The best places to take photos at Le Mans

Ready to capture some of the most thrilling moments in motorsport? The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the perfect playground for photographers, offering incredible backdrops, high-speed drama, and non-stop action from day to night. Whether you're chasing panning shots, light trails, or wide-track panoramas, the Circuit de la Sarthe delivers unforgettable results.

We’ve rounded up the Le Mans photo opportunities you won’t want to miss—plus a few pro tips to help sharpen your shooting skills and get the best results from your gear.

Le Mans photo opportunities: where to shoot?

The Circuit de la Sarthe combines public roads and dedicated racetrack sections to create a uniquely challenging—and rewarding—environment for motorsport photography. If you plan ahead and know where to go, you’ll come home with Le Mans photos that deserve a spot in any portfolio.

2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge EuropeRound 3 // Endurance CupCircuit Paul Ricard (France) - June 2nd - 4th, 2023Photo: Michele Scudiero

The start line

Catch the calm before the storm. The start line is ideal for pre-race images—drivers interacting with fans, last-minute prep, and every car lined up in formation. If you have grandstand access, the Goodyear and Panorama stands give you a sweeping view of the Dunlop Curve and Chicane, with the iconic Dunlop Bridge visible just beyond.

Bonus: Arrive at sunrise for golden light as the cars sweep under the bridge. It’s one of the best Le Mans photo spots you’ll find.

The pit lane

The pit lane brings a different kind of energy. Capture candid, documentary-style shots of drivers, crew, and the raw mechanics of endurance racing. If you’re shooting at night, the floodlights and glowing brake discs make for dramatic, editorial-style frames.

Listen out for pit announcements on the radio, so you’re ready when the big teams roll in. And for the cleanest images, shoot from the opposite side of the media pack to avoid clutter in your frame.

2023 FIA World Endurance Championship Round 4Le Mans, France5th - 11th June 2023Photo: Nick Dungan / Drew Gibson Photography

2023 FIA World Endurance ChampionshipLe Mans TestLe Mans, France2nd - 4th June 2023Photo: Jamey Price / Drew Gibson Photography

Tertre Rouge

For fans of panning shots, Tertre Rouge is a must. This fast right-hander feeds cars onto the Mulsanne Straight, and it’s one of the best spots to show motion and speed. Stand trackside and follow the cars with your lens for that classic motion blur.

You can also head toward the Forest Esses, where it’s possible to cross the track and get creative angles as the cars descend from Dunlop.

Porsche Curves

Looking to get close? The Porsche Curves put you just feet from the tarmac. This sweeping section of track offers some of the best Le Mans photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour. As the light fades, glowing brake rotors and sweeping light trails give your shots a cinematic edge.

If you’ve got a long lens, head to the grassy banking overlooking the first curve—perfect for panning and tracking shots.

cars racing in race track in the evening

The Ferris wheel

Want a wide shot of the track and its surroundings? Head to the Ferris wheel in the main grandstand area. It’s a favorite for aerial-style Le Mans photos, especially at sunset or during the night session when the lights come alive. The queue may be long, but the views from the top are worth it.

Tips for taking great motorsport photos

Use a long lens

A telephoto lens is your best friend when shooting at Le Mans. A 500mm will get you frame-filling close-ups from a distance, but even a 300mm with a teleconverter works well. Don’t forget a tripod or monopod—these lenses get heavy fast.

Pack a wide lens

For the pit lane or fan zones, go wide. A wide-angle or fisheye lens lets you capture full scenes—drivers, cars, and context—in tight spaces. Perfect for editorial shots and storytelling.

Master the panning shot

To convey speed, use a slow shutter speed (start around 1/60) and pan smoothly with the car as it passes. Keep your subject sharp while the background blurs for that dynamic, motion-filled look. If your image is too bright, stop down your aperture or use an ND filter to reduce exposure.

Shoot light trails at night

Want show-stopping night shots? Try long exposures at corners like the Porsche Curves, where car lights paint bright lines through the frame. Mount your camera on a tripod, drop your shutter speed to several seconds, and experiment.

Even smartphone cameras can do this with manual mode—just remember to stay steady.

Catch the golden hour

The best light of the day happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset. These “golden hours” are perfect for Le Mans best places for photos like Tertre Rouge or Dunlop Bridge. Plan ahead, scout your location early, and time your best shots for the soft, warm glow that transforms your images.

Let’s go!

To catch the best Le Mans photo opportunities, you’ll need to get around the Circuit de la Sarthe—and that’s where a rental car comes in. From reaching outer corners like Mulsanne and Arnage to parking close to your chosen viewing points, having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to chase the light, explore the circuit, and move your gear with ease.

Book your car rental with Hertz and get closer to the action at Le Mans. Whether you're heading straight to the grandstands or seeking out hidden photo spots along the route, we’ve got you covered.

Explore with Hertz