First Timer @ Le Mans
Discussion
Hi All, I need your help??
Big Birthday next year so wishing to celebrate by attending Le Mans from the Thursday night until the Monday to try and experience it all and get my bearings etc.
Who’s the best ticket seller to get a package from? Or is it best to buy all separate and try and find a local campsite?
Was thinking 1st tickets having followed them this year..
Just don’t really know what to do as it’s a lot of money and I don’t want to ruin it by choosing wrong!
Any tips??
Many Thanks
Big Birthday next year so wishing to celebrate by attending Le Mans from the Thursday night until the Monday to try and experience it all and get my bearings etc.
Who’s the best ticket seller to get a package from? Or is it best to buy all separate and try and find a local campsite?
Was thinking 1st tickets having followed them this year..
Just don’t really know what to do as it’s a lot of money and I don’t want to ruin it by choosing wrong!
Any tips??
Many Thanks
First of all - happy birthday for next year!
Second - I think Thursday to Monday is a great way of doing Le Mans
Thirdly - 1st Tickets have an excellent reputation. How much of an organiser are you? If you like piecing a holiday together yourself there are cheaper ways of doing things and it gives you more options, but it does take quite a bit of forward planning. And once you include a few flaky mates in the mix it can get a bit stressful lol.
I'd aim to arrive by late afternoon on Thursday so you can get setup and in to the circuit in time to see some practice and qually and get your bearings. All the grandstands are an open free for all on Thursday so you can get a variety of viewpoints.
Leaving on Monday is good because you can drink on Sunday with no driving, but if you choose to stay on Sunday night I'd recommend private camping with security. The public campsite security stops at the end of the race and things get a bit rowdy overnight.
Second - I think Thursday to Monday is a great way of doing Le Mans
Thirdly - 1st Tickets have an excellent reputation. How much of an organiser are you? If you like piecing a holiday together yourself there are cheaper ways of doing things and it gives you more options, but it does take quite a bit of forward planning. And once you include a few flaky mates in the mix it can get a bit stressful lol.
I'd aim to arrive by late afternoon on Thursday so you can get setup and in to the circuit in time to see some practice and qually and get your bearings. All the grandstands are an open free for all on Thursday so you can get a variety of viewpoints.
Leaving on Monday is good because you can drink on Sunday with no driving, but if you choose to stay on Sunday night I'd recommend private camping with security. The public campsite security stops at the end of the race and things get a bit rowdy overnight.
If you know who/how many people will be going your cheapest option would be to join the ACO - €68 but gives each member early access to the direct ACO ticket sales and a 40% discount on 2x entry tickets plus discounts on camping tickets too. Never gone this route myself but sure someone will be along to say if 1 member can book all the camping/there are any issues getting multiple member bookings 'grouped' so your camping pitches are together.
2023 was a bit of a s
tshow with different batches of tickets/camping being released seemingly at random and selling out very quickly. Most years it's much more organised and while you can't procrastinate too much neither do you have to be sat infront your computer hitting refresh.
A more relaxed option (at least outside of 2023) is to use a ticketing agent/tour operator like 1st Tickets - though worth dropping them a line now to get on their "I'm interested in Le Mans 2024" list. Some will just sell you tickets, others will only sell you a full package including channel crossing, most offer both options. These are generally just for the exact same camping/general entry/grandstand tickets and service you'd get buying direct as an ACO member but some offer secure 'sub-sites', basically a fenced off area inside a general ACO campsite with its own security (anyone can walk in/out of a public campsite but only 'private campers' can access the private 'sub-site' area).
There's also the option of staying away from the circuit - but for your first time don't do that. You want the noise and the full experience so stay on one of the ACO sites.
I'd agree with @giveitfish that you're spot on with your Thurs/Sun plan - though while you can just be unlucky and end up near some Sunday night dicks we did about 10 Sunday nights on different campsites and never had any issues with either other campers or the local 'freelance recyclers' who 'help clean the sites' on Sunday afternoon/evenings (just make sure at least 1 person's back at camp at any time on Sunday evening).
Thursday
Get to Le Mans around 4pm, pitch camp, then get straight back out to the supermarket. That should get you back ready to BBQ dinner and for everyone (not just passengers) to be able to crack open a beer. Eat and drink while the sun sets then head to the track ~10pm (depending on the exact schedule for 2024) to catch the final qualifying session.
Friday
There's lots of events you can do on the Friday but for your first time (and depending on 2024 timings) I'd start by sending a group out for a re-supply early on Friday morning, then head to the pit walk when they get back, then do all the stalls and corporate tents (about as quiet/shortest queues as they get) before getting your friends to buy you birthday champagne in the champagne bar. Next up head to the tram and into the centre of Le Mans for the Drivers Parade. Drink while ignoring/heckling the drivers, then go for a meal after (probably worth sending a trusted lieutenant to scope out restaurants/book as you're a larger group.
Saturday
The general advice is to not drive anywhere Saturday morning (hence the early Friday shopping advice - I've known people "Pop out for fresh bread" at 9AM on the Saturday...and get back after lunch). Just chill, heading across to the circuit when you need (early if you want to be track side on the main straight/couple of hours before for just a general standing view/as little as an hour before if you have grandstand seats).
Sunday
If you have any hard core race fans in the group they might want to turn in when the sun goes down with alarms set for 3AM Sunday, getting up to catch the free bus out to Arnage/Mulsanne corners for some night racing magic...or you can just drink Saturday night and get up whenever on Sunday
Post race the campsite 'security' used to knock off the second the clock ran out on the race. In 2022 they were still there a few hours after though - but you need to remember their job ISN'T to keep your stuff safe, it's to stop people driving in who haven't paid for a camping pass. Either way as I said provided you're camp's clearly 'in use' you won't be bothered by anyone so just sit back with a beer laughing at people just sat in their cars in traffic trying to get off the campsite and away from Le Mans.
2023 was a bit of a s
tshow with different batches of tickets/camping being released seemingly at random and selling out very quickly. Most years it's much more organised and while you can't procrastinate too much neither do you have to be sat infront your computer hitting refresh.A more relaxed option (at least outside of 2023) is to use a ticketing agent/tour operator like 1st Tickets - though worth dropping them a line now to get on their "I'm interested in Le Mans 2024" list. Some will just sell you tickets, others will only sell you a full package including channel crossing, most offer both options. These are generally just for the exact same camping/general entry/grandstand tickets and service you'd get buying direct as an ACO member but some offer secure 'sub-sites', basically a fenced off area inside a general ACO campsite with its own security (anyone can walk in/out of a public campsite but only 'private campers' can access the private 'sub-site' area).
There's also the option of staying away from the circuit - but for your first time don't do that. You want the noise and the full experience so stay on one of the ACO sites.
I'd agree with @giveitfish that you're spot on with your Thurs/Sun plan - though while you can just be unlucky and end up near some Sunday night dicks we did about 10 Sunday nights on different campsites and never had any issues with either other campers or the local 'freelance recyclers' who 'help clean the sites' on Sunday afternoon/evenings (just make sure at least 1 person's back at camp at any time on Sunday evening).
Thursday
Get to Le Mans around 4pm, pitch camp, then get straight back out to the supermarket. That should get you back ready to BBQ dinner and for everyone (not just passengers) to be able to crack open a beer. Eat and drink while the sun sets then head to the track ~10pm (depending on the exact schedule for 2024) to catch the final qualifying session.
Friday
There's lots of events you can do on the Friday but for your first time (and depending on 2024 timings) I'd start by sending a group out for a re-supply early on Friday morning, then head to the pit walk when they get back, then do all the stalls and corporate tents (about as quiet/shortest queues as they get) before getting your friends to buy you birthday champagne in the champagne bar. Next up head to the tram and into the centre of Le Mans for the Drivers Parade. Drink while ignoring/heckling the drivers, then go for a meal after (probably worth sending a trusted lieutenant to scope out restaurants/book as you're a larger group.
Saturday
The general advice is to not drive anywhere Saturday morning (hence the early Friday shopping advice - I've known people "Pop out for fresh bread" at 9AM on the Saturday...and get back after lunch). Just chill, heading across to the circuit when you need (early if you want to be track side on the main straight/couple of hours before for just a general standing view/as little as an hour before if you have grandstand seats).
Sunday
If you have any hard core race fans in the group they might want to turn in when the sun goes down with alarms set for 3AM Sunday, getting up to catch the free bus out to Arnage/Mulsanne corners for some night racing magic...or you can just drink Saturday night and get up whenever on Sunday
Post race the campsite 'security' used to knock off the second the clock ran out on the race. In 2022 they were still there a few hours after though - but you need to remember their job ISN'T to keep your stuff safe, it's to stop people driving in who haven't paid for a camping pass. Either way as I said provided you're camp's clearly 'in use' you won't be bothered by anyone so just sit back with a beer laughing at people just sat in their cars in traffic trying to get off the campsite and away from Le Mans.
We always stay Thursday to Monday (and that is travelling from Edinburgh so a bit of driving either side of that).
I have always used Select Motor Racing (Kevin) for race tickets and camping, he has been excellent and always super helpful. Ferries or Tunnel crossings we sort ourselves.
The campsites are amazing if you like cars, yes they can be noisy but we’ve never really had any issues in 20yrs. Use common sense, don’t leave valuables in your tent or around the your pitch.
Similarly we always stay the Sunday night, it’s a great chill out evening after several full on days, campsites probably drop to 40% occupancy after the race - but there is a relaxed feeling and there are always fireworks etc going off.
You do get gypsy’s mooching about the sites on the Sunday evening but my experience is they stay away from occupied set ups and are only interested in the piles of stuff left behind by those who have headed home.
LM is a blast, once you’ve been once you’ll be hooked.
Richard
I have always used Select Motor Racing (Kevin) for race tickets and camping, he has been excellent and always super helpful. Ferries or Tunnel crossings we sort ourselves.
The campsites are amazing if you like cars, yes they can be noisy but we’ve never really had any issues in 20yrs. Use common sense, don’t leave valuables in your tent or around the your pitch.
Similarly we always stay the Sunday night, it’s a great chill out evening after several full on days, campsites probably drop to 40% occupancy after the race - but there is a relaxed feeling and there are always fireworks etc going off.
You do get gypsy’s mooching about the sites on the Sunday evening but my experience is they stay away from occupied set ups and are only interested in the piles of stuff left behind by those who have headed home.
LM is a blast, once you’ve been once you’ll be hooked.
Richard
Wow!!
Thank you to you all for your detailed responses, very overwhelming but it’s helped me develop an idea of what’s what..?
I’ve messaged 1st Tickets and they have me on a waiting list and will contact me when they get their allocation 👍 but it all depends on who returns this year etc..
I went to FOS for my 40th and that was epic.. so looking forward to this!
Thanks you again 👍👍👍
Thank you to you all for your detailed responses, very overwhelming but it’s helped me develop an idea of what’s what..?
I’ve messaged 1st Tickets and they have me on a waiting list and will contact me when they get their allocation 👍 but it all depends on who returns this year etc..
I went to FOS for my 40th and that was epic.. so looking forward to this!
Thanks you again 👍👍👍
Very much a personal thing.
In favour you have:
- Increased security, as only other 'members' can access the PH area.
- Catering options, if you don't want to BBQ everything.
- Availability of cold beer.
- Shelter of big marquee, so shade if it's hot/not being stuck in a tiny tent if it's wet.
- TV feed in the marquee.
- Better toilet/shower to camper ratio.
Against you have:
- Additional cost.
- While some on PH have security horror stories most of us who've been going for years have only had very minor issues. And I know some people do it to keep their car safe, then walk past thing like McLaren P1s parked in the public car parks...
- Burning meat on the BBQ and drinking ambient temperature stubbies are part of the Le Mans experience for some of us.
- After a few trips you just buy a bigger tent!
- Be a slave to your schedule and go for a shower at 8am because that's what you do every morning and you'll queue. Chill and do it at lunch time and you won't.
In favour you have:
- Increased security, as only other 'members' can access the PH area.
- Catering options, if you don't want to BBQ everything.
- Availability of cold beer.
- Shelter of big marquee, so shade if it's hot/not being stuck in a tiny tent if it's wet.
- TV feed in the marquee.
- Better toilet/shower to camper ratio.
Against you have:
- Additional cost.
- While some on PH have security horror stories most of us who've been going for years have only had very minor issues. And I know some people do it to keep their car safe, then walk past thing like McLaren P1s parked in the public car parks...
- Burning meat on the BBQ and drinking ambient temperature stubbies are part of the Le Mans experience for some of us.
- After a few trips you just buy a bigger tent!
- Be a slave to your schedule and go for a shower at 8am because that's what you do every morning and you'll queue. Chill and do it at lunch time and you won't.
Edited by //j17 on Sunday 17th September 08:48
I've been using 1st Tickets since we first went in 2013 - a well organised site/facility and whilst not the cheapest, you have peace of mind that you are opposite the track in a fenced/guarded site with a group of fellow petrol heads and you'll make friends whilst you're there (& most likely you'll go again).
Being based on-site is a big plus with the traffic issues before/after the race although you'll appreciate the noise is ever present whilst the race is going on so a good list of equipment is worth the effort to guarantee a good trip/a small amount of sleep. Operators like 1st Tickets will offer a range of options from just a private camp site pitch and entry tickets to arrange your crossings and breakfast/evening meals plus a helicopter flight (I've done this & it was worth the expense).
Being based on-site is a big plus with the traffic issues before/after the race although you'll appreciate the noise is ever present whilst the race is going on so a good list of equipment is worth the effort to guarantee a good trip/a small amount of sleep. Operators like 1st Tickets will offer a range of options from just a private camp site pitch and entry tickets to arrange your crossings and breakfast/evening meals plus a helicopter flight (I've done this & it was worth the expense).
faultyleg22. Have a look here - it will give you an idea of what's going on.
https://www.le-mans-guide.co.uk/taster
Enjoy and see you next year at the greatest motor race in the world.
Regards
Strasse
https://www.le-mans-guide.co.uk/taster
Enjoy and see you next year at the greatest motor race in the world.
Regards
Strasse
For a first timer either go with an agent and have a support package or try and tab on to a more experienced group that have a decent setup and know what the score is.
It's a fantastic event but turning up fresh off the boat would likely leave you entirely bewildered.
I'm a newbie with only 7 or 8 visits under by belt and I'm still learning stuff each time I go.
p.s If you do indeed have a faulty leg, it's certainly possible but needs some expert planning.
Tap up Ian Chicken on the fb group Le Mans Who When Where and he'll give you some pointers.
It's a fantastic event but turning up fresh off the boat would likely leave you entirely bewildered.
I'm a newbie with only 7 or 8 visits under by belt and I'm still learning stuff each time I go.
p.s If you do indeed have a faulty leg, it's certainly possible but needs some expert planning.
Tap up Ian Chicken on the fb group Le Mans Who When Where and he'll give you some pointers.
Edited by Rick101 on Monday 18th September 09:22
faultyleg22 said:
Hi All, I need your help??
Big Birthday next year so wishing to celebrate by attending Le Mans from the Thursday night until the Monday to try and experience it all and get my bearings etc.
Who’s the best ticket seller to get a package from? Or is it best to buy all separate and try and find a local campsite?
Was thinking 1st tickets having followed them this year..
Just don’t really know what to do as it’s a lot of money and I don’t want to ruin it by choosing wrong!
Any tips??
Many Thanks
timely thread! me and some friends are looking at going. We did price up via 1st Tickets for the PH campsite, but it's a bit spendy really (if it was just me I'd just suck it up but hey ho!) So be interesting to see other suggestions for camp sites and things. Thanks for starting the thread so I didn't have to Big Birthday next year so wishing to celebrate by attending Le Mans from the Thursday night until the Monday to try and experience it all and get my bearings etc.
Who’s the best ticket seller to get a package from? Or is it best to buy all separate and try and find a local campsite?
Was thinking 1st tickets having followed them this year..
Just don’t really know what to do as it’s a lot of money and I don’t want to ruin it by choosing wrong!
Any tips??
Many Thanks
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Sunday 24th September 09:52
ETA: Is it worth adding a grandstand ticket? or is GA enough? Presume you can tote a lightweight camp chair about and just set up shop on some free ground wherever?
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Sunday 24th September 10:19
Otispunkmeyer said:
timely thread! me and some friends are looking at going. We did price up via 1st Tickets for the PH campsite, but it's a bit spendy really (if it was just me I'd just suck it up but hey ho!) So be interesting to see other suggestions for camp sites and things. Thanks for starting the thread so I didn't have to
ETA: Is it worth adding a grandstand ticket? or is GA enough? Presume you can tote a lightweight camp chair about and just set up shop on some free ground wherever?
It's personal choice. If you can afford it do it, it can be a real scrum with a GE. We did two years without them, got trackside really early, then spent hours defending out patch only to find minutes before race start there's just a biblical swarm of people and it's impossible to hold your ground and your packed in standing up.Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Sunday 24th September 09:52
ETA: Is it worth adding a grandstand ticket? or is GA enough? Presume you can tote a lightweight camp chair about and just set up shop on some free ground wherever?
Edited by Otispunkmeyer on Sunday 24th September 10:19
I always have a tribune seat. It's a base, guaranteed seat, good viewing, out of the sun and rain etc.
I'd recommend that you do NOT go for the pits tribune because you cannot see the pits from there unless you are seated in the front row. I'd recommend Raccordement (T23) because:
R
I'd recommend that you do NOT go for the pits tribune because you cannot see the pits from there unless you are seated in the front row. I'd recommend Raccordement (T23) because:
- it's beside the Ford Chicane
- it's opposite the pits entrance
- it gives a great view up the pits straight
- there's a giant tv screen opposite, easily viewable
- it's alongside Parking Blanc, so easy circuit access if you choose to park there
- usually some beer and food stalls close by
- only 5-10 minutes walk to The Village.
R
You don't NEED a grandstand seat - but I'd recommend one if you can afford it for 3 reasons:
1. Other than the first/last 3 or so hours you can easily wander the circuit and get a good view anywhere - but in those first/last 3 hours the spectator areas are absolutely rammed and to get anything like a good spot you need to be arriving 2 or 3 hours before and just having to wait for the start/finish.
If you have a grandstand seat you can rock up 30min before and know you'll have a good view of the action.
2. If it's a wet year it can be VERY wet. There are no guarantees (there are still 1 or 2 uncovered grandstands, and even the covered ones if your on the edge the wind's blowing the rain in you're still going to get wet) but with a grandstand seat you have a chance of staying dry(er).
3. Likewise, and maybe more so if it's a hot year it can be VERY hot (and again seat location depending) being in the shade can be a real life saver!
As to location first ever trip I'd say one of the main straight grandstands. You get to experience the out and out noise of the whole field streaming down the canyon on that first lap, then from about 45min in you get to see the action in the pits. Later years try some different grandstands, Dunlop is my personal favourite as you don't have to wait long for someone to screw the corner up and entertain you. The pole sitting Peugeot out braking himself and letting the Audi through in lap one a few years back was great, the French spectators suddenly going quiet - and everyone else going "Ahhhh!!!!" 😁
1. Other than the first/last 3 or so hours you can easily wander the circuit and get a good view anywhere - but in those first/last 3 hours the spectator areas are absolutely rammed and to get anything like a good spot you need to be arriving 2 or 3 hours before and just having to wait for the start/finish.
If you have a grandstand seat you can rock up 30min before and know you'll have a good view of the action.
2. If it's a wet year it can be VERY wet. There are no guarantees (there are still 1 or 2 uncovered grandstands, and even the covered ones if your on the edge the wind's blowing the rain in you're still going to get wet) but with a grandstand seat you have a chance of staying dry(er).
3. Likewise, and maybe more so if it's a hot year it can be VERY hot (and again seat location depending) being in the shade can be a real life saver!
As to location first ever trip I'd say one of the main straight grandstands. You get to experience the out and out noise of the whole field streaming down the canyon on that first lap, then from about 45min in you get to see the action in the pits. Later years try some different grandstands, Dunlop is my personal favourite as you don't have to wait long for someone to screw the corner up and entertain you. The pole sitting Peugeot out braking himself and letting the Audi through in lap one a few years back was great, the French spectators suddenly going quiet - and everyone else going "Ahhhh!!!!" 😁
The Leaper said:
I always have a tribune seat. It's a base, guaranteed seat, good viewing, out of the sun and rain etc.
I'd recommend that you do NOT go for the pits tribune because you cannot see the pits from there unless you are seated in the front row. I'd recommend Raccordement (T23) because:
R
Just to add, the pits grandstand (T34) is a Godsend for the amateur photographer as there is no debris fencing in the way of your lens. I've sait in there many times. Gets very hot when it's sunny though! I'd recommend that you do NOT go for the pits tribune because you cannot see the pits from there unless you are seated in the front row. I'd recommend Raccordement (T23) because:
- it's beside the Ford Chicane
- it's opposite the pits entrance
- it gives a great view up the pits straight
- there's a giant tv screen opposite, easily viewable
- it's alongside Parking Blanc, so easy circuit access if you choose to park there
- usually some beer and food stalls close by
- only 5-10 minutes walk to The Village.
R
Raccordement is a very good position but the seats are awful. Small and closely packed so your knees are against the back of the person in front of you and you have the knees of the person behind you in your back (the seats have no backs). Truly cramped and uncomfortable for more than an hour at a time.
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