Le Mans - A beginners guide
Discussion
Afternoon all,
I have been trying to get some basic information about visiting the Le Mans 24 hour race as a British fan, but can't seem to find much information on the net anywhere, with any sites that proclaim to tell you about "10 must knows before you visit lemans" talking about sun cream and walking shoes, not exactly the stuff I need to know!
I have a few specific questions, but please throw any useful information my way!
An outline of the plan is to hire a couple of motorhomes for the weekend, jump on the ferry and drive down on the Friday night / Saturday morning, camp within the grounds and return on Sunday after the race. As for my questions...
Sorry for all the questions, but i am sure that PH will be able to help!
I have been trying to get some basic information about visiting the Le Mans 24 hour race as a British fan, but can't seem to find much information on the net anywhere, with any sites that proclaim to tell you about "10 must knows before you visit lemans" talking about sun cream and walking shoes, not exactly the stuff I need to know!
I have a few specific questions, but please throw any useful information my way!
An outline of the plan is to hire a couple of motorhomes for the weekend, jump on the ferry and drive down on the Friday night / Saturday morning, camp within the grounds and return on Sunday after the race. As for my questions...
- Does buying a camping pitch include the entry price
- Does the campsite turn into a festival style s
t-storm by the end of the weekend? - When do tickets / pitches go on sale, the official website doesn't seem to list them yet
- Eating at the event - Are we talking burger vans, fast food restaurants, pop-up pubs, whats the deal?
- Toilets / washing facilities... Do i need to ask?
- If you buy a weekend ticket, does that get you entry on the Friday or the Saturday?
- Other stuff other than the racing... I know there is a carnival type thing going on, what else is there... live music?
- Is general admission enough, or do you really need a grandstand ticket?
Sorry for all the questions, but i am sure that PH will be able to help!
There's a vast amount of useful information across PH and in Beermountain.com, to help you plan a visit to Le Mans. Tickets are currently available to reserve via several agencies (Just Tickets, Select Motor Racing, Travel Destinations to name a few) with many including a channel crossing as part of the package.
You can camp with 1000s of others on one of the many circuit campsites or pay a premium for a more secure camping area, still close to the circuit, but with slightly shorter queues for slightly larger shower facilities, access to on-site catering etc. There is genuinely enough choice to meet everyone's tastes/budget.
A circuit camping permit will allow one car and as many people/tents as you can fit in to a 7m x 5m pitch. General admission is extra and per person.
The GA ticket allows access to the test weekend (usually the Sunday two weeks before) as well as to 4 hours of practice/qualifying on both the Wednesday and Thursday of race week and then the Saturday/Sunday of the race itself. It remains the best value race ticket, arguably best value sporting event ticket, available anywhere.
For a first time visit therefore, arriving Friday or Saturday and leaving Sunday requires a massive effort, means you will miss all of the build up to race weekend, won't have time to properly enjoy it and is IMO a definite waste of hiring a camper/motor home. You need to be planning to arrive no later than mid-afternoon on Thursday.
I've not eaten within the circuit for many years now, and prefer to eat at the campsite. Most people will BBQ, with supermarkets within a 10-min drive of most campsites (subject to traffic); this does mean a daily shopping trip and/or bringing a means of keeping food & beer chilled for a couple of days at a time. Our group normally has a dinner or lunch in Le Mans city centre on one of the days (the tram service is excellent) and the bar at the Tertre Rouge corner also offers food.
If you can only manage a short trip Sat-Sun then don't bother with a campsite, just buy a parking permit, a GA ticket and a grandstand seat so you know you can rest somewhere when you need to, but it will be a long and tiring experience for whoever is driving and not very enjoyable.
You can camp with 1000s of others on one of the many circuit campsites or pay a premium for a more secure camping area, still close to the circuit, but with slightly shorter queues for slightly larger shower facilities, access to on-site catering etc. There is genuinely enough choice to meet everyone's tastes/budget.
A circuit camping permit will allow one car and as many people/tents as you can fit in to a 7m x 5m pitch. General admission is extra and per person.
The GA ticket allows access to the test weekend (usually the Sunday two weeks before) as well as to 4 hours of practice/qualifying on both the Wednesday and Thursday of race week and then the Saturday/Sunday of the race itself. It remains the best value race ticket, arguably best value sporting event ticket, available anywhere.
For a first time visit therefore, arriving Friday or Saturday and leaving Sunday requires a massive effort, means you will miss all of the build up to race weekend, won't have time to properly enjoy it and is IMO a definite waste of hiring a camper/motor home. You need to be planning to arrive no later than mid-afternoon on Thursday.
I've not eaten within the circuit for many years now, and prefer to eat at the campsite. Most people will BBQ, with supermarkets within a 10-min drive of most campsites (subject to traffic); this does mean a daily shopping trip and/or bringing a means of keeping food & beer chilled for a couple of days at a time. Our group normally has a dinner or lunch in Le Mans city centre on one of the days (the tram service is excellent) and the bar at the Tertre Rouge corner also offers food.
If you can only manage a short trip Sat-Sun then don't bother with a campsite, just buy a parking permit, a GA ticket and a grandstand seat so you know you can rest somewhere when you need to, but it will be a long and tiring experience for whoever is driving and not very enjoyable.
To add to the well covered post above....if you want atmosphere stay in the campsites mentioned and watch from points within the Le Mans circuit - big screens, crowds, lots to see and do including Village (everything on display and for sale), funfair, food, live music, it's a proper party / festival.
If you like quiet and just want the race then you might want to head down the back roads on the Mulsanne straight, a few restaurants etc and plenty of spots around industrial estates and from the restaurants to see the cars out on the public roads - no crowds, no crowd atmosphere, no big screens etc, horses for courses.
Myself I like to move around, so a general admission is fine. I sit on the grass down from the Dunlop bridge for the start, massive banking area, capture the crowd atmosphere and see the massive build up on the giant screen in front of me, awesome... then after a couple of hours head out into the country. By midnight I'm back at Tetre Rouge (because I can watch without the crowds at that time of night), then a few drinks listening to the race on the radio, then bed (very very drunk). Last time I spent day 2 out on Mulsanne again at one of the hotel/ restaurants - I missed seeing the finish on the big screen though so not ideal, but I'll probably stick to this format moving forwards. If you don't need a quick getaway walk onto the circuit when the race finishes and go and stand underneath the podium, that's pretty cool.
I've also found a very quiet campsite tucked away in a very hidden location, I might miss the atmosphere of the campsites, we'll try it and see.
The museum is very good if you like seeing racing cars.
Watch evening practice on Thursday, move around, lots of space for that session, work out your vantage spots for the start of the race.
The most important piece of advice ever - buy a Radio Le Mans earpiece, it makes the whole experience very special, without it it's just a load of cars driving around.
If you like quiet and just want the race then you might want to head down the back roads on the Mulsanne straight, a few restaurants etc and plenty of spots around industrial estates and from the restaurants to see the cars out on the public roads - no crowds, no crowd atmosphere, no big screens etc, horses for courses.
Myself I like to move around, so a general admission is fine. I sit on the grass down from the Dunlop bridge for the start, massive banking area, capture the crowd atmosphere and see the massive build up on the giant screen in front of me, awesome... then after a couple of hours head out into the country. By midnight I'm back at Tetre Rouge (because I can watch without the crowds at that time of night), then a few drinks listening to the race on the radio, then bed (very very drunk). Last time I spent day 2 out on Mulsanne again at one of the hotel/ restaurants - I missed seeing the finish on the big screen though so not ideal, but I'll probably stick to this format moving forwards. If you don't need a quick getaway walk onto the circuit when the race finishes and go and stand underneath the podium, that's pretty cool.
I've also found a very quiet campsite tucked away in a very hidden location, I might miss the atmosphere of the campsites, we'll try it and see.
The museum is very good if you like seeing racing cars.
Watch evening practice on Thursday, move around, lots of space for that session, work out your vantage spots for the start of the race.
The most important piece of advice ever - buy a Radio Le Mans earpiece, it makes the whole experience very special, without it it's just a load of cars driving around.
Yes, RLM Is essential in order to know what's happening. The circuit Tannoy is pretty crap and mostly in French. Personally I would not buy a RLM earpiece at the circuit, I'd buy a pocket FM radio before I left the UK and use good headphones.
As already indicated, down late Friday leaving Sunday means you will miss a lot and likely be very tired. We usually travel to the LM area leaving UK early Friday morning and depart on Monday morning.
R.
As already indicated, down late Friday leaving Sunday means you will miss a lot and likely be very tired. We usually travel to the LM area leaving UK early Friday morning and depart on Monday morning.
R.
MINIdriverR56s said:
Afternoon all,
I have been trying to get some basic information about visiting the Le Mans 24 hour race as a British fan, but can't seem to find much information on the net anywhere, with any sites that proclaim to tell you about "10 must knows before you visit lemans" talking about sun cream and walking shoes, not exactly the stuff I need to know!
I have a few specific questions, but please throw any useful information my way!
An outline of the plan is to hire a couple of motorhomes for the weekend, jump on the ferry and drive down on the Friday night / Saturday morning, camp within the grounds and return on Sunday after the race. As for my questions...
Sorry for all the questions, but i am sure that PH will be able to help!
I always direct people here for Le Man information. Many Many years they have been putting a guide together to help newbies and veterans alike.I have been trying to get some basic information about visiting the Le Mans 24 hour race as a British fan, but can't seem to find much information on the net anywhere, with any sites that proclaim to tell you about "10 must knows before you visit lemans" talking about sun cream and walking shoes, not exactly the stuff I need to know!
I have a few specific questions, but please throw any useful information my way!
An outline of the plan is to hire a couple of motorhomes for the weekend, jump on the ferry and drive down on the Friday night / Saturday morning, camp within the grounds and return on Sunday after the race. As for my questions...
- Does buying a camping pitch include the entry price
- Does the campsite turn into a festival style st-storm by the end of the weekend?
- When do tickets / pitches go on sale, the official website doesn't seem to list them yet
- Eating at the event - Are we talking burger vans, fast food restaurants, pop-up pubs, whats the deal?
- Toilets / washing facilities... Do i need to ask?
- If you buy a weekend ticket, does that get you entry on the Friday or the Saturday?
- Other stuff other than the racing... I know there is a carnival type thing going on, what else is there... live music?
- Is general admission enough, or do you really need a grandstand ticket?
Sorry for all the questions, but i am sure that PH will be able to help!
http://www.clubarnage.com/yabbse/index.php
1. Camping pitch can include GE tickets but depends on where you buy it from. If you buy anything buy camping in advance you can always buy your GE tickets when you arrive.
2. Generally no. Can be a bit mad in the week and especially Friday but depends on the camp site. I have to say that 2017 was the most sedate in the 13 years I have been going. You do get several camps with loud music / fire works etc but its not that bad IMO.
3. I cant help with this as I have a group booking that I renew as I leave each year. I think its November but i will be corrected.
4. Food its the same food at all outlets. Burgers in baguettes, chicken, chips, paella, few restaurants in the circuit to. Places around the circuit like bars etc and even mcdonalds / kfc if you fancy a walk near the mulsanne.
5. IMO the toilets / showers are great. Peak times very busy but I took my mrs this year whos a clean freak and she commented how yes blokes use the womens loo but if they spotted her they let her go first. They where always clean and showers great. I generally go at random times for showers so less busy.
6. GE ticket gets you in all week
7. Great British welcome is a event away from track old cars all get together on Thursday I think. Friday pits are open, Parade in LE Man for the drivers and cars you just hop on the tram back and to its easy but gets mega busy. Also you get practise in the evenings. Museum is open all weekend. Saturday I know the race is on but they have a big concert that clogs the dunlop bridge area up. IMO they could do more when the tracks closed but hey they dont.
8. I have never and will never pay for a grandstand ticket so cant comment. I get to track early and move around as and when I want. I see alot and about 1am go back for some sleep get up early morning and head back. I generally leave to go elsewhere mid day and then I can leave easier via the back lanes as leaving after the race is a bit mad.
Friday you can go out and come back but roads are mental. Try to get what you can on your way in - remember no glass on track you will be searched before entering camping and before going to track.
If you can get a radio before you go. Radio Le Man is vital and adds to the atmosphere of the place. One thing that gets me yearly is the mentions to people who passed away pre race.
My dad went for 33 years and I continue to do it in his memory & I wont stop that tradition.
We are"glamping" at Village Belle situated on the Porsche Curves this year and have been told we can park next to the tent. Does anyone on here, who had been before, know if the ground clearance is suitable for a low sports car or is it better to be in something with higher ground clearance?
You seem to be 5 years out of date on this subject.
Don't know Village Belle, must be new, but campsites are generally level, but some are subject to flooding to flooding when it rains. Damage from drunks/fireworks more likely. ACO pitches are 5x7 metres, which is a car and caravan sized tent.
Don't know Village Belle, must be new, but campsites are generally level, but some are subject to flooding to flooding when it rains. Damage from drunks/fireworks more likely. ACO pitches are 5x7 metres, which is a car and caravan sized tent.
Edited by LawrieC on Wednesday 15th February 21:08
Hi I am drector of Lycian Events who run Village on The Curves, we certainly are not new and have been operating the site for over 12 years , we are also the owners of Just Tickets and Motoring ltd.
Ours is a private site and although situated in Beusejour is certainly not not part of the Beusejour public site and certainly does not suffer from the issues outlined by the previous poster having a high level of security and is trackside with a high level of facilities.
As mention in another post all our Village Belles are accessble by low sports and we ensure that the transition between road and grass is as smooth as possible. We are the preferred supplier for many car clubs and being a a member of PCGB and a sports car owner we as a company understand the owners corcerns when camping on grass.
Stephen
Ours is a private site and although situated in Beusejour is certainly not not part of the Beusejour public site and certainly does not suffer from the issues outlined by the previous poster having a high level of security and is trackside with a high level of facilities.
As mention in another post all our Village Belles are accessble by low sports and we ensure that the transition between road and grass is as smooth as possible. We are the preferred supplier for many car clubs and being a a member of PCGB and a sports car owner we as a company understand the owners corcerns when camping on grass.
Stephen
Edited by Porkieboy on Saturday 18th February 11:53
Porkieboy said:
Hi I am drector of Lycian Events who rin Village on The Curves, we certainly are not new and have been operating the site for over 12 years , we are also the owners of Just Tickets and Motoring ltd.
Ours is a private site and although situated in beusejour is certainly not not part of the Beusejour public site and certainly doesnt suffer from the issues outlined by the previous poster having a high level of security and is trackside with a high level of facilities.
As mention in another post all our Village Belles are accessble by low sports and we ensure that the transition between road and grass is as smooth as possible. We are the preffered supplier for many car clubs and being a a member of PCGB and a sports car owner we as a company understand the owners corcerns when camping on grass.
Stephen
Perhaps as a Director of Lycian Events you should brush up on your spelling and grammar. Ours is a private site and although situated in beusejour is certainly not not part of the Beusejour public site and certainly doesnt suffer from the issues outlined by the previous poster having a high level of security and is trackside with a high level of facilities.
As mention in another post all our Village Belles are accessble by low sports and we ensure that the transition between road and grass is as smooth as possible. We are the preffered supplier for many car clubs and being a a member of PCGB and a sports car owner we as a company understand the owners corcerns when camping on grass.
Stephen
I have used that site twice, both occasions at a wet LM. The site does not have adequate drainage and turns into a quagmire at the sight of dark clouds. Take your wellies and a tow rope. I believe that, like Beausejour, it is on clay ground.
Jarrad-8uknj said:
We are"glamping" at Village Belle situated on the Porsche Curves this year and have been told we can park next to the tent. Does anyone on here, who had been before, know if the ground clearance is suitable for a low sports car or is it better to be in something with higher ground clearance?
Great that you're making it to LM this year. Lucky too considering the situ with tickets. Didn't realise selling out was possible (interpret that however you wish 
).Anyway, if you have a choice, ready to be shot down here... go for the more sensible vehicle. The drive to LM (for most of us anyway) is pretty boring. Lengthy stretches of autoroute or maybe some RN if you're avoiding the tolls. Not exactly what a sports car was made for.
Saying that we haven't had a problem before (we've had a range of Z4s, Boxsters, Caymans, 911s, and a Caterham one year). A while since we were in BSJ but had a rainy year there and have had rainy years in other camp sites.
OTOH if you go for the sports car and you get stuck... we'll all look forward to hearing the story.
nutsyH said:
Perhaps as a Director of Lycian Events you should brush up on your spelling and grammar.
I have used that site twice, both occasions at a wet LM. The site does not have adequate drainage and turns into a quagmire at the sight of dark clouds. Take your wellies and a tow rope. I believe that, like Beausejour, it is on clay ground.
I am grateful for pointing out the grammar and spelling a little less haste.I have used that site twice, both occasions at a wet LM. The site does not have adequate drainage and turns into a quagmire at the sight of dark clouds. Take your wellies and a tow rope. I believe that, like Beausejour, it is on clay ground.
Clearly, I am not in the position where I want to debate the various points just to say the site is on sand not clay which as you will appreciate drains easily, we have only had one bad year which was 2016 when all the sites suffered badly due to a very high water table, and we ensured that all clients were able to leave the site without becoming stuck. No tope ropes needed.
Drainage has been addressed and improved in consultation with the ACO.
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