Le Mans 2010s veteran returning for a budget mid-week trip

[lost in espace]

Having been to LM24 a few times back in the 2010s, I’m planning a return this year for a splash and dash, in a highly limited, low-budget capacity.

I’m working on the Sunday, which completely rules out staying for the actual race, but I've formulated a mid-week plan to introduce my son to the event while keeping costs to an absolute minimum. I’ll be taking my Tesla Model 3 (cheap fuel) and have already bagged a ferry for £125.

The plan is to car-camp using a mattress in the boot and run a portable fridge off the car.

Here is the itinerary.

Tuesday Night: Catch a late ferry from Dover. Take the toll road down, stopping at a major service station en route for a snooze in Camp Mode and a shower.

Wednesday Morning: Arrive in Le Mans. Instead of risking the Carrefour Centre Sud lot (hearing they’ve clamped down on race week parking), the plan is to head straight for one of the free official ACO day lots (like Rainier-III/Ex-P13) or the grass lots near the Technoparc.

Wednesday Track Time: We will pick up 2-Day Practice tickets (€69) at some point.

Wednesday Night Sleep: After night practice concludes, we'll head slightly out of town to one of the major autoroute service stations (like the Aire de Sarthe-Touraine on the A28) to use their facilities, grab a shower, and sleep safely without getting moved on.

Thursday Morning (The Arnage Meet): Head over to the Arnage dans la Course car meet in Arnage town centre. Plan to catch the mid-day parades and check out the displays before heading back to the circuit for the afternoon/night sessions and The Libertines concert.

Thursday Night / Friday: Thursday night we plan to park up somewhere quiet and safe in or around Saint-Saturnin, or head to a service station with showers and facilities. Friday morning we'll hit the Classic British Welcome / Sunday Service there, then head into Le Mans town center for the Driver's Parade.

The Journey Home: Right after the parade on Friday afternoon, we’ll hit the road back to Calais. The plan is to park up near the port for one final kip before catching an early Saturday morning ferry, getting me back home in time to watch the actual race on the telly.

A couple of specific questions for the LM veterans: Does anyone have any specific recommendations for quiet, safe spots to drop the car for a few hours around Saint-Saturnin on Thursday night? Are the free circuit parking lots easily accessible on Wednesday/Thursday mornings, or should I still expect massive queues and tram it in?

Any tips, tweaks, or reality checks on the timeline are greatly appreciated!

[BeeGT]

Whilst it breaks the "on a budget" approach why not consider the Panorama car park at 20 euros per day - there are tickets for Wednesday and Thursday on the ACO website and it removes the uncertainty of finding a space and greatly reduces the walk time into the circuit.

[Dukla2000]

BeeGT said:

Whilst it breaks the "on a budget" approach why not consider the Panorama car park at 20 euros per day - there are tickets for Wednesday and Thursday on the ACO website and it removes the uncertainty of finding a space and greatly reduces the walk time into the circuit.

+1

And, although I have never done it, if you look suitably French it seems quite a few people sleep there as well. And there are toilets/showers in the old Tertre Rouge campsite (at least there were last year, a lovely new block that was built just before the campsite was packed up. The "museum" side is toilets only, the "Stella Bar" side has showers!)

Only thing missing would be an excursion to Indianapolis/Arnage or Mulsanne ...

[lost in espace]

Dukla2000 said:

+1

And, although I have never done it, if you look suitably French it seems quite a few people sleep there as well. And there are toilets/showers in the old Tertre Rouge campsite (at least there were last year, a lovely new block that was built just before the campsite was packed up. The "museum" side is toilets only, the "Stella Bar" side has showers!)

Only thing missing would be an excursion to Indianapolis/Arnage or Mulsanne ...

Brilliant thanks both I will have a look. I have camped on that car park about 10 years ago!

Edited by lost in espace on Thursday 28th May 22:17

[Truckosaurus]

It might be worth checking out what parking there is around the end of the tram line near the university, and use said tram to get into town or the circuit.

I don't envy you sleeping in the car for several nights but I've sometimes thought it could be an interesting trip to go down and watch the scrutineering and qualifying days and go home for the actual race so you can follow what is going on better.

[Dukla2000]

Dunnoh if I was clear, but for the avoidance of doubt and to prove my appalling photo editing skills, exhibit 1 below!
There is a toilet block in the Panorama car park itself about where the A is.

If you enter the "Sanitaire Tertre Rouge" block from the side with the X there are only toilets. If you enter from the side with the B there are also showers (and during the race much shorter queues!)

Also you probably want to purchase all your tickets before you leave Blighty. There is a chance they will sell out. There is no longer a ticket desk in the Panorama carpark (as in days of yore) and you basically need them in the app on your favourite smart device! And you won't get across the bridge from the carpark to the shower block without entry tickets and a bag search!

[lost in espace]

Truckosaurus said:

It might be worth checking out what parking there is around the end of the tram line near the university, and use said tram to get into town or the circuit.

I don't envy you sleeping in the car for several nights but I've sometimes thought it could be an interesting trip to go down and watch the scrutineering and qualifying days and go home for the actual race so you can follow what is going on better.

I am having a custom mattress delivered today, camp mode will mean it is cool in the car. Another option is to kip at Sargé-lès-le-Mans Service Area, drive in park and ride and catch the tram. The services seems to have everything we need and is supposed to be one of the best in the country, we are taking a mini fridge too. Anyone has practise tickets they want rid of feel free to get in touch x2.

[Chrisgr31]

Truckosaurus said:

It might be worth checking out what parking there is around the end of the tram line near the university, and use said tram to get into town or the circuit.

Last year I moved the car from BSJ to the university Sunday morning and caught the tram back to the circuit. Then after the race jumped on the tram back to the car. Saved the wait for the camping exit to open and the queue out the site!