Le Mans for the first time!

[bwfc1965]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. Me and three of my mates are coming to Le Mans for the first time and are looking for some advice.
We will be travelling in a VW Camper Van and camping in a tent.
What are the best camp sites (and where to book them) for the van + a tent?
We are in our 40's so not too mad, but still like some fun and a drink or three.

We intend staying Wednesday to Monday,

Are there any rules re bringing your own beers onto the site?

We have booked the ferry just need tickets for camping.

Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation.

Steve

[gt6]

OK so it looks like you need to get you camping tickets soon. For all the sites need you one ticket per vehicle and you will be allotted a 7m by 5 m space if you need more get two tickets.
The cheapest way to get get the camping tickets is either direct from the ACO at le mans or from the tourist office at le mans, the various agencies all charge a little/lot more and some insist you buy race tickets from them at well over the official price, however these can be purchased when you arrive as there is no limit on ticket sales.
To find out more about each campsite try the Beermountain site each site will be commented on but some sites will already be sold out at most places, but if you do want a particular one try all the agencies mentioned on beermountain you may be lucky

[The Leaper]

Presiumably, when you say "just need tickets for camping", you plan to arrive and then purchase individual general entrance tickets on the day, which is fine. There's never a limit on their availability. They get you access to all the parts of the circuit open to spectators. What you will not get on arrival are tickets for any grandstands: these get sold out months in advance. If you need these, you could try phoning the ACO direct, otherwise your only way is via ticketing agencies.

R.

[bwfc1965]

Thanks for the reply's.

I have checked the Tourist office and official web site and it seems (as you anticipated) that there is limited availability. The only camp sites left seem to be Beauséjour, Pincenardière, Dairon, Mulsanne and Arnage. Looking at a few posts on the forum people seem to be saying stay away from Beauséjour, but that seems to be the only one with showers. Any advice?

I guess the only other option is to book the camping through agents. Is this worth it. i.e. are the other sites that much better? If so does anyone know of an agent that just books camping and not the general admission, which we will book through the official site.

Thanks again

[Mutley]

OP, for tips on going to LM, have a google for the Club Arnage guide, it's done every year so is quite upto date. It's hefty if you want to print all of it, but is worth a read.

eta : www.clubarnage.com/caguide/download.html

Edited by Mutley on Sunday 6th January 21:52

[Rs2oo]

You have left it a bit late for the more popular campsites but not all is lost. All campsites have showers and toilets. Beausejour is a bit far from the village and is rather large and because of the cheap price can attract a fair share of Neanderthals. If you want to gamble, wait until much closer to the weekend and spare tickets appear on here for sale. Personally, I would book Beasejour as its your first time. When there, have a look round at other sites and if you prefer something else for 2014 book early.

[BeeGT]

If you don't mind paying the agency fees then I would recommend Just Tickets, you will need to buy your general admission tickets with them as well but they have a selection of campsite tickets available and if I was booking with them today I'd go for the Houx Annex. This is relatively close to the circuit for decent viewing points at Dunlop through to Tertre Rouge, is relatively easy to reach the 'Village', and is convenient for the bar at Tertre Rouge, the tram stop to the town and is usually a lively campsite. Beausejour is quite a hike to get anywhere except for night time watching at the Porsche Curves.

[Porkieboy]

I would support what has already been said Just Tickets are an excellent company although I must admit some bias as we work with them altready. I would point out that there are a number of secure campsites around including one that my company runs.

These are generally more expensive but usually secure and provide better facilities some are trackside others are not. Obviosly one has to consider what you want and what you are prepared to pay.

What you have to remember is what is fantastic for one person is dissapointing for another, what is most important is you attend and make the most of what is on offer and you will be hooked and this will not be the only time you attend Le Mans.

I hope you find what you want and that you and your party have a great time.

Stephen

Edited by Porkieboy on Monday 7th January 19:12

[tim2100]

1st tickets are associated with PH. They had a fantastic campsite last year and will sort you a package for crossing/camping & entry

They can book all the main campsites as well as running their own.

They will also be at the autosport show if you want a chat with Brian.

They made it very easy for me last year which was my first year.

[bwfc1965]

Thanks again for the responses.
I have now got three options:
1. Houx Annexe
2. Blue Nord
3. Beausejour

The cheaper options are 3,2,1
We have a camper van and a large tent.
Do we need 2 pitches or will one do? Apparently the tent is quite big!
Which site of these three seems to be the best option for ageing wannabe party people (probably need a good nights sleep every other night ;-)
Thanks again everyone,
Great site!

[allojon]

Yes you do need 2 pitches. If you've got prices from an agent ask them your questions, they will have good advice. And if you're ageing....like us we now tend to prefer the private camping as suggested above, the PH one or others.

[bwfc1965]

Quick update.

Thanks for all the advice, we have decided to book the tickets through Just Tickets and awaiting the conformation. We have opted for 2 pitches at the Houx Annexe. So now counting down the days!
Hope to meet some of you out there.

Steve