More newbie advice!!!
Discussion
fatboy18 said:
The site is Blue Nord. I was in the open Public part of the campsite. This means that Basically anyone could walk around the site and yes if no one was around could also go into your tent.
But one takes sensinsible precautions, Valuables you lock in the car and put a cover over them so prying eyes cant see them. Not bothered about a small bbq or sleeping bag, just left those in the tent.
Yes there is security at the campsite entrance and local volunteer ACO marshals.
Two public shower blocks on Blue Nord. One near the site entrance and another near the 1st Tickets Pistonheads Fenced off private area in the middle of Blue nord campsite.
Its a flat campsite by the side of the Airfield and near the lower entrance of the circuit.
Pros, good location.
Cons, Can be windy, if you look at my pics you will notice all guy ropes are one side of the Gazebo with the wind blowing in from across the airfield. Tracks to site entrance very dusty in summer can end up boggy if a lot of rain falls.
Tips: International site, French Germans, Danes, English. Introduce yourself to neighbours and keep an eye out for each others stuff. There were lots of empty pitches around me last year. I made new friends with a French couple last year and also met a great bunch of RAF lads who invited me over for several beers on their pitch.
I also had friends staying on the site, but I did my own thing independently. 
Really appreciate the detailed feedback thank you, I'll keep it in mind for future for sure. ThanksBut one takes sensinsible precautions, Valuables you lock in the car and put a cover over them so prying eyes cant see them. Not bothered about a small bbq or sleeping bag, just left those in the tent.
Yes there is security at the campsite entrance and local volunteer ACO marshals.
Two public shower blocks on Blue Nord. One near the site entrance and another near the 1st Tickets Pistonheads Fenced off private area in the middle of Blue nord campsite.
Its a flat campsite by the side of the Airfield and near the lower entrance of the circuit.
Pros, good location.
Cons, Can be windy, if you look at my pics you will notice all guy ropes are one side of the Gazebo with the wind blowing in from across the airfield. Tracks to site entrance very dusty in summer can end up boggy if a lot of rain falls.
Tips: International site, French Germans, Danes, English. Introduce yourself to neighbours and keep an eye out for each others stuff. There were lots of empty pitches around me last year. I made new friends with a French couple last year and also met a great bunch of RAF lads who invited me over for several beers on their pitch.
I also had friends staying on the site, but I did my own thing independently. Stayed in BN for the first 2 years, and due to the thefts and anti-social aspects, we moved into MB until they re-developed it, and now in Houx. Where there are still thefts, but there is security stopping just anyone walking into the campsite.
The first year we were on BN, there was lots of thefts, carried out by some French Youngsters that a number of groups had been friendly with and given food , beer etc. They took a lot of gear including a generator, passports, money etc.... Their car was turned over while they were taken away by the police. There is a thread on here somewhere detailing the mob justice.
The noise and anti-social aspects are a little reduced.
No thefts from our pitch last year, but 2 years ago we had phones go, minutes after they were put on charge and my bicycle was taken after they used bolt croppers to defeat the security.
The first year we were on BN, there was lots of thefts, carried out by some French Youngsters that a number of groups had been friendly with and given food , beer etc. They took a lot of gear including a generator, passports, money etc.... Their car was turned over while they were taken away by the police. There is a thread on here somewhere detailing the mob justice.
The noise and anti-social aspects are a little reduced.
No thefts from our pitch last year, but 2 years ago we had phones go, minutes after they were put on charge and my bicycle was taken after they used bolt croppers to defeat the security.
Edited by ukcobra on Tuesday 6th March 12:21
ukcobra said:
Stayed in BN for the first 2 years, and due to the thefts and anti-social aspects, we moved into MB until they re-developed it, and now in Houx. Where there are still thefts, but there is security stopping just anyone walking into the campsite.
The first year we were on BN, there was lots of thefts, carried out by some French Youngsters that a number of groups had been friendly with and given food , beer etc. They took a lot of gear including a generator, passports, money etc.... Their car was turned over while they were taken away by the police. There is a thread on here somewhere detailing the mob justice.
The noise and anti-social aspects are a little reduced.
No thefts from our pitch last year, but 2 years ago we had phones go, minutes after they were put on charge and my bicycle was taken after they used bolt croppers to defeat the security.
The lack of security is a concern. Last year stayed on a very secure site, made a nice change The first year we were on BN, there was lots of thefts, carried out by some French Youngsters that a number of groups had been friendly with and given food , beer etc. They took a lot of gear including a generator, passports, money etc.... Their car was turned over while they were taken away by the police. There is a thread on here somewhere detailing the mob justice.
The noise and anti-social aspects are a little reduced.
No thefts from our pitch last year, but 2 years ago we had phones go, minutes after they were put on charge and my bicycle was taken after they used bolt croppers to defeat the security.
Edited by ukcobra on Tuesday 6th March 12:21
Without question the only night of real concern for us over security during the last decade has been Sunday after the race, although it has improved over the last few years. Even though we're within the circuit fence we always stay close to camp on the Sunday evening / night. We used to go to the Stella bar at Tertre Rouge but as we've gone Le Mans over the years our 'set up' has been harder to pack away and make secure enough to leave so we have a few beers, watch the tv (every other year is usually Euros or World Cup, this year being Germany v Mexico 5pm (french time) kick off and Brazil v Switzerland 8pm kick off) then we wait for someone nearby to show us their party trick which usually uses a flame of some kind but hopefully doesn't involve burning anything too toxic 
I too have stayed on most sites at Le mans (been going on and off since 1982)!
If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills is another private area on Beausejour also Lycian Events (Village on the Curves) have the Trackside campsite on Porsche Curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills is another private area on Beausejour also Lycian Events (Village on the Curves) have the Trackside campsite on Porsche Curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 7th March 07:51
Edited by fatboy18 on Thursday 8th March 09:23
Reading this thread makes me think bsj is quite a safe place theft wise, you get nutters in there of all nationalities mainly on the Sunday after the race but I’ve not heard of that many thefts.
Just be weary of the gypsies who put a stolen motor racing top or jacket on, come into your camp and make out they’ve been to the race, we’ve had a few of them
Just be weary of the gypsies who put a stolen motor racing top or jacket on, come into your camp and make out they’ve been to the race, we’ve had a few of them
Cass63 said:
Reading this thread makes me think bsj is quite a safe place theft wise, you get nutters in there of all nationalities mainly on the Sunday after the race but I’ve not heard of that many thefts.
Just be weary of the gypsies who put a stolen motor racing top or jacket on, come into your camp and make out they’ve been to the race, we’ve had a few of them
I have seen them walking around the site at Beasejour (and other sites), One year my tent was one of the last standing in my area, but people had left some Gazebos nearbuy, the gypsies made straight for them but one did actually ask me if it was ok to take it!Just be weary of the gypsies who put a stolen motor racing top or jacket on, come into your camp and make out they’ve been to the race, we’ve had a few of them
My only theft over the years has been a camping chair which was taken by a couple of French Guys camping next to us on Houx! They thought it would be fun to play techno music stupid loud into the early hours, so when we persuaded them to turn it off, by way of punishment they nicked some of our stuff.
I've stayed on BN for the past 10+ years and never had an issue with thefts. Look after your stuff, get to know those around you (even let them know when your off and when you expect to be back etc). Leave valubles out of sight and locked up where possible. Sleep with your car key in your pocket.
The only issue with BN is the Sunday night, although I cannot speak from recent experience as we now make sure we have a hotel booked in Rouen for the Sunday night. Decent shower, decent bed, decent food and no worries.
The only issue with BN is the Sunday night, although I cannot speak from recent experience as we now make sure we have a hotel booked in Rouen for the Sunday night. Decent shower, decent bed, decent food and no worries.
Our Tent got slashed a few years ago on BSJ while we were out. They didn't get anything because the valuables were in the car. Our neighbours had a laptop stolen from their tent...
The point is that thieves are opportunists and are going after the easy targets so just lock it away...
And tbh I've never really seen anyone obviously dodgy so it's not like there are loads of thieves.
On TR and epinettes they have security on the gates asking for passes.
Personally it doesn't really bother me enough to pay extra for a private site as I'm sensible enough to lock away my stuff.
ps. always put your chairs away when you leave the camp/go to bed.
The point is that thieves are opportunists and are going after the easy targets so just lock it away...
And tbh I've never really seen anyone obviously dodgy so it's not like there are loads of thieves.
On TR and epinettes they have security on the gates asking for passes.
Personally it doesn't really bother me enough to pay extra for a private site as I'm sensible enough to lock away my stuff.
ps. always put your chairs away when you leave the camp/go to bed.
joema said:
Our Tent got slashed a few years ago on BSJ while we were out. They didn't get anything because the valuables were in the car. Our neighbours had a laptop stolen from their tent...
The point is that thieves are opportunists and are going after the easy targets so just lock it away...
And tbh I've never really seen anyone obviously dodgy so it's not like there are loads of thieves.
On TR and epinettes they have security on the gates asking for passes.
Personally it doesn't really bother me enough to pay extra for a private site as I'm sensible enough to lock away my stuff.
ps. always put your chairs away when you leave the camp/go to bed.
Last year I lost a electric cool box on Epinettes.... There was one of the residents that looked dodgy and frankly it was an oversight from one of our group that left it standing around...The point is that thieves are opportunists and are going after the easy targets so just lock it away...
And tbh I've never really seen anyone obviously dodgy so it's not like there are loads of thieves.
On TR and epinettes they have security on the gates asking for passes.
Personally it doesn't really bother me enough to pay extra for a private site as I'm sensible enough to lock away my stuff.
ps. always put your chairs away when you leave the camp/go to bed.
fatboy18 said:
I too have stayed on most sites at Le mans (been going on and off since 1982)!
If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills also have a trackside location and are on the inside of the porsche curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
Hi If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills also have a trackside location and are on the inside of the porsche curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 7th March 07:51
Just a minor correction Speed Chills do
have a site on Beausejour but this is not Trackside. Lycian Events ( Village on the Curves have the Trackside camp site on Porsche Curves.
Porkieboy said:
fatboy18 said:
I too have stayed on most sites at Le mans (been going on and off since 1982)!
If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills also have a trackside location and are on the inside of the porsche curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
Hi If you are looking for top security sites and being right on top of the circuit then the TL Site is No1 (in my book), Travel Destinations also have a site at the Porsche curves trackside.
Next would be the First Tickets private site on Blue Nord. You enter blue nord as normal but within the campsite is a fenced off area with additional security and a large marquee for hospitality. Very near the circuit but not directly trackside.First tickets also offer a full catering package so you don't have to worry about food.
I believe Speed Chills also have a trackside location and are on the inside of the porsche curves.
Another site is Thomas Cook camping near the Airtrack stadium, some friends of mine stayed there and liked the set up.
The thing is, it all comes at a price. So you have to way up the pros and cons. Or you take a chance on a public site (just like you would at a festival) and take security precautions.
Edited by fatboy18 on Wednesday 7th March 07:51
Just a minor correction Speed Chills do
have a site on Beausejour but this is not Trackside. Lycian Events ( Village on the Curves have the Trackside camp site on Porsche Curves.
I will edit my original post, thanks.
Without starting another Newbie thread ...1st Le Mans for me .....I'm driving down on Friday ,staying in Laval ,so about an hour or so away , Come Saturday Morning what's a good time to parked up ( Parking Rouge) without to many jams to worry about , ? got a Grandstand seat in 'Sommer' to rest/nod off etc ... Might head back to Laval after a few hrs of night racing for a good sleep ( got a Z4 so sleeping in the car is a bloody nightmare as i encountered at Spa )... then hopefully back for sun rise for the rest of the day ... Can't Wait !
If coming from Laval, I recommend you head in on the D338 then into Rouge via Rue du Panorama. Last year the traffic was terrible unbelievably quiet. We travelled from Alencon and it took less than an hour. We were parked up by 9.30. I wouldn’t leave it too late though. Once in the crowds are quite intense who are in no rush to get anywhere. Well worth spending a few hours at the track before the race anyway
Hammond1073 said:
If coming from Laval, I recommend you head in on the D338 then into Rouge via Rue du Panorama. Last year the traffic was terrible unbelievably quiet. We travelled from Alencon and it took less than an hour. We were parked up by 9.30. I wouldn’t leave it too late though. Once in the crowds are quite intense who are in no rush to get anywhere. Well worth spending a few hours at the track before the race anyway
Cheers for that , much appreciated850R said:
Guys and girls, since I was around 15, now 37, myself and some friends have longed to do LeMans but each year came and went and we never got anything sorted, (life seems to get in the way and throw a curve ball)this years it's finally on!!
We are getting the ferry early Friday morning and heading home Monday, work is getting in the way of coming any earlier which is a shame but should arrive around 10-11am on Friday, any advice would be appreciated, we are camping and have pretty much everything we need for camping etc.
The use of toll roads, fuel stations, supermarkets etc, where to go and what not to do, 5 eager (idiot) brits abroad!
Already half packed, we were going to travel in two cars, my red 96 855R and my friends Daytona violet M3 but we are going all boring and coming down in our V70D5 boo I hear you say (or not)
Can't wait now, any info much appreciated
Thanks!!!
How early are you getting that ferry to expect to be on site at 10am? The drive (taking the fastest route with tolls - you can pay by card) is close to 5hrs without any stopping or traffic - so I feel like you may be a bit on the optimistic side there, particularly since the ferry is over an hour and your clock will go forward an hour on landing. Getting into the circuit on Friday can be a pain with road closures too, so I'd recommend using Waze or similar.We are getting the ferry early Friday morning and heading home Monday, work is getting in the way of coming any earlier which is a shame but should arrive around 10-11am on Friday, any advice would be appreciated, we are camping and have pretty much everything we need for camping etc.
The use of toll roads, fuel stations, supermarkets etc, where to go and what not to do, 5 eager (idiot) brits abroad!
Already half packed, we were going to travel in two cars, my red 96 855R and my friends Daytona violet M3 but we are going all boring and coming down in our V70D5 boo I hear you say (or not)
Can't wait now, any info much appreciated
Thanks!!!
In your shoes, I'd be stopping at the big Carrefour in Le Mans town and stocking up with as much beer/food/water/bogroll as you think you'll need for the weekend. Getting in and out over the weekend is never easy, particularly on a Saturday morning with a stonking hangover.
We did our first trip 13 years ago, fresh out of University, with 5 lads packed into a Range Rover. We knew practically nothing, and laughed our arses off the whole time. This year there are 11 of us in 6 cars (including 4 of the 5 original group), we have marquees, fridge/freezers, Sky TV, gas BBQ, full-size pingpong table etc. It's easy to go OTT.
My only advice more generally is not to plan too much. Get a map showing the layout of the track, and spend your 24hrs wandering around to view the race from as many places as possible with a beer and some frites. Also spend some time wandering the bigger public campsites (Houx is a good one) to see some wonderful cars. Prepare to shell out a fair few Euros for eating and drinking trackside - it's all part of the holiday.
Couple of hygiene factors - lock your valuables in your car when you're not around or at night, time your run to the shower/toilet well to avoid smell/queues, and buy more beer than you think you'll need.
Edited by C70R on Tuesday 27th March 22:11
Thanks for the replies, very interesting and a real help, change of ferry time with a 2am ferry on the Friday morning so factoring in crossing time and 1 hour ahead we should be too far off 10am
We have a 2 hour window on the ferry so we could potentially get an earlier one anyway
Cheers
We have a 2 hour window on the ferry so we could potentially get an earlier one anyway
Cheers
850R said:
Thanks for the replies, very interesting and a real help, change of ferry time with a 2am ferry on the Friday morning so factoring in crossing time and 1 hour ahead we should be too far off 10am
We have a 2 hour window on the ferry so we could potentially get an earlier one anyway
Cheers
Holy f*ck, a 2am ferry is keen! We're going at 9am on Weds, and that still an early start.We have a 2 hour window on the ferry so we could potentially get an earlier one anyway
Cheers
Enjoy. Feel free to keep the questions coming - did you work out where you're camping?
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