LM24 newbie question
Discussion
Hi, my wife and I are planning to go to Le Mans 24h for the first time. Didn't realise things would get booked up so early so not off to the best start! 
I was wondering what traffic around the circuit is like on the Saturday and Sunday? I'm torn between going with a tour company where coach transfer between hotel and circuit is included or a hotel that's about an hour's drive away (Trôo, Alençon or Bellême probably), but half the price.
If the traffic is as horrendous as it is for sporting events in the UK, that hour's drive would probably be more like 2 hours so I'd rather let the coach take the strain.
Would be grateful for some advice on this.
I was wondering what traffic around the circuit is like on the Saturday and Sunday? I'm torn between going with a tour company where coach transfer between hotel and circuit is included or a hotel that's about an hour's drive away (Trôo, Alençon or Bellême probably), but half the price.
If the traffic is as horrendous as it is for sporting events in the UK, that hour's drive would probably be more like 2 hours so I'd rather let the coach take the strain.
Would be grateful for some advice on this.
You'll be lucky to get a hotel within an hour of the circuit now. You may need to think 1 1/2 hours drive or so away.
My son and I always stay in a hotel located 125KM from the circuit and drive in Saturday morning, sleep in the car Saturday night and drive back to the hotel after the race.
Best to arrive at the circuit by about 9:00 am to avoid the real rush, and park in your PRE BOOKED parking area. There is one non bookable car park but I'd not recommend it. Don't even think about parking on the road anywhere near the circuit unless you're arriving Thursday latest.
All the routes to the different parking areas are signposted from and within the town limits. Most of the routes are not direct and it's best to follow the signs. So, maybe get your hotel and parking sorted and come back on here later for route guidance.
Traffic on Saturday night and again Sunday morning is really heavy as well so that's why we always sleep in the car.
As for post race departure we always wait about two hours before thinking of leaving to get back to the hotel, otherwise it's a nightmare getting out. We have once or twice left 30 minutes before the end of the race (needed to get back to the UK for work the next day) which is a cinch.
Have you got your general entrance tickets yet? These can be bought on the day at the circuit or bought ahead. If you're planning a grandstand seat these must be pre-booked and you'll be lucky to get any now.
R.
My son and I always stay in a hotel located 125KM from the circuit and drive in Saturday morning, sleep in the car Saturday night and drive back to the hotel after the race.
Best to arrive at the circuit by about 9:00 am to avoid the real rush, and park in your PRE BOOKED parking area. There is one non bookable car park but I'd not recommend it. Don't even think about parking on the road anywhere near the circuit unless you're arriving Thursday latest.
All the routes to the different parking areas are signposted from and within the town limits. Most of the routes are not direct and it's best to follow the signs. So, maybe get your hotel and parking sorted and come back on here later for route guidance.
Traffic on Saturday night and again Sunday morning is really heavy as well so that's why we always sleep in the car.
As for post race departure we always wait about two hours before thinking of leaving to get back to the hotel, otherwise it's a nightmare getting out. We have once or twice left 30 minutes before the end of the race (needed to get back to the UK for work the next day) which is a cinch.
Have you got your general entrance tickets yet? These can be bought on the day at the circuit or bought ahead. If you're planning a grandstand seat these must be pre-booked and you'll be lucky to get any now.
R.
speech said:
Thanks for the replies. Guess I'll go for the safer option!
Yes, have booked general entrance (Enceinte Generale Semaine - I hope that's the right one) and one of the grandstands, plus a car park pass just in case.
You have everything you need. Yes, have booked general entrance (Enceinte Generale Semaine - I hope that's the right one) and one of the grandstands, plus a car park pass just in case.
Edit... except... get a pair of FM radio's and earphones... so you can listen to the commentary on Radio Le Mans. A must read.
And download the Le Mans guide from www.clubarnage.com
As already said hotels close by will already be sold out and you will probably end up some way from the circuit, but do not worry you will get something. If you book a tour it will be very expensive so best to just look around at hotels perhaps south of le mans. There are always of circuit campsites and some of those are quite luxurious compared to those on circuit. Best to get ferry/tunnel booked as soon as possible and trust you will find something acceptable to your wife. during the race sleeping in the car for a few hours will probably be best choice on saturday night
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