Le Mans (with kids)

[spdpug98]

Has anyone ever taken their young children along to Le Mans, I am seriously thinking of taking my son next year who will be 4 (4 months shy of 5) at the time.

We usually stay on Houx so am not too concerned about him being on the campsite, as Houx tends to be a bit more civilised!! I am more concerned about the length of time we will be there as I would still go Wed - Mon

[andy tims]

I'd say he'll be too young & likely to get upset by all the noise & being away from his Mum (unless she's going too). Lot's of walking too for a youngster unless you're thinking of taking a pushchair / kiddy carrier rusksack thingy.

[spdpug98]

andy tims said:

I'd say he'll be too young & likely to get upset by all the noise & being away from his Mum (unless she's going too). Lot's of walking too for a youngster unless you're thinking of taking a pushchair / kiddy carrier rusksack thingy.

It was the walking I was worrying about mostly, but as you said there are ways of helping with that.

He spends some weekends away from home with me when I am racing so he is used to a ‘race weekend’ but club motorsport tends to be a bit quieter than Le Mans, and is only at most 2 nights away from home not 5 days!

Just to add, Mum would definatley not being going

[m3tiko]

Hi mate..I took my little one who is almost 9 for his first trip to Le Mans this year. This being my second visit in a row was bit apprehensive of taking him, especially after some of the shenanigans I experienced previous year in Houx and Arnage. However, I was pleasantly surprised this year by many in these particular areas being vigilant, cautious and thoughtful with plenty of young ones around. It is however depending on how comfortable you feel, your young one is 4yo and I know they love to run about. Luckily, mine is a bit more obedient but not by much lol......

[davidd]

My boy Alfie started going when he was 5, he's now 7 so has been for three years on the trot.
When he was smaller he spent a lot of time on my shoulders, we were camping in bejesus so there was a lot of walking and it was hard work.
However I bought him some ear defenders and he does utterly love it.
Now he is bigger it is much less of a problem, I shove him on my shoulders to watch some of the racing but he does walk miles and miles over the weekend.

A great thing for us to do as well.

He was my co polit in the Cerbera this year, paying tolls, handing over passports etc, etc.

I'd be careful where you camp, we've been with WRR and 1st tickets in the secure sites with good showers, clean toilets etc, etc. That means he can roam about abit and have some freedom within a fairly secure enclosure..

I say go for it.

D

[Gingerbread Man]

I saw a couple pushing a pram through the crowds up in the village (opposite the Guinness Bar) on Saturday race night.

[SEE YA]

I have just got back from my trip, with my son aged 8 his third trip now first one at 5.

Do not expect to see all the race I got around 5 hours.

A good safe camp site, and security is a must for you both.

As we all know, what can happen at LeMans.

I have been with the PCGB on my trips. They have a very safe site, inside for there guest etc.

[spdpug98]

Thanks for the feedback, seems like it may a possibility then which will make the wife happy as he just cried whilst I was away as he wanted to be with me.

It also now looks like my usual Le Mans traveling partner will be pulling out of future trips, so will need to get my son started earlier than originally planned

[LoudV8]

Mrs Loud and me took our lad when he was 6 weeks old ! Got a mention on Radio Le Mans for having the youngest Jaguar supporter (it was 1990). Took him again the next year then left it till he was 7. He then made every year until GCSE's. Had to take him out of school but as it was "educational" the school were OK about it. He's at uni now but the exams are always at this time of year. He's gutted but it's only a couple more years.
We also took his sister when she was 2 months and she's been a couple of time since. Not that interested but the funfair helped.

[muppetdave]

Mate took his 5yo daughter again this year, she came two years ago as well, and thoroughly enjoyed it both time - although she was slightly distraught that Mansell cocked up, sorry crashed so early as she picked him for her LMP1 in our bet!

They took their 12-week old also, but it was too loud for her, even in the ACO enclosure, so they missed Sunday altogether I think (feel bad for not offering to take the 5yo off their hands, but as two photographers prancing about we'd have struggled to entertain her for the day).

At 4/5 years old, I wouldn't see it as a major problem.

[marriedblonde]

I'm planning on taking my boy next year when he will be 4.5 yes I will miss some of the race but it will be worth it to share it with him. I dont stay in Le Mans and normally camp slightly further out whihc will make it easier as he wont have any problems sleeping etc, plus all the facilities there are very clean.

[spdpug98]

Well I think I have made up my mind, I will be taking him along next year - do you sit in a grandstand with them or just wander around. I usually sit in the ACO stand but have to trains of thought on that at the moment:

1 - It may be either a total waste of money (as we may not watch a lot of the race)

Or

2 – It may be the best solution (we have a guaranteed seat and he can watch the pitlane / grid action)

[davidd]

spdpug98 said:

Well I think I have made up my mind, I will be taking him along next year - do you sit in a grandstand with them or just wander around. I usually sit in the ACO stand but have to trains of thought on that at the moment:

1 - It may be either a total waste of money (as we may not watch a lot of the race)

Or

2 – It may be the best solution (we have a guaranteed seat and he can watch the pitlane / grid action)

Grandstand, without at doubt. At least then you have a base.

[SEE YA]

We never get a grandstand seats, best to walk around to get views of the race from around the track. You can then buy the plenty of ice cream, as I did at the weekend. It take a lot to ask any kids, to sit still and watch a race in one place for a long time.

There is a small train, around the camp site's to take you to the track area.

Edited by SEE YA on Wednesday 16th June 13:12

[LoudV8]

If you're going for a grandstand don't get one on the pit straight - it's 'kin noisy. I recon you'd be better off in the ACO - TV's, civilised food/drink options, space to wander about and trackside viewing when you want to.

Mind you if it's eco-cars and more diesels next year then noise won't be a problem.

[//j17]

I'd say yes to a grandstand seat, though probably outside the start/finish straight to limit noise.

If nothing else it will give you some peace of mind around the start/finish that he's not going to get trampled under feet and will actually be able to see something (without doing your back in with him on your shoulders for hours on end).