First time but totally clueless
Discussion
It's Hubbys birthday next year near Le Mans and I was thinking of paying for him to go to Le Mans with his mates. I have seen this: http://www.lemansrace.com/deptcontent/travel-desti... which I have booked for him and 3 mates. I have just noticed that it's only Thursday to Sun/Mon. is this long enough? Is there nothing on in the beginning of the week?
Also after the weather this year, do you think it would be worth getting a grandstand seat so if it does start raining they won't be wet/cold? If so, which would you says best? I was thinking the pit lane seats, but I'm guessing unless you sit right at the front you have no chance in seeing the pits or much else.
Is it worth bringing beer to the track or is there more than enough to buy when you get there? (was even thinking of brewing some so it's cheaper)
Same question but with food. Is it worth getting a portable BBQ with some food or is the food reasonably priced there?
Just checked his passport and that's all up to date so that's one less expense.
Sorry if they're stupid "newbie" questions. I just want it to be a birthday to remember as It's a big "0" one
Also after the weather this year, do you think it would be worth getting a grandstand seat so if it does start raining they won't be wet/cold? If so, which would you says best? I was thinking the pit lane seats, but I'm guessing unless you sit right at the front you have no chance in seeing the pits or much else.
Is it worth bringing beer to the track or is there more than enough to buy when you get there? (was even thinking of brewing some so it's cheaper)
Same question but with food. Is it worth getting a portable BBQ with some food or is the food reasonably priced there?
Just checked his passport and that's all up to date so that's one less expense.
Sorry if they're stupid "newbie" questions. I just want it to be a birthday to remember as It's a big "0" one
Looks like a great surprise you've arranged.
Thurs to Mon is more than enough time for the main event and the norm for people heading to the race.
Grandstands are good, either shielding you from rain or sun and always giving you your own spot to head to. Most are covered. The start straight is a good option with plenty of big TVs and views of the pits. Even at the back of the stand you get good views.
A BBQ is worthwhile camping. Food easily sourced when there or just take your own stuff.
You will need to buy general entry ticket as well as the grandstand ticket.
Thurs to Mon is more than enough time for the main event and the norm for people heading to the race.
Grandstands are good, either shielding you from rain or sun and always giving you your own spot to head to. Most are covered. The start straight is a good option with plenty of big TVs and views of the pits. Even at the back of the stand you get good views.
A BBQ is worthwhile camping. Food easily sourced when there or just take your own stuff.
You will need to buy general entry ticket as well as the grandstand ticket.
Hi Keepingitquiet,
Firstly, best gift ever. Though he may go missing every June from next year on.
There is plenty going on at the start of the week, Monday has scrutineering,Tuesday evening has the pit walk & autograph session, Wednesday has day & night practice.
I believe they will still be able to camp in the public campsite for the early part of the week & then move to the private campsite on Thursday.
I personally recommend getting a grandstand (tribune) ticket for the reasons you mentioned, but also you get better views than being on the terraces along the pit straight. The stands are actually pretty good & you do get a good view no matter where you are sitting.
They do sell (slightly expensive, weak) beer at the track, but they do not like people bringing in their own, I've had my bag searched a few times for that reason & officially they don't allow bottles on the campsites.
As for food, you cannot survive on the food sold at the track for the whole week. A lot of folk take barbeques to do their own cooking at the campsites so that is not an issue, though I think Travel Destinations do on site meals. I do recommend going into Le Mans town for a decent meal, there is a lot of great restaurants & cafes.
Maybe check out Beermountain.com for more information & the guys over there are mostly harmless
Firstly, best gift ever. Though he may go missing every June from next year on.
There is plenty going on at the start of the week, Monday has scrutineering,Tuesday evening has the pit walk & autograph session, Wednesday has day & night practice.
I believe they will still be able to camp in the public campsite for the early part of the week & then move to the private campsite on Thursday.
I personally recommend getting a grandstand (tribune) ticket for the reasons you mentioned, but also you get better views than being on the terraces along the pit straight. The stands are actually pretty good & you do get a good view no matter where you are sitting.
They do sell (slightly expensive, weak) beer at the track, but they do not like people bringing in their own, I've had my bag searched a few times for that reason & officially they don't allow bottles on the campsites.
As for food, you cannot survive on the food sold at the track for the whole week. A lot of folk take barbeques to do their own cooking at the campsites so that is not an issue, though I think Travel Destinations do on site meals. I do recommend going into Le Mans town for a decent meal, there is a lot of great restaurants & cafes.
Maybe check out Beermountain.com for more information & the guys over there are mostly harmless
Thanks for the reply. Luckily the tents above "include your choice of channel crossings, general enclosure race tickets and a pre-erected Event tents with beds." Not bad for £350 pp I thought. Just the Grandstand ticket to buy on top 
I'll start having a look at the end of the summer for a BBQ for him and try and hide it somewhere in the house so he doesn't find it.
I'll start having a look at the end of the summer for a BBQ for him and try and hide it somewhere in the house so he doesn't find it.
Top present!
Thursday to Monday is long enough. We usually try and get there Wednesday but you won't miss much turning up on Thursday. Practice and qualifying starts on Wednesday with sessions on Thursday.
The weather could be anything from 100 degrees to torrential rain.
Grandstand tickets are ok but not needed, the grandstands are open to everyone on Wednesday and Thursday so we usually have a sit in them then. There is a public stand/terrace on the start finish line where you can watch the start without a grandstand ticket.
Beer at the track is tricky.. Officially you aren't allowed glass bottles within the circuit but we usually take a crate of stubbies with us for the start, stashed in someones back pack. Beer at the circuit is about 6 Euros a pint.
BBQ is compulsory at campsites although I think Travel Destinations put on food and stuff. Plenty of supermarkets nearby selling cheap beer and food.
GlennC said:
Though he may go missing every June from next year on.
They do sell (slightly expensive, weak) beer at the track, but they do not like people bringing in their own, I've had my bag searched a few times for that reason & officially they don't allow bottles on the campsites.
I don't mind that, would give me a week to myself so I can watch all the cr*p TV in the evenings I like so it's Win Win They do sell (slightly expensive, weak) beer at the track, but they do not like people bringing in their own, I've had my bag searched a few times for that reason & officially they don't allow bottles on the campsites.
Really?! You can't take your own beer? What about if they're in PET bottles?
Edited by keepingitquiet on Wednesday 31st July 14:14
keepingitquiet said:
I don't mind that, would give me a week to myself so I can watch all the cr*p TV in the evenings I like so it's Win Win
Really?! You can't take your own beer? What about if they're in PET bottles?
Beer is fine at campsites, just not in the circuit. Really?! You can't take your own beer? What about if they're in PET bottles?
Edited by keepingitquiet on Wednesday 31st July 14:14
RobGT81 said:
Glass bottles are fine at the campsites too, certainly Maison Blanche. Only ever had rumours of bans.
2011 and 2012 glass bottles were a big No-No at Houx! Glass ban was lifted this year after complaints from the Carrefour and travel agencies. But at that private campsite you you would be fine.Don't know what containers the homebrewn beer comes in, but sounds delicious already!
Grandstands, best avoid the ones above the pits indeed. View is not good, and you'll be exposed to the elements. Better get one on the outside of the pits-straight, preverably on the beginning or end of it.
The travel destinations package includes general enclosure. Grandstand tickets they offer here:
http://www.lemansrace.com/dpage.html?pageid=50&...
The cheap ones are not covered!
BBQ-ing always a good idea!
This should answer most of your questions. If more, just shout!
PS. Your husband is one lucky git!
Also remember that some (most) of the restaurants in Le Mans offer very good food at no more than you would pay over here.
Try to support the local economy if you can. It is not a wealthy part of France but the locals are very friendly and the tram makes access to the town very quick. They realise that we bring a benefit to their economy but remember to act as guests and you/your husband will have a great experience.
Paul
Try to support the local economy if you can. It is not a wealthy part of France but the locals are very friendly and the tram makes access to the town very quick. They realise that we bring a benefit to their economy but remember to act as guests and you/your husband will have a great experience.
Paul
If you are going the Grandstand route, then T16 or T18 are the best.
T16 for views etc also oposite the pit exit and big screen, T18 as it has toilets/showers/food and a bar and it's oposite the pits with a reasonable view of a big screen to keep upto date. You can get these if you look about, but they are quickly snapped up. They are generally/arguably the best seats in the house.
T16 for views etc also oposite the pit exit and big screen, T18 as it has toilets/showers/food and a bar and it's oposite the pits with a reasonable view of a big screen to keep upto date. You can get these if you look about, but they are quickly snapped up. They are generally/arguably the best seats in the house.
Storer said:
Also remember that some (most) of the restaurants in Le Mans offer very good food at no more than you would pay over here.
Try to support the local economy if you can. It is not a wealthy part of France but the locals are very friendly and the tram makes access to the town very quick. They realise that we bring a benefit to their economy but remember to act as guests and you/your husband will have a great experience.
Paul
The region of Le Mans is not particularly prosperous so support the local economy - - beer=lager can be had at good prices at Carrefour or Super U Try to support the local economy if you can. It is not a wealthy part of France but the locals are very friendly and the tram makes access to the town very quick. They realise that we bring a benefit to their economy but remember to act as guests and you/your husband will have a great experience.
Paul
Many things to do ... Mad Friday is a must for a Newbie
My son and I have been going to Le Mans since 1996. In past years we have always had seats in T23 La Sarthe. This year we opted for T18, the ACO tribune (I'm an ACO member). Aside from having some bars, good toilets and showers, it was disappointing viewing. We'll be back in La Sarthe in future years, I feel. My ACO memvership will still give us access to the facilities in T18.
R.
R.
The Leaper said:
My son and I have been going to Le Mans since 1996. In past years we have always had seats in T23 La Sarthe. This year we opted for T18, the ACO tribune (I'm an ACO member). Aside from having some bars, good toilets and showers, it was disappointing viewing. We'll be back in La Sarthe in future years, I feel. My ACO memvership will still give us access to the facilities in T18.
R.
I am also a memebr of ACO but never buys stands.. - last year I got into the stand very early in the morning R.
This is how it looks from there - judge for yourself
THis year Audi had a great fan facility right at the Dunlop chicane.. hope they do it again
Edited by Great Dane on Monday 5th August 10:28
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