Driver's parade
Discussion
Last year Police with Automatic weapons were at the main tram stops in town and the parade route was revised to not include the cutting to the side of the cathedral as it was seen as a security risk from above.
For the last year or so I've thought that any major gathering of people in a public area was a risk but I wouldn't have thought of such a large number of restaurants and pubs as a risk until last weekend!
I'll aim to put the worry at the back of my mind.
Stay safe and try to enjoy it
For the last year or so I've thought that any major gathering of people in a public area was a risk but I wouldn't have thought of such a large number of restaurants and pubs as a risk until last weekend!
I'll aim to put the worry at the back of my mind.
Stay safe and try to enjoy it
I went last year shortly after the attack in France, and enjoyed it just as much as the years previous. I'll be going again this year and no doubt enjoying it equally as much, especially after a couple of beers. It'll have a decent police presence and if something is going to happen then it's going to happen: I refuse to miss out on a massively enjoyable part of my holiday because of what-if.
I work at a major international airport so maybe I'm just more used to dealing with the threat everyday, but I'm still planning on sticking two fingers up to terrorists at LM regardless.
I work at a major international airport so maybe I'm just more used to dealing with the threat everyday, but I'm still planning on sticking two fingers up to terrorists at LM regardless.
Are you also planning on avoiding the camp sites and circuit? I mean loads of people all together, just think what you could do with a bomb in front the grandstands at race start or easier just rampage your van through the tents in the campsite at night...
The risk of being killed or injured in a terrorist attack at Le Mans is still probably lower than that of being killed or injured driving there and back.
The risk of being killed or injured in a terrorist attack at Le Mans is still probably lower than that of being killed or injured driving there and back.
What time you want to leave the circuit is a bit dependent on how sharp your elbows are in your urge to get to the front of the crowds!
We don't attend the Parade every year, usually only when we have new people in our group, who haven't been before. This year we have 3 new people so will be attending. I have yet to work out what the route is! There is a general flow of people from the circuit to the town centre from around mid-day.
On the security aspect there are crowd control barriers in place on the route which would not stop a vehicle like the new ones on London bridges would, but they will hinder it. The route is so long and with some many people even if there was an attack your chances as an individual in being caught up in it are minimal.
We don't attend the Parade every year, usually only when we have new people in our group, who haven't been before. This year we have 3 new people so will be attending. I have yet to work out what the route is! There is a general flow of people from the circuit to the town centre from around mid-day.
On the security aspect there are crowd control barriers in place on the route which would not stop a vehicle like the new ones on London bridges would, but they will hinder it. The route is so long and with some many people even if there was an attack your chances as an individual in being caught up in it are minimal.
I'm lending the XKSS to a friend and his son and they are doing the parade, so give them a wave. After my back operation I don't want to risk it this year but I've done it many times before. With 30C forecast it wouldn't be a pleasure so I will quietly sit at home with a cold beer and await their return.
carribine said:
Bit of a numpty question but this will be my 8th trip to le mans and i've never been into town or the drivers parade!
How would I get from Maison Blanche to the drivers parade? Where is the tram stop by the circuit, what time would I have to leave the camp etc to get there?
The best tram stop is Antares, over by the football stadium/the entrance to Houx/Houx Annex. From MB cross the circuit via the start/finnish tunnel and head for Houx (taking in the pit walk depending on time of day). From their it's left on the public road to the roundabout.How would I get from Maison Blanche to the drivers parade? Where is the tram stop by the circuit, what time would I have to leave the camp etc to get there?
Ignoring stops for pit walk/walking around the Village tat bazzar I'd say 20-30min stroll, followed by 30min on the tram to Place du la Republique.
What time is the drivers parade from/to, and how much earlier should we get there to get a decent view?
Also, we are going to the Classic British Welcome at Saint-Saturnin beforehand (opens at 9am) and would like to get to the actual circuit on Friday possibly for a pitwalk (10am-8pm, free with Sat/Sun ticket?) and/or a drive on part of the circuit.
P.S. It's my first time and I want to do as much as possible but recognise that we can't do everything. Our B&B is in Le Mans.
Also, we are going to the Classic British Welcome at Saint-Saturnin beforehand (opens at 9am) and would like to get to the actual circuit on Friday possibly for a pitwalk (10am-8pm, free with Sat/Sun ticket?) and/or a drive on part of the circuit.
P.S. It's my first time and I want to do as much as possible but recognise that we can't do everything. Our B&B is in Le Mans.
Your route should be to go to St. Saturnin early, say 0930, look at the displays, and watch the cars arrive. Stay about one hour and leave otherwise getting out can get difficult and traffic into Le Mans very slow. Leave your car in town, catch the tram to the circuit and do the pit walk, then return to town and find a good vantage point for the Parade which starts at 1730. After the parade get your car and go back to your camp site or whatever.
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