Traffic in Le Mans

[kevin ritson]

I've got a 10am crossing to Dunkirque on Thursday, so I'll be on the road in France from 1pm - if I use the direct route (and I won't be taking liberties, it's just not worth it during LM week), it'll take around 4 hours, meaning I'll be leaving the Autoroute at 5pm. Last year I remember this being rather busy and I've never been one to sit in traffic if there's an alternative.

Can I assume the traffic is busy from 5-7 like the UK, in which case should I re-route to the N138 and do the old fashioned route or will I come a cropper in a couple of the towns it crosses? Or is there a better turn-off, bearing in mind I'm camping at Bleu Nord this year as opposed to Houx Annexe?

[the fury]

It's either sit in the queue to get off the Autoroute or sit in the queue to get through Le Mans town I think! There's no magic route as far as I know but I'll gladly be corrected...

Edited by the fury on Tuesday 10th June 14:06

[Gibo993]

we arrived at that time two years ago, its hell with all the locals coming in to watch the practice session. Have a look at Google maps as there are lots of little roads that may get you near the campsite, make sure you enter the correct end for your site as it took 2 hours just get into Maison Blance from the ACO ticket office end.

[MBH]

put Arnage in your sat nav, that way you route round the top of Le Mans and avoid much of the queues, then from there head towards the circuit and you pop out at the roundabout by Beausejour. Turn left and Blue is 200 yards.

[kevin ritson]

Cheers - had a look on the map and looks like a good idea. Also wonder if it's worth taking the A11 then the D326?