Le Mans Help

[Harvez]

Same story as everyone else really I'm looking to book campsite ONLY. Where is the best place to book some? I read on another thread to email these guys "[e-mail]" and request a booking form so i've done this. I went back in 2008 and had a brillant time. But missed out on the chance in 2009 because I left it a bit too late I dont want to miss another year.

Back in 2008 I just booked a camp site ONLY but seems recently alot of people are trying to say you have to buy general enterance tickets ... which im not having.

Also one more question ..I believe the campsite I visted last is no longer. Which is a good camp site with a lively atomospher?

Thanks for any help

[fatboy18]

Houx Annex for lively atmosphere! I know people that go back there year after year. I have camped there a couple of times but it can get a bit tight on there! Not sure if the ACO mark out pitches on this site? But I'm sure someone will chime in Its a bit smaller now than it used to be due to building works.

[Harvez]

Houx Annex was the one we stayed in!! I was under the impression it had gone =/ I'd love to camp there again so I guess the new question is where can I get Houx Annex camping only tickets?

[gt6]

Houx Annex is now half of what it was thanks to the footy stadium, and allocated pitches. Most of the more expensive campsites are allocated now but with extra capacity added each year you will easily get camping only, however most agencies do request that you buy at least 2 GA's with every camping ticket. Try the ACO direct or tourist office in Le Mans (ask for Nadine)

[Davwlk]

If you have to pay over the odds for a camping with a general entrance ticket so be it. Unless you are planning to stay in your tent you'll need one anyway.
Write out 100 times 'I must remember to apply earlier next year'

[gt6]

Davwlk said:

If you have to pay over the odds for a camping with a general entrance ticket so be it. Unless you are planning to stay in your tent you'll need one anyway.
Write out 100 times 'I must remember to apply earlier next year'

The problem is that some of the agencies charge quite a bit for GA tickets, often a 50% mark up, GA's are available on the gates at Le mans at cost price and even less if you are an ACO member.

[CB911]

gt6 said:

The problem is that some of the agencies charge quite a bit for GA tickets, often a 50% mark up, GA's are available on the gates at Le mans at cost price and even less if you are an ACO member.

I've bought off a few different agents. Sometimes with entry sometimes not. Never paid close to 50% over though. Who are you referring to? The tickets are 62 Euros on the gate. Assume 1.1 Euros to the pound equates to £56 on the gate. Most agency prices I've seen are £65, ie a 15% markup!

[gt6]

I have seen agencies last year charging £80 a ticket and the exchange rate was much better last year, if they are only charging £65 this year that is good. ACO prices for 2010 are Euro 65 so thats only a 10% mark up.

[Hairy Mary]

The exchange rate is better this year than last, so we should find ticket prices have stayed the same or become slightly cheaper than last year.

However, this must be really difficult for the agencies as they don't have crystal balls.
We bought from Team Langoustine.
TL charge £62 per GE pass. Not a huge mark up and do not insist on you buying them with campsite etc.

So it's a little unfair to tar all agencies as some are there to help.

[gt6]

I totally agree with you but it is a buyer beware situation compare prices before you buy and that way you get a deal that is good for both you and the agencies,not all are as good as TL.

[Buck Bundy]

We go by bike so we only have one person per vehicle, so those agencies who insist on 2 GAs per camping pass are no use to us. Some will allow us to buy a camping pass with only 1 GA when we explain the situation, but others won't.

As Hairy Mary says, some agencies are there to help, but others aren't.

Buck

[Harvez]

Thanks for the replys, the issue is it's all going on my card.4 cars with 4 campsite tickets and 8 GE tickets ... Luckly none of us have credit cards

Seems Houx is fully booked. Would anyone recommend either of the following;

* Beausejour
* Dairon
* Pincenardiere

[Mattt]

www.beermountain.com for guides.

Bausejour is ok, but a long walk from the main area - good for Porsche curves though.

Not heard of the other 2.

[Harvez]

I did check on there first mate, seems the other 2 are new and aren't very appealing with no showers, no nothing. I wounder if its worth waiting to see if 3 camp tickets show up on ebay? I noticed a 2 tickets from different sellers for bleu. Or is this a complete gamble not worth taking?

[Hairy Mary]

They are allocated pitch, so if you buy from different sellers, you will not be together in the campsite.

[FredericRobinson]

You could do what we do, having given up on the ACO we book our chosen site through an agency, take the required 2 GA's per camping pass and sell any spare entrance tickets outside the gates on the Saturday morning. We don't get face value for them but it's better than nowt.