Le Mans 24hr Newbie

[DottyDog]

I'm finally getting the opportunity to tick Le Mans 24hrs off the bucket list this year with 5 friends. We're all time poor so will leave Manchester crack of dawn on the Friday and leave on the Sunday before the race finishes to get home before midnight. As we're so limited for time I naturally want to make the most of it at all times.

I'm looking for some general advice and guidance if anyone is willing to share what has worked well for them - and also what hasn't. For example, should I stay on site the whole time or venture out to Le Mans itself? Any particular things to see and do and best places to spectate in your opinion? I'm also interested in anyones advice re beer! Am I facing long queues for example throughout or is there options?

We've got 3 cars travelling down in convoy. If anyone can recommend any particular routes (not autoroutes) then that would also be great. Perhaps a nice restaurant en-route to stop off at?

Thanks in advance!