Best place for the drivers parade ?
Discussion
In the 5 years we've been going to LM we have gone to the drivers parade twice and not really been to the right spot. This year we are going by tram again. Question is, where is the best place to stand to watch the parade to get full advantage and enjoyment. Road/square names would be a great help so I can look it up on Google Maps 
The trick is to get there early to stake your claim against the barrier. Also choose somewhere not too far from a bar and/or toilets. Narrow street might be better too, should the sun be turned up to 11 you might get some shade.
If you can find it, Rue Victor Bonhommet fits the above requirements, assuming it still goes that way! It's just off Place de la Republique, it's the street with the model shop and tatoo place on it.
If you can find it, Rue Victor Bonhommet fits the above requirements, assuming it still goes that way! It's just off Place de la Republique, it's the street with the model shop and tatoo place on it.
Rolls said:
Just think its a case of getting there early, rather than lastminutedotcom like my group seem to do year in year out!
......yea just like us !! went to the main square where it starts 10 minutes before it started and the crowds were huge. Went early in '08 but always found the wrong street/viewing area 
We find the best place is back in the campsite bar where we haven't got to drive, it's lovely and quiet, we've already done San Satanin and the PH Mulsanne walk about and need a quiet sit down in the shade and something snacky to eat.
Twice we have tried to get there to watch it and twice we have got the time wrong and been so early that we have gone long before it started. Last year we just enjoyed the car shows and then went for a sit down without cars and sun !
Twice we have tried to get there to watch it and twice we have got the time wrong and been so early that we have gone long before it started. Last year we just enjoyed the car shows and then went for a sit down without cars and sun !
We have found that the tunnel is a good place as spectators are only allowed on one side and the drivers are usually happy to provide autographs etc but you still need to get there really early for a decent spot... biggest downside is that this is at the end of the parade and consequently takes a long time for the parade to finish, but you do get to talk to some of the drivers...
Place de la Republique is the centre of town and in front of the cathedral is the Place des Jacobins. However, I am not sure if the parade will start there this year since therre is major building work going on; the theatre on one side of the square has been demolished and there is a lot of building work to take place.
We found that the best place is janines.
Le Mans town is just a mad scrum have been down for the parade a couple of times and i just wont be bothering again, there are so many peopl trying to get to the best spots fo viewing it is ridiculous. If you must go down we found that the parade forms up in the big square by the cathedral and if you get there in good time you can have a good nosy round all the cars then find a nice bar away from the route for a couple of beers whilst all the madness happens.The best thing is the new trams, it is much much better than the crappy overcrowded sweatboxes of buses they used to use
Le Mans town is just a mad scrum have been down for the parade a couple of times and i just wont be bothering again, there are so many peopl trying to get to the best spots fo viewing it is ridiculous. If you must go down we found that the parade forms up in the big square by the cathedral and if you get there in good time you can have a good nosy round all the cars then find a nice bar away from the route for a couple of beers whilst all the madness happens.The best thing is the new trams, it is much much better than the crappy overcrowded sweatboxes of buses they used to use
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