 Now in its final stages of transformation the new layout of the Le Mans Village has received mixed reactions. The diehards say it has lost character but progress is unstoppable and most visitors are very impressed by the new and spacious spectator area, its shops, food stalls and restaurants. Some of us remember the original pit balcony – that had character! It was fun to be up there but occasionally someone leaned over a bit too far and fell into the pitlane below.
Everyone, whether they’ve been going to the race for twenty years or just two years, has stories and anecdotes about their 24-hour adventures. The event readily lends itself to incident on and off the track and with every passing year the stories grow. Some are true, most are partly true and some complete fiction but no-one knows which are which and as long as the retelling is humourous no-one really cares.
The campsites are ideal breeding grounds for fun. With the tent erected and supplies safely stowed it’s time for the party to begin. BBQs are lit, bottles opened and the music and commentary from Radio Le Mans provides the entertainment. Similarly, in Le Mans itself and the towns and villages within a 40 mile radius everywhere is fully booked and everyone is anticipating an excellent weekend’s racing.
Scrutineering and the driver parade through the streets of Le Mans attract enormous crowds. On Wednesday and Thursday evening the track is teeming with spectators getting their first view of the cars on track as they practice and qualify in the late afternoon light and again in the dark. Friday is a free day with no track action – time to regroup, chill out and restock the larders. Saturday starts with a superb historic race followed by track displays and demonstrations. Then it’s time for the race build-up and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere around the circuit in the couple of hours before 1600h.
You just have to be there and you can be on one of our flexible self-drive itineraries.
Stay in a choice of hotels, all excellent in their category, for 3 to 7 nights with a general admission or grandstand ticket. All our tickets are valid for all practice sessions as well as the race. Travel between Dover or Folklestone and Calais or take one of the longer sea crossings with onboard accommodation if you are travelling overnight. Some of these sailings sell out fast so be sure to call us early to secure your place.
In addition to the accommodation listed we can arrange house parties for families, clubs or groups of friends in chateaux, manoirs and private houses. Please ask for details. |
With many victories already in the most famous endurance race of all – outright win in 1991 and 3 consecutive wins in the GT class – Oreca are back once more with an LMP1 prototype to run the 24 hours. Share their weekend in a choice of superb spectator hospitality packages. 
