Discussion
Anyone got any advice for me as I haven't been before ? I'm not sure when I'll want to drive back e.g. Sunday morning, Sunday after the race, Monday (sometime 
). I just wondered if there are any problems going back on Sunday - like will there be any petrol stations open ?
Cheers,
Andy.
). I just wondered if there are any problems going back on Sunday - like will there be any petrol stations open ? Cheers,
Andy.
There are some petrol stations open, plenty in Le Mans itself, the main one on the N138 had run out of unleaded by the time we got there on Sunday last year. The first motorway services is at Rouen (100miles+).
Our group normally leaves the campsite c.19h00, this gives you time to watch the closing celebrations, walk the track etc., break camp in time for all the traffic to have cleared.
As I said in another post, we've stopped off at the F1 motel north of Rouen for the first decent wash in a week. Then an easy run to Calais in the morning.
The one time we've stayed over at the campsite (Maison Blanche) for the Sunday night, it was really depressing, everyone had gone, the pikies were out in force, everywhere was shut, a real anti-climax.
Our group normally leaves the campsite c.19h00, this gives you time to watch the closing celebrations, walk the track etc., break camp in time for all the traffic to have cleared.
As I said in another post, we've stopped off at the F1 motel north of Rouen for the first decent wash in a week. Then an easy run to Calais in the morning.
The one time we've stayed over at the campsite (Maison Blanche) for the Sunday night, it was really depressing, everyone had gone, the pikies were out in force, everywhere was shut, a real anti-climax.
We stay until monday morning.
When the race finishes on Sunday we wander back around the track picking up bits of car. Then crash out for a couple of hours before going out for dinner in Arnarge. We then partake in the drag racing through the campsite and try to get a 1/2 decent night's sleep.
Than it's the 12pm ferry back from Calais to get home in time for countdown.
good job.
When the race finishes on Sunday we wander back around the track picking up bits of car. Then crash out for a couple of hours before going out for dinner in Arnarge. We then partake in the drag racing through the campsite and try to get a 1/2 decent night's sleep.
Than it's the 12pm ferry back from Calais to get home in time for countdown.
good job.
For a few hours after the race, the locals in the villages to the north of Le Mans on the N138, come out in force to wave all the cars home, it's generally a great atmosphere, and beats the anti-climax of staying on around the deserted campsites. It's also the final bit of "car-spotting".... stop at a bar for a coffee in one of the vilages and watch the English car-nuts trundle by.
However , last year there were a LOT of Gendarmes with speed traps.
>> Edited by Tony_996hasgone on Wednesday 16th April 16:29
However , last year there were a LOT of Gendarmes with speed traps.
>> Edited by Tony_996hasgone on Wednesday 16th April 16:29
We generally stay the Sunday night, and have one last night on the piss
, usually drive into the Square for this. It also beats the mad rash that usually grid locks the roads exiting La Sarthe.
Although have to agree with Guy, the campsites are depressing and you do have to watch out for the pikies!
, usually drive into the Square for this. It also beats the mad rash that usually grid locks the roads exiting La Sarthe. Although have to agree with Guy, the campsites are depressing and you do have to watch out for the pikies!
Monday morning for me. One last p*ss up on Sunday night, usually in Arnage, then up at at dawn on Monday morning to beat the rush. It's a really nice drive from Le Mans to Rouen first thing in the morning, sun just coming up, mist rising off the fields, cruising through sleepy little French villages, the sound of the V8 rumble to clear away the cob-webs, jumpers for goalposts etc etc.
As you will come to realise, LM is more than just a race. Over the years (17 in all) we've tried all the combinations listed in these replies but are now firmly committed to staying in LM for Sunday night. It tends to be a lot more relaxed as the masses have gone and in terms of drinking and fireworks this has become the main night.
Don't know where you guys have been camping, but we've stayed until Monday for the last 4 years and it has always been one of the best nights at the campsite, usually involving the building of a huge bonfire and finishing off as much of the remaining beer and wine as possible ! Never seen any pikies before Monday morning.
S..
S..
Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff