Le Mans

Le Mans; only 45 minutes to the North. is home to the famous 24 hour race circuit which hosts a variety of prestigious race events throughout the year, (as listed on our Le Mans dates page). The accompanying museum, documents the early history of motor racing, automobile anatomy and assembly. Housing  over 150 cars, from 1885 to the modern day.

       

Le Mans itself has a fabulous old town, well preserved, with it's cobbled, medieval streets and half-timbered house fronts, which provided the backdrop for Gerard Depardieu in Cyrano de Bergerac (1989).  See the remnants of a Gallo-Roman walls (the best preserved in Europe after Rome and Istanbul) and Roman baths by the river. Visit the Cathedral and Museum of Le Mans history, including the Plantagenets.

  Lots of fabulous shops and a vibrant night life make Le Mans a great place to visit. With its tram network public transport is a breeze. In the summer months you can take a trip on the little train giving a full tour of the sites Le Mans has to offer.

 During the months of July and August, Le Mans puts on a free light and sound show, "La Nuit des Chimeries" in several areas of the old part of Le Mans. Starting at nightfall the light show produces tableau after tableau of splendid coloured lights on the cathedral, city walls, fountain, Reine-Berengere museum and music school  as you watch one and then move onto the next when you are ready. The full show is Tuesday to Saturday. Sunday and Monday lights shows on the cathedral and fountain only.