Le Mans - Going for the first time? Yes? Well to make your life easier we have compiled a short list of FAQ’s. Why book with Travel Destinations? Because it’s easy. Not only have we been sending customers to Le Mans since 1996, we have all personally been to Le Mans on many occasions so we are well qualified to give you the best advice for your requirements. However most importantly and unlike many other operators we are fully bonded members of ABTA and hold an ATOL licence so your money is protected from the day you make your reservation. We are also official ticket agents of the Le Mans 24 Hours organisers (ACO) which enables us to guarantee your tickets and send them to you well in advance of the race.
OK, I am happy to camp Then there are a number of choices; either on-circuit at one of the official campsites or off-circuit in the surrounding area.
What happens if I need help whilst I’m at Le Mans? As a valued customer of Travel Destinations we are here to help you all the way. During the week leading up to the race we have an exclusive helpline number so we are only a phone call away. We will be at the Le Mans circuit, so if necessary can come and meet you within minutes of your call.
There seems to be lots of different on-circuit campsites There are around 15 different on-circuit campsites. They all offer very similar basic toilet and shower facilities. We can advise you of the best one to suit your needs. For the exact location of the on-circuit campsites see our map on page 14.
What and when is Le Mans? Le Mans is the home town of the 24 Hours race - an endurance race like no other with approximately 250,000 spectators. It is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and takes place every year in the middle of June. Where is Le Mans? Le Mans is close to the Loire Valley, France - approximately 130 miles west of Paris. What is the best way to get to Le Mans? By car. Le Mans is easily accessible via motorway from Calais (5hrs) or Caen/Le Havre/St Malo/Cherbourg (3hrs). When should I go to Le Mans? Depending on work/family commitments, we would recommend you go early and come back early. Wednesday or Thursday to Sunday is ideal. There are lots of things to see and do before the race but once the race has finished that’s pretty much the end of the event. What tickets will I need to watch the 24 Hours race? As a minimum you will need one general entrance ticket per person. This gets you pedestrian access into the circuit and general viewing areas. If you are camping you will need a camping pass. Grandstand tickets are optional extras. Entry tickets and camping permits are barcoded and scanned as you enter and leave the circuit.
If I camp on-circuit how many campsite tickets will I need? At least one camping permit per vehicle. Each pitch has an allocated space of 7x5 square metres. Both your vehicle and tent will need to fit into this space. If you require more than 7x5 square metres for either a number of tents or a large vehicle, motorhome or caravan you will need to buy additional camping permits.
Which grandstands are the best? It’s down to personal preference. The closer to the start/finish line the more expensive, however some of the stands at the top of the circuit (Dunlop Bridge) offer excellent views. We can advise you of the best location to suit your requirements. For further details on the grandstands see our map on page 20. What can I expect at the Le Mans 24 hours? The Le Mans 24 Hours is like a motor racing Glastonbury noisy and dirty - but fantastic fun. Ultimately your experience will depend on the people you take with you and your attitude. Where do I get food and drink? There are plenty of places on the circuit where you can buy food and drink. If you are a seasoned camper then there are various supermarkets near the circuit to buy provisions. What if I forget something? As long as it’s not your passport, travel documents or credit cards you’ll be fine. The supermarkets and stores around Le Mans sell virtually everything.
But I don’t want to camp! Don’t worry - whether it’s a basic step up from camping, a room in a hotel or château, or a bed on-circuit, we have a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets.
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