortunately at the moment the centre of Le Mans is one big building site due to the tramway extension. Most of the square in front of the cathedral is dug up and many of the main routes in and out.
To visit the centre take the tram from Antares which is near the commercial centre just off the Mulsanne straight, unless you know your way around I would avoid taking the car into the centre, diversions appear overnight, last Friday I found myself in a loop as I could not get where I wanted to be, just parked further out and walked in the end.

[lowdrag]

Yes mate, but the tram goes nowhere near the old town at the moment (took it to the station the other day) and the underground parking Place des Jacobins (in front of the cathedral) is still open. I agree it's a mess with the new tram lines, but easier to access from the parking than the main station.

[Blib]

lowdrag said:

Yes mate, but the tram goes nowhere near the old town at the moment (took it to the station the other day) and the underground parking Place des Jacobins (in front of the cathedral) is still open. I agree it's a mess with the new tram lines, but easier to access from the parking than the main station.

We visited the Old Town during race weekend this year. It was lovely. Well worth a few hours wander. Plus there's some excellent restaurants there.

[Davwlk]

We caught the tram from the University into the town centre and had a good walk round both the old and new town. Well worth a visit.