Visiting Le Mans outside of race week

[24lemons]

We will be in Le Mans on Friday and I want to show my partner what all the fuss is about. We will also have 2 small dogs in tow which might limit our options a bit. Is it possible to get into the non public road bits of the circuit at all? Any info gratefully received.

[Watchman]

I'm just down the road from there at the moment, having taken a minor detour on my way to drive down Mulsanne, Indianapolis and Arnage.

I didn't even try to get into the circuit but I reckon the road sections are the main attraction of the race weekends anyway.

Good luck.

[//j17]

Looking on Google maps both ends of the private track section are fenced off.

The museum should be open though.

[Pericoloso]

There's a circuit tour listed on the museum website too.

[bernhund]

As well as the circuit, do head to the old town for a quick look. Stunning little cobbled streets and very pretty.

[leyorkie]

You can drive all the way round and then visit the track, but you should consider going into the old town you can park up and take the tram as parking is difficult unless you know your way about. Down by the river is best you see the Roman walls , oldest in Europe and then come up at the back of the cathedral and in the old town.
Heading south or north?

[24lemons]

Thanks we will be coming from the north. I’ll have a look out for the tours because it would be nice to show my other half some of the places within the circuit. We are in a camper van so will probably aim to stay a night in or near Le Mans before heading home. The old town is a good suggestion.

[MiniMan64]

We got stuck in Le Mans once for about 3 days after the race with a busted alternator. Spent a lot time in the museum and a lot of time pootling up and down the Mulsanne in a crappy Renault 5.

Couldn't get on to the rest of the circuit though

[ellroy]

If you’ve got the time and are heading South:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_de_France_(L...

Nice stop for lunch, lovely drive and so much history.

[FredericRobinson]

24lemons said:

Thanks we will be coming from the north. I’ll have a look out for the tours because it would be nice to show my other half some of the places within the circuit. We are in a camper van so will probably aim to stay a night in or near Le Mans before heading home. The old town is a good suggestion.

There's an Aire in the city centre near the river / walls, or one in a village just to the north who's name escapes me at the minute but I could find on a map if you want?

[FredericRobinson]

Montbizot, that's the place

[leyorkie]

Location of sites here. http://www.airecampingcar.com/aire_camping_car_gps...
The one on the banks of the river is free you just need to get through the traffic
Self guided visits available all day through the museum
https://www.lemans-musee24h.com/en/circuit/circuit...

It’s actually chucking it down just now but getting better for the weekend

[24lemons]

Brilliant thanks. The aire in town is ideal so we can have dinner there before heading off in the morning. Thanks for your help!!

[leyorkie]

Some good restaurants in the old town 10mins walk try to get in at Sept plats if you can.
Also just reminded that the light show is on until Sunday. The cathedral and other buildings are illuminated Called Nuit de chimeres
http://www.nuitdeschimeres.com/wp-content/uploads/...

[leyorkie]

So how was your day? The weather was good if a bit chilly overnight

[24lemons]

leyorkie said:

So how was your day? The weather was good if a bit chilly overnight

Great thanks. We arrived late afternoon and parked by the city walls. We took in the night of the chimeras which surprisingly had nothing to do with TVR so it loses a point for that! Had a lovely meal in the old town and then headed to bed.

We went to the circuit on Saturday and spent a good few hours wandering around the museum and on the self guided tour, which luckily allowed dogs into the circuit. I proposed to my girlfriend (near the stand I usually sit in for the 24 hours) and she said yes!

All in all an wonderful couple of days in Le Mans and it will hopefully feel that little bit more special when I return in June next year.

Thanks for all your help!!
Olly.

[leyorkie]

quite a visit and not one to forget.

[bernhund]

24lemons said:

leyorkie said:

So how was your day? The weather was good if a bit chilly overnight

Great thanks. We arrived late afternoon and parked by the city walls. We took in the night of the chimeras which surprisingly had nothing to do with TVR so it loses a point for that! Had a lovely meal in the old town and then headed to bed.

We went to the circuit on Saturday and spent a good few hours wandering around the museum and on the self guided tour, which luckily allowed dogs into the circuit. I proposed to my girlfriend (near the stand I usually sit in for the 24 hours) and she said yes!

All in all an wonderful couple of days in Le Mans and it will hopefully feel that little bit more special when I return in June next year.

Thanks for all your help!!
Olly.

Fantastic. Glad it all worked out for you. You see sometimes you do find helpful people on PH not just aholes looking to put you down!

[24lemons]

Thanks for all replies. PH is still a gold mine at times!

[sahajesh]

24lemons said:

Great thanks. We arrived late afternoon and parked by the city walls. We took in the night of the chimeras which surprisingly had nothing to do with TVR so it loses a point for that! Had a lovely meal in the old town and then headed to bed.

We went to the circuit on Saturday and spent a good few hours wandering around the museum and on the self guided tour, which luckily allowed dogs into the circuit. I proposed to my girlfriend (near the stand I usually sit in for the 24 hours) and she said yes!

All in all an wonderful couple of days in Le Mans and it will hopefully feel that little bit more special when I return in June next year.

Thanks for all your help!!
Olly.

Congrats and you’ve got a keeper if she thinks LM is good and a proposal there is special.

Best wishes!