Le Mans as a solo traveller

[ukaskew]

Has anyone done this or have any tips? I’ve been doing a bit of travelling alone in the past year to tick off some bucket list items and have found it really enjoyable. I’m quite anxious and not particularly confident, but I’ve found if I plan things well enough things have been fine (I managed a week in Hong Kong on my own, having never visited Asia before).

It will be for next year and I have no issue with doing the Classic instead if that would be better for me. I’d be happy keeping myself to myself and during the event itself I’ll be wandering around photographing as much as possible, so I’ve got no interest in social/partying/drinking side of things (I sound like great fun, don’t I!)

I guess driving is the main (only?) practical option, is there such thing as a quiet campsite at Le Mans?!

[Flamma]

I'm a similar lone ranger.. been to LM twice now, was very nervous the first time but it was better than I could ever have imagined. I use one of the "coach tour" companies.. travel in a group then trot off by myself when I get there.. never feel odd wandering around alone - most people are wearing headphones anyway!
I went to Spa 6hrs this year i (also solo) instead.. watching LM on TV and feeling a bit sad that I'm not there.. I'll be back next year...

[illmonkey]

I done it solo in 2017 ( link). It wasn't a problem, well the tolls were, as I didn't get one of the auto page things.

Apart from that, I was on my own for probably less than 10 minutes before a group started talking and I spent all weekend with them. Had my own tent etc, but sat with them for meals and went to the track in small groups too.

I went with others last year, but found time to meet up with some of them again. Was like meeting some long lost mates!

[RL17]

Liber T tag is a must- great fun overhauling a few cars that have just gone in front of you😀
Campsite with catering and bar and trackside viewing (plus marquee for shade out of the heat etc). Trackside viewing very sociable. Private campsite for security and showers etc
Go to car shows like CBW etc
Pleases stand ticket where it’s not too loud (and with a big screen if possible)
Ear defenderS with digital radio a great help to to follow stuff and when there’s an incident and yellow/SC etc people ask you what’s happening
Smile and buy a few drinks and get in rounds
Go Wednesday and be one of early ones at campsite- bit like conferences as come Friday loads of little groups already formed

[FredericRobinson]

This is my second time doing the full week on my own, but normally I come out on my own the weekend before and others join me later, it helps that I've been camping on the same spot since 2003 so I know plenty of people around the site.
Life is far too short to spend it only doing things other people want to come along to, crack on.

[Ben Jk]

I would have thought Le Mans is one of the best places to go solo. Within a short time you won’t be solo!

[ukaskew]

Thanks all, it sounds like a plan then. The coach option is appealing as a simple (yet no doubt more expensive) way of doing it.

[FredericRobinson]

I wouldn't be too put off by the toll booths, it's only a 3 or 4 yards walk a few times

[Strasse]

Have a look here...

www.le-mans-guide.co.uk

should answer most of your questions

Glad the rain is holding off

[//j17]

FredericRobinson said:

I wouldn't be too put off by the toll booths, it's only a 3 or 4 yards walk a few times

Yep, and the barriers stay up for plenty long enough to get back around, in, and go. At least never had one drop on me yet and been doing French motorways solo for years.

[hilly10]

That’s the thing with Le Man you may go on your own but you meet and spend time with new friends.

[sgtBerbatov]

I want to go next year, but I'm the only petrol head out of my mates and the wife doesn't want to camp, so I'll probably end up going on my own. So if you go next year I can give you a lift, as I'll need someone to operate the barriers!

[illmonkey]

sgtBerbatov said:

I want to go next year, but I'm the only petrol head out of my mates and the wife doesn't want to camp, so I'll probably end up going on my own. So if you go next year I can give you a lift, as I'll need someone to operate the barriers!

Maybe form a group of solo's!

Honestly, every is mega friendly, just approach a half pissed group with some beers and ask to sit with them.

Within 30 minutes of finding "my group" I was on their caravan trying to fix a satellite dish, because the owner fell off the top!

I am already thinking about next year, I'd be solo too. But the other half has said it's same weekend as Isle of White festival that we said we'd go to. Decisions!

[Sirius]

If going solo I wouldn't rule out taking the train I would imagine it would be more pleasant than a coach. Eurostar from London to Paris > Metro across Paris and then TGV out to Le Mans then you can grab the tram from Le Mans station out to the circuit. I've done it once and worked well.

You could then use one of the private campsites that provides tents so you wouldn't have to worry too much about camping gear. You'll also get the opportunity to socialise should you want to over breakfast/dinner/drinks with the other campers.

[ferrus]

ukaskew said:

Has anyone done this or have any tips? I’ve been doing a bit of travelling alone in the past year to tick off some bucket list items and have found it really enjoyable. I’m quite anxious and not particularly confident, but I’ve found if I plan things well enough things have been fine

I’d be happy keeping myself to myself and during the event itself I’ll be wandering around photographing as much as possible, so I’ve got no interest in social/partying/drinking side of things (I sound like great fun, don’t I!)

Done this three years running now. No problem at all.

Not 100% solo - as I know friends and family there to meet up with, but I travel, sleep and watch the race solo.
As mentioned previously, Le Mans is quite an easy place to lose yourself in the crowds and activities, and speaking as someone that became hooked on the race years before attending, it's always more about the action on track for me - rather than the partying.

You'll see many people walking around tuned into Radio Le Mans for large portions of the weekend. This is almost essential to properly follow the race, and another help to the solo traveller.

ukaskew said:

I guess driving is the main (only?) practical option, is there such thing as a quiet campsite at Le Mans?!

Up to you, but for me one of the benefits of travelling away from the friends and family, is making the journey a lot more pleasurable.

Cheap Flight to Paris CDG (90 mins)
Direct TGV from CDG Terminal 2 to Le Mans (60 mins)
Tram from the station to the circuit (20 mins)

Doesn't get much easier, or more comfortable.
TGV first class (often only a couple more euros), even has a class of private seating called 'solo'!

Travelling by car certainly makes thing easier for accommodation options. Bring your own tent, food, beer etc.
Travelling without a car may restrict you to fewer, more expensive campsites - with pre-erected tents, restaurants and cash bars. I still prefer this option though.
Those sites are usually a lot quieter, than the large fields.

[wsn03]

ukaskew said:

I guess driving is the main (only?) practical option, is there such thing as a quiet campsite at Le Mans?!

Yes
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...