Car and Tent or MH
Discussion
Looking to attend Le Mans for the first time (I'm 58!) with my son next year.
I'm undecided whether to drive down in an interesting/enjoyable car (Alpina B3 / AM Vantage / Integrale) with a tent, making it part of the adventure, or to take the motorhome, which would give me my own loo, comfortable bed, clean shower, cooking facilities, and more...
I think the latter makes the most sense, but I feel a bit of FOMO about not taking a car.
I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced Le Mans attendees and get some recommendations for a relaxing schedule, as well as the best places to camp or organisations to book through.
I'm undecided whether to drive down in an interesting/enjoyable car (Alpina B3 / AM Vantage / Integrale) with a tent, making it part of the adventure, or to take the motorhome, which would give me my own loo, comfortable bed, clean shower, cooking facilities, and more...
I think the latter makes the most sense, but I feel a bit of FOMO about not taking a car.
I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced Le Mans attendees and get some recommendations for a relaxing schedule, as well as the best places to camp or organisations to book through.
Edited by andy-integrale on Monday 11th August 13:52
I've done a few with MH or campervan replacing the car and always leave the weekend thinking how different it might have been had I taken the car instead, as you are tied to the circuit or reliant on the trams (or taking a couple of cycles). It also depends on how long you will make the trip and whether or not on the Friday you want to get out to a couple of the car meets, as well as your enjoyment of the drive there and back. If it's your first trip then I'd suggest prioritising freedom of options over comfort and plan for the drive.
If you are able to travel on Wednesday for a late afternoon arrival you will catch some track testing and qualifying action in the evening. Thursday daytime is a good time to familiarise yourself with the circuit layout, museum, and the "Village", hit the supermarket (if necessary) and then more track action in the early and late evening. Friday you have options with the car, the Classic British Welcome is held in St Saturnin on the north side of the city but spending some time in Mulsanne and/or Arnage is also worthwhile, and there will be periods of the day when the public part of the circuit will be open for those all important pictures at Arnage/Indianapolis or the entrance to the Porsche Curves. Visiting the city centre for the driver parade in the late afternoon is also an experience but the trams have become understandably much busier in recent years - still well worth it if only to see and feel the excitement for the race within the city centre (which is also very decent and worth a wander on any day). There is also the option to walk the pits on Friday. In short - there's plenty to do on Friday with or without relying on your car.
On Saturday you may make an early dash if need be to top up any supermarket needs but otherwise you'll be heading in to the circuit with a folding chair, cooler/rucksack packed with sandwiches, drinks and snacks and finding a spot to watch the start. Be prepared for a long wait (unless you plan to buy grandstand seats). The inside banking of Tertre Rouge or Dunlop Chicane are good spots to spend the first 60-90 minutes of the race.
We have used Just Tickets in the past, allowing you the freedom to make your own travel arrangements. Or as others suggest, purchase an ACO membership and that will give you early access to camping, general admission and grandstand seats sales in October ish but please note this is becoming challenging due to high demand. The ACO also has a members viewing area which requires an additional fee (booked in advance & will sell out) to gain access to. Note, you only need one ACO membership and can purchase member-price tickets for up to 2 persons. Camping is sold per car not per person.
If the choice of campsite is limited you may prefer to get your 1st choice via an agent. The private campsites are also an option, remove some of the hassles and unknowns but may not offer you value. The PH site is well regarded as is Team Langoustine, but you can save hundreds from planning your own trip (in my experience).
Whatever options you choose your first LM experience is likely to be unforgettable for very good reasons and will leave you wanting to return.
If you are able to travel on Wednesday for a late afternoon arrival you will catch some track testing and qualifying action in the evening. Thursday daytime is a good time to familiarise yourself with the circuit layout, museum, and the "Village", hit the supermarket (if necessary) and then more track action in the early and late evening. Friday you have options with the car, the Classic British Welcome is held in St Saturnin on the north side of the city but spending some time in Mulsanne and/or Arnage is also worthwhile, and there will be periods of the day when the public part of the circuit will be open for those all important pictures at Arnage/Indianapolis or the entrance to the Porsche Curves. Visiting the city centre for the driver parade in the late afternoon is also an experience but the trams have become understandably much busier in recent years - still well worth it if only to see and feel the excitement for the race within the city centre (which is also very decent and worth a wander on any day). There is also the option to walk the pits on Friday. In short - there's plenty to do on Friday with or without relying on your car.
On Saturday you may make an early dash if need be to top up any supermarket needs but otherwise you'll be heading in to the circuit with a folding chair, cooler/rucksack packed with sandwiches, drinks and snacks and finding a spot to watch the start. Be prepared for a long wait (unless you plan to buy grandstand seats). The inside banking of Tertre Rouge or Dunlop Chicane are good spots to spend the first 60-90 minutes of the race.
We have used Just Tickets in the past, allowing you the freedom to make your own travel arrangements. Or as others suggest, purchase an ACO membership and that will give you early access to camping, general admission and grandstand seats sales in October ish but please note this is becoming challenging due to high demand. The ACO also has a members viewing area which requires an additional fee (booked in advance & will sell out) to gain access to. Note, you only need one ACO membership and can purchase member-price tickets for up to 2 persons. Camping is sold per car not per person.
If the choice of campsite is limited you may prefer to get your 1st choice via an agent. The private campsites are also an option, remove some of the hassles and unknowns but may not offer you value. The PH site is well regarded as is Team Langoustine, but you can save hundreds from planning your own trip (in my experience).
Whatever options you choose your first LM experience is likely to be unforgettable for very good reasons and will leave you wanting to return.
Edited by BeeGT on Monday 11th August 15:27
Edited by BeeGT on Monday 11th August 16:11
[quote=BeeGT]I've done a few with MH or campervan replacing the car and always leave the weekend thinking how different it might have been had I taken the car instead, as you are tied to the circuit or reliant on the trams (or taking a couple of cycles). It also depends on how long you will make the trip and whether or not on the Friday you want to get out to a couple of the car meets, as well as your enjoyment of the drive there and back. If it's your first trip then I'd suggest prioritising freedom of options over comfort and plan for the drive.
Thanks for taking the time to provide this info. Appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to provide this info. Appreciated.
Car + quality Airbnb (up to max 30-40min drive away from circuit). Plan around circuit access and parking options. Or hotel.. but Airbnb I use is nicer than most hotels and considerably cheaper for the weekend.
I personally see no joy in camping at circuit and don’t feel I miss out on anything.
Tickets through ACO.
Car for fun, nice accommodation for some comfort and enjoy being in France when away from the circuit.
I personally see no joy in camping at circuit and don’t feel I miss out on anything.
Tickets through ACO.
Car for fun, nice accommodation for some comfort and enjoy being in France when away from the circuit.
^^^ Agreed. I wouldn't camp there if you paid me. Lots of weather risk. Lots of theft risk. Lots of idiot risk. The tram stop can be miles away.
Find some proper accommodation within reasonable distance from the circuit and get up early to beat the worst of the traffic. Distance away isn't all that critical in itself because it's always the "last mile" that takes the time.
A lot of the French locals just go in for Thursday evening, when you can see all the cars running in both daylight and darkness without such severe crowding.
On Friday you want to be in town in good time before the parade.
Find some proper accommodation within reasonable distance from the circuit and get up early to beat the worst of the traffic. Distance away isn't all that critical in itself because it's always the "last mile" that takes the time.
A lot of the French locals just go in for Thursday evening, when you can see all the cars running in both daylight and darkness without such severe crowding.
On Friday you want to be in town in good time before the parade.
I enjoyed camping there when I used to go with the Lotus 7 club in the 90s and early 2000s but I was in my late-20s to mid-30s. Now I'm in my late 50s, if I had a motorhome, I would much prefer that.
However, the best option would be to take a fun car and stay slightly out of town in a B&B or something similar. You'd be far enough away from the circuit and its noise when you want to sleep. That said, you must spend some time driving around to various vantage points at night to see the cars fly past. In between the buildings on the Mulsanne is excellent night or day but there's an added terror at night. Indianapolis and Arnage at night is a great place to witness bright red brake disks. It's a spectacle.
Camping? Never again.
However, the best option would be to take a fun car and stay slightly out of town in a B&B or something similar. You'd be far enough away from the circuit and its noise when you want to sleep. That said, you must spend some time driving around to various vantage points at night to see the cars fly past. In between the buildings on the Mulsanne is excellent night or day but there's an added terror at night. Indianapolis and Arnage at night is a great place to witness bright red brake disks. It's a spectacle.
Camping? Never again.
Camping on a private site with security, decent showers and toilets, bar and marquee for TVs and their food if you want plus grandstand seats beats loads of traffic and parking issues.
Can hire tents but like taking own and own food and driving out for shows and other stuff. Can also see cars from tent where we stay or walk up to Porsche curves banking in 2 mins or so.
If go that route then getting there earlish Wednesday and returning Monday makes sense of you have the holiday days to use. And ACO areas only really make sense if use them Wed and Thurs too.
Can hire tents but like taking own and own food and driving out for shows and other stuff. Can also see cars from tent where we stay or walk up to Porsche curves banking in 2 mins or so.
If go that route then getting there earlish Wednesday and returning Monday makes sense of you have the holiday days to use. And ACO areas only really make sense if use them Wed and Thurs too.
I personally think the Motorhome is a good option nowadays.
I started going to the 24hr in 2008 and the drive down was always a huge part of the weekend. Convoys of 10-20 British cars were common and you'd get an eclectic mix of vehicles. I now find that to be less of the case and it's much more mainstream SUVs etc.
The ACO have invested in the circuit facilities alot and with the tram, I don't think taking the car is as much part of the weekend as it used to be. The campsites reflect that as well I think, way more campervans than ever before on the reduced circuit campsite options.
So if you do choose the comfort of MH you won't be the only one!
I started going to the 24hr in 2008 and the drive down was always a huge part of the weekend. Convoys of 10-20 British cars were common and you'd get an eclectic mix of vehicles. I now find that to be less of the case and it's much more mainstream SUVs etc.
The ACO have invested in the circuit facilities alot and with the tram, I don't think taking the car is as much part of the weekend as it used to be. The campsites reflect that as well I think, way more campervans than ever before on the reduced circuit campsite options.
So if you do choose the comfort of MH you won't be the only one!
Panamax said:
^^^ Agreed. I wouldn't camp there if you paid me. Lots of weather risk.
I've done hot years and yes, you will be forced out the tent by the heat by 9am/won't be able to return until the sun's going down - but hardly the end of the world.I've also done very wet years and yes, you do get wet when you step out the tent - but you're going to get wet standing track-side spectating too and if you really want to stay dry, stay at home and watch the race on TV.
Panamax said:
Lots of theft risk.
As at home the fear of theft waaaay exceeds the reality. Does stuff get pintched from campers at Le Mans? Yes, but then stuff gets pintched from campers at Glastonbury, and other even where you have lots of strangers crowded together, a percentage of whom are going to be less than honest. Hell did you know people break in to houses in the UK and nick stuff too!From some posts on here you'd get the impression everyone__ who goes to Le Mans has __everything__ stolen and has to walk back to the UK completely naked and missing a kidney. The truth is __some people are victims of crime at Le Mans and those are the ones most likely to come home and post an "I went to Le Mans and Had Stuff Stolen" thread. The vast majority who didn't have any issues at all aren't so minded to come back and start "I Went To Le Mans And Had Nothing Stolen" threads.
20+ years and, touch wood only experienced minor thefts that were as much our fault as anything. I mean use a full crate of beer out on view as a gazebo anchor point then all leave the camp site and with hindsight we weren't surprised it wasn't there when we got back. The rest of the beer just zipped inside a tent was still there so all good.
Panamax said:
Lots of idiot risk.
Again, not generally a greater concentration of idiots at Le Mans as in the wider population and most are just annoying (why did someone take a bugle and decide everyone on Hippodrome wanted to wake up at 6AM on I think Thursday morning?). Sure you can get unlucky but they could move in next door to you at home too!Panamax said:
The tram stop can be miles away.
Furthest I think you can be from a tram stop is about 4km, so 2.5 miles* - but the simple answer there is don't camp down by Beausjour! The rest of the campsites are tops just over a mile from the tram station.- Unless you're camping out at Mulsanne/Arnage in which case you're going to be that distance from Beausjour, let alone the tram - but also if booking one of those you probably booking there because you want to be there rather than close to the Village, etc.
Edited by //j17 on Tuesday 12th August 09:52
Airbnb works better for bigger groups than OP as do hotels where groups can meet up for breakfasts or meals etc and also same applies tooffsite camping where you need to drive in (I believe, judging by pictures as more space). Don't fancy that for our small group.
Much better atmosphere camping cheek by jowl at the circuit in public and private sites. Did off circuit camping for a couple of Classics in bigger groups- most of time spent shopping, cooking, washing up and driving to circuit, parking as carpark ticket no guarantee of space and driving back. Not helped as supermarkets closed on Sunday. Staying offsite makes every trip to the circuit as bit of track taking rucksacks etc, it's good to hear stuff from support races etc and walk over to check out the action.
Happy with private camping at track, bar and marquee to mingle with fellow guests and not just immediate neighbours - cooking plus meals at track, car shows or in town or Arnage. Do enjoy the camping plus a bit of cooking with my son, much better than having him at hotel or Airbnb sitting/laying down on his phone all the time!
Security/risk at public camping probably better in recent years, but bigger groups with people around most of time probably better than a small tent with a decent car car parked next to it.
Much better atmosphere camping cheek by jowl at the circuit in public and private sites. Did off circuit camping for a couple of Classics in bigger groups- most of time spent shopping, cooking, washing up and driving to circuit, parking as carpark ticket no guarantee of space and driving back. Not helped as supermarkets closed on Sunday. Staying offsite makes every trip to the circuit as bit of track taking rucksacks etc, it's good to hear stuff from support races etc and walk over to check out the action.
Happy with private camping at track, bar and marquee to mingle with fellow guests and not just immediate neighbours - cooking plus meals at track, car shows or in town or Arnage. Do enjoy the camping plus a bit of cooking with my son, much better than having him at hotel or Airbnb sitting/laying down on his phone all the time!
Security/risk at public camping probably better in recent years, but bigger groups with people around most of time probably better than a small tent with a decent car car parked next to it.
I've been going on and off for 20 years (probably missed 5 over the last 20)
The sensible option is obviously to take the motorhome, park it up, live in comfort and then cycle everywhere you want to get to.
But Le Mans is not about being sensible
What is the point of having a sports car if you don't drive it, its never the sensible option.
I have discovered a fantastic driving route down, no motorways, sweeping roads through a forest, and that becomes part of the whole experience, and the memories that come with it.
Bad weather is not great, but if it rains what are you going to do, sit in your motorhome and watch the race on TV? you still need to get out and about
I have been going with Lycian Events for the last 15 years, and found its the best compromise - defined pitch, can have a tent pre erected for when you get there, and they also have decent showers, on site food and beer, and are right next to the track. You can also rent bicycles from them to get around the circuit (we cycled the whole circuit on Friday this year)
People in motorhomes always seem a bit isolated from everyone, whereas the campers are all chatting to each other and swapping beers for sausages.
The ideal would be to have someone drive your motorhome down, whilst you take the fun drive. Unfortunately my wife does not seem to agree with this concept :-(
Regarding a relaxing schedule, if you can travel overnight on Tuesday from Portsmouth to Caen/ St Malo etc, this gives a nice relaxed 2-3 hrs drive down, time to stop for breakfast or lunch and gives you time to setup in the afternoon, and watch night practice as it gets dark on Wednesday evening. I drove out to Mulsanne on Wednesday night and roads were quiet and parking was easy, compared to race day.
You then have Thursday to go supermarket shopping, whilst its still quiet and are then set up for Friday, when a lot of the events take place - St Saturin, Mulsanne Car Show, Track Walk etc.
The sensible option is obviously to take the motorhome, park it up, live in comfort and then cycle everywhere you want to get to.
But Le Mans is not about being sensible
What is the point of having a sports car if you don't drive it, its never the sensible option.
I have discovered a fantastic driving route down, no motorways, sweeping roads through a forest, and that becomes part of the whole experience, and the memories that come with it.
Bad weather is not great, but if it rains what are you going to do, sit in your motorhome and watch the race on TV? you still need to get out and about
I have been going with Lycian Events for the last 15 years, and found its the best compromise - defined pitch, can have a tent pre erected for when you get there, and they also have decent showers, on site food and beer, and are right next to the track. You can also rent bicycles from them to get around the circuit (we cycled the whole circuit on Friday this year)
People in motorhomes always seem a bit isolated from everyone, whereas the campers are all chatting to each other and swapping beers for sausages.
The ideal would be to have someone drive your motorhome down, whilst you take the fun drive. Unfortunately my wife does not seem to agree with this concept :-(
Regarding a relaxing schedule, if you can travel overnight on Tuesday from Portsmouth to Caen/ St Malo etc, this gives a nice relaxed 2-3 hrs drive down, time to stop for breakfast or lunch and gives you time to setup in the afternoon, and watch night practice as it gets dark on Wednesday evening. I drove out to Mulsanne on Wednesday night and roads were quiet and parking was easy, compared to race day.
You then have Thursday to go supermarket shopping, whilst its still quiet and are then set up for Friday, when a lot of the events take place - St Saturin, Mulsanne Car Show, Track Walk etc.
Edited by Burrow01 on Wednesday 13th August 12:55
Edited by Burrow01 on Wednesday 13th August 12:57
If you want a relaxed trip just drive down Wed/back Mon (or part way back Sun/rest Mon).
Anything else can feel like you're constantly on the go, either travelling/Friday activities/race/worrying about channel crossing home. Having Thursday with basically nothing at all to do lets you wind down (and hit the Village when it's a little quieter) while staying Sun night (best for large group) or driving part way Sun/hotel/home Mon removes all the stress out of the end of the trip.
Anything else can feel like you're constantly on the go, either travelling/Friday activities/race/worrying about channel crossing home. Having Thursday with basically nothing at all to do lets you wind down (and hit the Village when it's a little quieter) while staying Sun night (best for large group) or driving part way Sun/hotel/home Mon removes all the stress out of the end of the trip.
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