Drivers' parade - worth it?

[Dr Imran T]

Hello chaps.

Is the drivers' parade worth attending on Friday night? I have been to Le Mans a few times but never bothered attending. Is it any good? what is the atmosphere like etc?

Thanks

[davidd]

Dr Imran T said:

Hello chaps.

Is the drivers' parade worth attending on Friday night? I have been to Le Mans a few times but never bothered attending. Is it any good? what is the atmosphere like etc?

Thanks

We went for the first time last year, got there a little late, saw no drivers but had a great time anyway

D

[MKnight702]

I took part in the parade last year and there were loads of people watching. I'll dig out some photos if I can find them.

[M3]

IMO by far away best night of the weekend, bars food girls cars beer beerbberbebrbebebbbeeer Absolutly great party atmos....

[baron bashoneov]

do not miss friday night in Le Mans
the finish of the parade is at the cathedral which
is home to a few very busy bars
a must to make Le Mans a bit more special.

[MadMacMcMad]

We'll have to do our best to get in there this year.

[Steve Smith]

lad someone asked this, any idea on times? best places to park and what the route is?

[M3]

Dont drive get the tram, it will be mahem with French visiting/parking for the evening...plus car=no beer

Get up there mid afternoon.

Edited by M3 on Tuesday 30th March 18:42

[The Leaper]

Just be aware that central Le Mans roads are closed from maybe 4:30 onwards and this causes mayhem so the tram is best, or get parked somewhere REALLY early..then beer could be a problem later on! Go to the old part of town below Place de la Republic and it all happens there close up too, with great atmosphere, plenty of bars etc.

R

[Dr Imran T]

Great, some good advice chaps. I think I will attend for sure, looks like I will be getting the tram in too

Edited by Dr Imran T on Tuesday 30th March 22:02

[TonySim]

This was the route last year but it some times changes.

Best to check the 'Pilotes' website when the 2010 info is available.

http://www.grande-parade-des-pilotes.com/docs/parc...

It's a great event and well worth getting a tram into town.

[lazyitus]

baron bashoneov said:

do not miss friday night in Le Mans
the finish of the parade is at the cathedral which
is home to a few very busy bars
a must to make Le Mans a bit more special.

I concur.

Done this every Friday night - it's a must.

Now made extra easy to get there and back with the new tram.

[SimonBeeeeer]

+1

Deffiantly an unmissable evening! Even if you do miss most of the parade, its just a good night out as Le mans and its bars fill with fans and locals! Deffinately better than spending it with a loons at the campsites on friday night!

Quick note though, if you plan to take the tram into town... get there early, as the Que is usually lenghty! (and tbh the tram gets so packed you don't need a ticket...)

[si2085]

Whereabouts does the tram go near the circuit?

We're staying on Bleu Nord and as the organiser of a group of 11 twenty somethings who will all refuse to drive the tram sounds like a great way of getting into Le Mans.

[drillfield47]

Went last year for the first time (never bothered the previous 2 years).............got there at noon so we had a very good seat/view!! Beer was cold and sun was shining.

SOme people from our group actually managed to come home with the name boards from Pug 1 & 2 from the girls on the bikes..........top antics!!!

very much worth a visit

[Dr Imran T]

Gosh, I never knew it was that good what is a good time to make our way down into the city centre? I have 4:00 or 5:00pm in mind - hopefully won't miss too much of the fun by that time.

Our plan is to go to the circuit first for the pitlane walkabout then head over to the city centre.

Thanks

Dr T

[daveinbracknell]

Definately worth it. One of the highlights of the weekend.

And get the tram as traffic after is a joke, the last stop is near Houx annexe. So a monster walk if you are camped in Blue or any other camp site further south.

Alternatively park in a side street to the south and on the other side of the river to the town to stand a better chance of getting back to camp.

[HarryW]

si2085 said:

Whereabouts does the tram go near the circuit?

We're staying on Bleu Nord and as the organiser of a group of 11 twenty somethings who will all refuse to drive the tram sounds like a great way of getting into Le Mans.

It goes from what it calls 'Antares' Which is on the roundabout just before you enter Houx.
Or if I shamelessly steal Corvettes map... Grid Ref AS14
http://www.corvetteracing.com/tracks/trk_img/leman...
(Bit old as some of the campsites have changed alittle)

We walk there from Maison Blanche, bit of a walk, but then again so is walking to Arnage Corner... Never again!

[MikeDH]

In 2008, I can't remember much of the walk back...

It's well worth it!

[Carman Ghia]

We made 2 mistakes when we tried to get to it last year - drove and left too late. After sitting in traffic for ages & ages we ended up back at hotel where there was a bit of a party so it wasn't a complete waste on an evening!