A Visitor Guide to Le Mans
How to Get to Le Mans Circuit (Circuit de la Sarthe)
Located around 80 km north of Tours, Le Mans isn’t necessarily close to many major cities. Luckily, there are plenty of transport options available, especially when visiting around the time of the race.
- By plane – the nearest airport is Le Mans Arnage Airport, only an 18-minute drive away.
- By rental car – there are several main roads, including the D314, that take you right into Le Mans.
- By train – Le Mans train station is only a 10-minute drive from the city center.
The race itself is held just outside of Le Mans, on the Circuit de la Sarthe – approximately 17 minutes by rental car from Le Mans.
Why Should I Visit Le Mans?
The Le Mans 24-hour race is an unmissable experience that a lot of people have been waiting for. 2024 marks over 100 years of this high-speed competition famous for showcasing a balance of skill, strategy, and endurance.
Le Mans offers a unique experience, no matter if you’re a racing fan or not. For motorsport enthusiasts, witnessing a one-of-a-kind endurance race on an iconic racetrack has its own charm, while the vibrant culture of the city can appeal to all.
Other tracks on the WEC:
- Qatar - Qatar 1812 KM
- Italy – Six Hours of Imola
- Brazil – Six Hours of Sao Paolo
- USA – Loner Star Le Mans (Cota)
- Japan – Six Hours of Fuji
- Bahrain – Eight Hours of Bahrain
- Belgium – Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
Buckle up and start your engines for an exciting trip to Le Mans. When you hear this name, you might think of the iconic 24-hour race that has defined sports endurance for decades, but Le Mans is so much more. With over 24 hours at your disposal – or even a full weekend – we’ve compiled a guide on how you can make your trip even more exciting and memorable.
Sitting alongside a small hill, the quaint town of Le Mans (yes, it’s a town as well!) spans over 50 acres of gorgeous medieval cobbled streets. This historic area is a great place to explore before you start experiencing the Le Mans 2024 race.
What is the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most recognized annual endurance-based sports car marathons in the world. Running since 1923, it’s the oldest endurance race in the world and features some of the toughest race teams and manufacturers worldwide.
Held just outside of Le Mans, France, the circuit covers 13.6 km (8.4 mi) – but the goal of the race is to cover the most distance. In 24 hours, the longest distance ever recorded was 5410.7 km – 397 laps of the circuit.
Each year this race is organized in mid-June where different classes compete, these are:
- Hypercar (formerly LMP1),
- “Le Mans” Prototype 2 (LMP2)
- Le Mans Grand Touring Endurance (LMGTE) Pro/Am.
As part of the FIA World Endurance Championships, the race is one of the seven endurance races held on tracks across several continents – from Portugal to Bahrain and the USA to Japan.
Founded by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the race was designed to push mechanical innovation in the automotive industry. To this day, the race acts as a proving ground where top automobile manufacturers such as Porsche, Peugeot, Ferrari and Toyota test the best of their sports engineering prowess and compete for success.
Over the years, the track has changed – most notably when the section of track running through Le Mans was removed, to better protect onlookers. With eight miles of demanding tarmac, featuring all-out straights, fast sweeping bends and tight chicanes, it’s a circuit that has an infamous reputation.
What to Do at Le Mans
The Circuit
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there will be a variety of events, occasions, and the race itself (which you won’t miss – it’s a long one.)
There’s also the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, which could be a great way to start your pre-race day experience.
The Area
There’s more to the city than the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With beautiful Cathedrals and Abbeys, several museums (not all dedicated to motorsports), theme parks and stunning natural trails you’re bound to find more than burnt rubber.
Where to Stay When Visiting Le Mans
Before embracing the speed and power of roaring sports cars, you should plan out your stay. While the drivers at Le Mans 24-hour must endure tiredness as part of the race, you don’t have to!
You’ve got a variety of places to stay on your visit to Le Mans, including hotels and holiday rentals.
Hotels – Booking costs vary depending on the time of year, location, and amenities offered. For two adults during the Le Mans race week, it's advisable to research and compare prices to find the best deal within your budget.
Holiday rentals – Renting a tiny home can be very affordable, with some options being even cheaper than others. However, renting a full home or apartment might cost similar amounts to staying in a hotel.
Camping – Le Mans offers a variety of campsites. If you already have a tent, camping can be a budget-friendly option.
The Circuit
During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there will be a variety of events, occasions, and the race itself (which you won’t miss – it’s a long one.)
There’s also the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, which could be a great way to start your pre-race day experience.
The Area
There’s more to the city than the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With beautiful Cathedrals and Abbeys, several museums (not all dedicated to motorsports), theme parks and stunning natural trails you’re bound to find more than burnt rubber.
The Le Mans 24-hour race is an unmissable experience that a lot of people have been waiting for. 2024 marks over 100 years of this high-speed competition famous for showcasing a balance of skill, strategy, and endurance.
Le Mans offers a unique experience, no matter if you’re a racing fan or not. For motorsport enthusiasts, witnessing a one-of-a-kind endurance race on an iconic racetrack has its own charm, while the vibrant culture of the city can appeal to all.
Other tracks on the WEC:
- Qatar - Qatar 1812 KM
- Italy – Six Hours of Imola
- Brazil – Six Hours of Sao Paolo
- USA – Loner Star Le Mans (Cota)
- Japan – Six Hours of Fuji
- Bahrain – Eight Hours of Bahrain
- Belgium – Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps
