How bad is traffic from the South?

[Output Flange]

I'm heading down to Le Mans on Thursday morning. At some point I need to head down to Saumur to pick up some wine for my wedding. I can either go straight there on Thursday and then back to Le Mans, or sneak out early Friday morning.

I'm guessing that Thursday will be the better bet. Should I expect to get stuck in much traffic on the way back? I've never approached from the South before!

[anonymous-user]

Did the Friday run to Saumur for many years bit of traffic heading back in but not major just watch out for mad Friday stuff if you have a open top (see other threads). We always go to Maison Veuve Amiot nice sparkling red or next door at Langlois-Chateau, there is a few down that road so enjoy the tasting but make sure you have a designated driver

[Output Flange]

Thanks. It's Langlois-Chateau I'm heading to, no tasting this time (well, maybe a little one just to be sure) just collecting to bring back to Blighty. And maybe a few extras for the weekend at LM.

[leyorkie]

Are you passing through Le Lude?
I travel in most days and you just need to get around Arnarge, but see my post on the roadworks at the top end of the industrial area

[Output Flange]

Hadn't decided on route back to Le Mans - guess it's either through Le Lude or on the A11. Is one likely to be better than t'other?

[anonymous-user]

Output Flange said:

Thanks. It's Langlois-Chateau I'm heading to, no tasting this time (well, maybe a little one just to be sure) just collecting to bring back to Blighty. And maybe a few extras for the weekend at LM.

ah I do like the old Langlois have a good trip and enjoy

[LawRo86]

The only real traffic problem is Friday afternoon around the track and from Arnage.

[DMN]

I came up from Tours on the Thursday a couple of years back. It was fine, no real heavy traffic untill I was within 2/3 miles of the circuit.

[Sortie 10]

A few years ago, on the Friday we "discovered" Ackerman in the chalk cliffs near Saumur. See www.ackerman.fr really friendly people, interesting tour & great unpressurised tasting session. I called my brother (at the time a wine challenge judge) and was told to try & buy a certain vintage - unknown to the owner, a week later it was to be awarded a gold medal.
After a fair session, the drive back was interesting - nowadays a designated driver is essential. Nice D roads back are worth an explore, as long as you don't set off the corks on the sparkly...
No traffic & a bloody good warm up to the racing. Recommended

[Matt Harper]

My parents' home is between Saumur and Bauge, so I usually approach Le Mans from the south, having visited them prior to the race. I'll be driving the same route as usual on Friday. I suggest D938 to La Flèche, then D323 to Arnage, if your destined for Bleu/Bleu Nord/Main Entrance.
If you need to be at Tetre Rouge, Verte, Houx, Karting or BSJ, turn right off of D323 north of La Flèche at La Fontaine St Martin then follow signs for Oize, Ecommoy. At Economy take D32 north east and then A28 north. Finally take D143 north west to Ruaudin. From there follow the signs (and the traffic).
I've done this for years and it avoids all of the main traffic snarl-ups (even on race day).

[Output Flange]

Thanks Matt, that's really handy. I'm heading to Bleu Nord so that should do the trick nicely.

[Crook]

Output Flange said:

?.. And maybe a few extras for the weekend at LM.

[Output Flange]

Get your order in!