Couple of first timer questions. Grateful for advice
Discussion
Hi all,
I will be attending Le Mans for the first time in a few weeks and have a couple of questions. Grateful for advice from the seasoned veterans!
1. In terms of the driving from the Calais Eurotunnel to Le Mans, I was planning on following the A16 and A28 to Rouen and then on to Le Mans, as this is the most direct route. Is that sensible? I understand I need a Crit'Air pass and there are tolls on route.
2. Is the museum likely to be too busy on the Friday given the lack of on-track action? I would like to attend, but it’s either Friday or not at all for me.
3. Similarly, is it worth going to the city centre on Friday afternoon for the procession? I’ve heard it’s super super busy. I am staying 15mins away to the south west of the city so would need to figure out where to park, which I imagine will be near impossible.
4. Finally, what is the best way for driving to Arnage from Panorama parking during the race? I understand some of the roads around the circuit are closed so it’s not as straightforward as following the sat nav.
Thanks for your help!
I will be attending Le Mans for the first time in a few weeks and have a couple of questions. Grateful for advice from the seasoned veterans!
1. In terms of the driving from the Calais Eurotunnel to Le Mans, I was planning on following the A16 and A28 to Rouen and then on to Le Mans, as this is the most direct route. Is that sensible? I understand I need a Crit'Air pass and there are tolls on route.
2. Is the museum likely to be too busy on the Friday given the lack of on-track action? I would like to attend, but it’s either Friday or not at all for me.
3. Similarly, is it worth going to the city centre on Friday afternoon for the procession? I’ve heard it’s super super busy. I am staying 15mins away to the south west of the city so would need to figure out where to park, which I imagine will be near impossible.
4. Finally, what is the best way for driving to Arnage from Panorama parking during the race? I understand some of the roads around the circuit are closed so it’s not as straightforward as following the sat nav.
Thanks for your help!
1. Yes, that’s the most common and direct route, it can be busy in Rouen so some go round, but I’ve never found it too bad
2. The museum is well worth it, if you can only go on Friday go early
3. The drivers parade isn’t for me, matter of personal choice really, but then again you won’t know if you don’t give it a go, I wouldn’t bother trying to drive in, if going, get the tram
4. Be prepared for it to take a long time, I’ve only ever done it by bike, and a good few years ago, maybe go early on Sunday morning, should be much easier then
2. The museum is well worth it, if you can only go on Friday go early
3. The drivers parade isn’t for me, matter of personal choice really, but then again you won’t know if you don’t give it a go, I wouldn’t bother trying to drive in, if going, get the tram
4. Be prepared for it to take a long time, I’ve only ever done it by bike, and a good few years ago, maybe go early on Sunday morning, should be much easier then
1. I've done that route amongst others, it'll do a job happily.
2. Museum I wasn't that impressed with, I'd rather spend my time doing the pit walk and then wandering into town for the parade. Very much each to their own though!
3. Driver's Parade itself is okay, but it's the atmosphere in the main square that makes it worthwhile (if the weather is good!). Plenty of pop up bars, everyone mingling, for me that is the definition of LM and one of my favourite parts of the weekend. To get there I'd park up at the circuit if you're going there for the museum anyway, and then get the tram into town and then back again.
4. I tried it once and found it chaos, but then I did pick the worst time to go! As above, if you're going to do it then do it early hours of Sun morning.
2. Museum I wasn't that impressed with, I'd rather spend my time doing the pit walk and then wandering into town for the parade. Very much each to their own though!
3. Driver's Parade itself is okay, but it's the atmosphere in the main square that makes it worthwhile (if the weather is good!). Plenty of pop up bars, everyone mingling, for me that is the definition of LM and one of my favourite parts of the weekend. To get there I'd park up at the circuit if you're going there for the museum anyway, and then get the tram into town and then back again.
4. I tried it once and found it chaos, but then I did pick the worst time to go! As above, if you're going to do it then do it early hours of Sun morning.
Latest version of www.le-mans-guide.co.uk now out. More info coming in but seems slower than last year. Still waiting for details of several of the off circuit events; currently the guide shows some of last years details.
Of note - very glad they have changed the Drivers Parade timings to 1600 -1900 I bet the Bars & Restaurants were up in arms over last year's lack of punters.
I'll be on site from 8th June so will have a quick zoom round early in the week and see what's changed and put it on the site.
Hope this helps a bit to get you into the Le Mans Spirit .......er on second thoughts that might be more about what kind of BEER you drink!
Regards
Strasse
Of note - very glad they have changed the Drivers Parade timings to 1600 -1900 I bet the Bars & Restaurants were up in arms over last year's lack of punters.
I'll be on site from 8th June so will have a quick zoom round early in the week and see what's changed and put it on the site.
Hope this helps a bit to get you into the Le Mans Spirit .......er on second thoughts that might be more about what kind of BEER you drink!
Regards
Strasse
Also, for both newbies and old timers, perhaps try the network of circuit buses to get to Arnage and/or Mulsanne instead of trying to drive.
They are much improved in recent years and are a usable bit of infrastructure that not many people know about or think of using.
The main 'bus station' is near the entrance by the tram station/back of Houx Annexe.
They are much improved in recent years and are a usable bit of infrastructure that not many people know about or think of using.
The main 'bus station' is near the entrance by the tram station/back of Houx Annexe.
Truckosaurus said:
Also, for both newbies and old timers, perhaps try the network of circuit buses to get to Arnage and/or Mulsanne instead of trying to drive.
They are much improved in recent years and are a usable bit of infrastructure that not many people know about or think of using.
The main 'bus station' is near the entrance by the tram station/back of Houx Annexe.
I was about to post this. There are also mini trains that run around the site. Something u plan to use this year if my knee continues to play up!!They are much improved in recent years and are a usable bit of infrastructure that not many people know about or think of using.
The main 'bus station' is near the entrance by the tram station/back of Houx Annexe.
AllTheGearNoIdea said:
Hi all,
I will be attending Le Mans for the first time in a few weeks and have a couple of questions. Grateful for advice from the seasoned veterans!
1. In terms of the driving from the Calais Eurotunnel to Le Mans, I was planning on following the A16 and A28 to Rouen and then on to Le Mans, as this is the most direct route. Is that sensible? I understand I need a Crit'Air pass and there are tolls on route.
Thanks for your help!
On route, we go further west to Yvetot then down to Caudebec en Caux by the Seine for lunch. Route down through the forest makes a break from auto routes. I will be attending Le Mans for the first time in a few weeks and have a couple of questions. Grateful for advice from the seasoned veterans!
1. In terms of the driving from the Calais Eurotunnel to Le Mans, I was planning on following the A16 and A28 to Rouen and then on to Le Mans, as this is the most direct route. Is that sensible? I understand I need a Crit'Air pass and there are tolls on route.
Thanks for your help!
Also DO get a toll tag for an easy journey.
Enjoy the trip.
1. We always go direct route. Others like to do "scenic route" but we like to get to their circuit in decent time. The first services after Rouen is a popular stopping point and likely to see other Le mans goers there. (Aire De Bosgouet). The turn off for A28 is right after it though so don't miss it after re-joining!
2. I think museum is really worth a visit for first timers. It's been updated in last few years and is good. Get there a bit earlier though to avoid queues.
3. Never done he parade and not too fussed about it. We hit Le Mans centre on the Thursday PM and Arnage on the Friday PM. Always a good atmosphere in Arnage on the Friday PM.
4. No idea
2. I think museum is really worth a visit for first timers. It's been updated in last few years and is good. Get there a bit earlier though to avoid queues.
3. Never done he parade and not too fussed about it. We hit Le Mans centre on the Thursday PM and Arnage on the Friday PM. Always a good atmosphere in Arnage on the Friday PM.
4. No idea
Ekona said:
1. I've done that route amongst others, it'll do a job happily.
2. Museum I wasn't that impressed with, I'd rather spend my time doing the pit walk and then wandering into town for the parade. Very much each to their own though!
3. Driver's Parade itself is okay, but it's the atmosphere in the main square that makes it worthwhile (if the weather is good!). Plenty of pop up bars, everyone mingling, for me that is the definition of LM and one of my favourite parts of the weekend. To get there I'd park up at the circuit if you're going there for the museum anyway, and then get the tram into town and then back again.
4. I tried it once and found it chaos, but then I did pick the worst time to go! As above, if you're going to do it then do it early hours of Sun morning.
There is no pitwalk on friday anymore, pitwalk is tuesday.2. Museum I wasn't that impressed with, I'd rather spend my time doing the pit walk and then wandering into town for the parade. Very much each to their own though!
3. Driver's Parade itself is okay, but it's the atmosphere in the main square that makes it worthwhile (if the weather is good!). Plenty of pop up bars, everyone mingling, for me that is the definition of LM and one of my favourite parts of the weekend. To get there I'd park up at the circuit if you're going there for the museum anyway, and then get the tram into town and then back again.
4. I tried it once and found it chaos, but then I did pick the worst time to go! As above, if you're going to do it then do it early hours of Sun morning.
1. Is it the most direct? Yes. Is it sensible? Yes. Is it very dull? Yes. Are there better cross country alternatives? Yes, many, the more common is the D438, old N138 which leads onto the course ultimately, so there's a lot of history of fun driving on the N138 as it was. It's not advised to drive this in a spirited manner any longer, nor the A28 either of course.
As a compromise, to give you maybe a bit more flavour of Le Mans I'd suggest doing Calais to Rouen on your route (just get the miles done in the dull bit) and then from Rouen go via the old N138 (now called D438) cross country. Not as efficient, but more fun, more interesting and generally helps build the anticipation more than an autoroute/motorway where you fall off the end into the event. ..
Here's a route, you'll see it parallels to the A28 south of Rouen so you can always hop back on if you feel like it Route D438
2. Busy. Yes. Worth it? Yes. I've only done it once having been to LM many many times and I still found it interesting.
3. We always to go to the procession. The route has been adapted over the years and the old gathering areas for the cars has moved. If the weathers great it'll be absolutely heaving. Check out the tram map and see where you can park and catch a tram, we have done it for years now and the atmosphere on them from the circuit and in town is fantastic. A great mingling of nationalities, conviviality and drinking
Catching spurious crap thrown out of the parade and handing it off to excited kids and the sens eof being part of something unique, special etc. we've always found great fun. That, a few beers, a good meal and a laugh with people from all over the world has meant may of our greatest LM24 memories are from this one eveing.
4. Arnage at night is a spectacle worth making the effort for, indeed, walking round from there to Indianapolis is the cherry on top as the approach is now the fastest part of the circuit. Don't overlook Mulsanne corner as well, lots of action, enough glowing brake discs (when you can see em without covers) and atmosphere (bar/food/toilets) as well.
Over recent years the signposting has got much better and there's a flow to the traffic to get to these corners. We've tended to go in the very early hours, versus late evening as it's always quieter and the roads are clearer. One of most favourite memories was watching McNish overall the lead Peugeot in the pouring rain from 2am to 6:30am stood on the banking at Mulsanne corner, magic. Hit the sack at 23hrs for 2-3hrs kip, then up and to the circuit.
The route is straight forward, but expect delays. Personally I'd go to Mulsanne corner first (parking is a good 10mins walk from viewing) and then go onto Arnage after. But, here's a route for Pano parking to Arnage corner, via Arnage. Probably easier side of the circuit to navigate than the east side.
Route Arnage corner
Also the guide as mentioned is very useful more Arnage info
Most of all though, as highlighted don't try to do too much, it's an event like many on here where I've been going for >20yrs and it's evolved a huge amount, some bits better some bits worse, some bit's I just haven't discovered yet and each year something new comes up.
As a compromise, to give you maybe a bit more flavour of Le Mans I'd suggest doing Calais to Rouen on your route (just get the miles done in the dull bit) and then from Rouen go via the old N138 (now called D438) cross country. Not as efficient, but more fun, more interesting and generally helps build the anticipation more than an autoroute/motorway where you fall off the end into the event. ..
Here's a route, you'll see it parallels to the A28 south of Rouen so you can always hop back on if you feel like it Route D438
2. Busy. Yes. Worth it? Yes. I've only done it once having been to LM many many times and I still found it interesting.
3. We always to go to the procession. The route has been adapted over the years and the old gathering areas for the cars has moved. If the weathers great it'll be absolutely heaving. Check out the tram map and see where you can park and catch a tram, we have done it for years now and the atmosphere on them from the circuit and in town is fantastic. A great mingling of nationalities, conviviality and drinking
Catching spurious crap thrown out of the parade and handing it off to excited kids and the sens eof being part of something unique, special etc. we've always found great fun. That, a few beers, a good meal and a laugh with people from all over the world has meant may of our greatest LM24 memories are from this one eveing.4. Arnage at night is a spectacle worth making the effort for, indeed, walking round from there to Indianapolis is the cherry on top as the approach is now the fastest part of the circuit. Don't overlook Mulsanne corner as well, lots of action, enough glowing brake discs (when you can see em without covers) and atmosphere (bar/food/toilets) as well.
Over recent years the signposting has got much better and there's a flow to the traffic to get to these corners. We've tended to go in the very early hours, versus late evening as it's always quieter and the roads are clearer. One of most favourite memories was watching McNish overall the lead Peugeot in the pouring rain from 2am to 6:30am stood on the banking at Mulsanne corner, magic. Hit the sack at 23hrs for 2-3hrs kip, then up and to the circuit.
The route is straight forward, but expect delays. Personally I'd go to Mulsanne corner first (parking is a good 10mins walk from viewing) and then go onto Arnage after. But, here's a route for Pano parking to Arnage corner, via Arnage. Probably easier side of the circuit to navigate than the east side.
Route Arnage corner
Also the guide as mentioned is very useful more Arnage info
Most of all though, as highlighted don't try to do too much, it's an event like many on here where I've been going for >20yrs and it's evolved a huge amount, some bits better some bits worse, some bit's I just haven't discovered yet and each year something new comes up.
1. That's the fastest route and the one with the best chance of seeing exotica en route. It's not the most interesting or in any way the best driving road route. If you just want to get there ASAP and don't mind dribble running down your chin and pooling on your shirt as you site at 130kph for 4.5 hours then it's hard to get lost that way. If you have more time to play with though consider jumping off the Autoroute and telling your GPS to avoid toll roads. French 'A' roads are generally really well maintained and empty, and much more interesting that the Autoroute. Even going Autoroute to Abbeville/cross country from there only adds 2 hours to the journey time, with the additional time going down the further to go on the Autoroute.
2. The museum will probably be 'busy' but in no way rammed on Friday. The circuit's usually busy-ish on the Friday as the track is walk/cycleable and you have people heading to the tram to go into town for the driver's parade. Can also be a good time to check out things in the "Village" as less crowded.
3. Some people love it, some people can take or leave it, some people hate it. Personally I enjoy the atmosphere but can spend a whole Friday in town and not see any of the parade itself. Go in for lunch, few beers hopyfully in the sun, then another nice meal in the evening before heading back to camp.
As you're driving in I'd say either don't come in on Friday or try and kill a couple of birds with the same stone. Drive in and park either in your Panorama space (if your pass includes Friday) or (assuming they still have them - they did in 2023) one of the free car parks round by the airfield. Walk to the circuit ticking off the museum and pit walk. Walk through the interior of the circuit to the tram and get the tram in to the centre. When you've had enough in town just catch the tram back to the circuit, back to your car, and home.
4. As @Truckosaurus said, unless you're planning on visiting Arnage on your way 'home' I'd leave the car and catch the bus. There are a couple of different routes. "Red 5" runs direct between the tram station and Mulsanne while "Orange 3" run between the Porsche curves and Arnage. You then have "Green 4" running between Arnage and Mulsanne. Buses are rammed, with long queues around the start and end of the race but normally fine outside that. Certainly I've never had any issues getting on a bus from Porsche Curves to Arnage at ~03:30 to watch some night racing. Oh, and the "Zenbus" app has let you track the buses the last few years so you know when to wander to catch one home (though it's France so may or may not work this year, but that's part of the fun of Le Mans!).
2. The museum will probably be 'busy' but in no way rammed on Friday. The circuit's usually busy-ish on the Friday as the track is walk/cycleable and you have people heading to the tram to go into town for the driver's parade. Can also be a good time to check out things in the "Village" as less crowded.
3. Some people love it, some people can take or leave it, some people hate it. Personally I enjoy the atmosphere but can spend a whole Friday in town and not see any of the parade itself. Go in for lunch, few beers hopyfully in the sun, then another nice meal in the evening before heading back to camp.
As you're driving in I'd say either don't come in on Friday or try and kill a couple of birds with the same stone. Drive in and park either in your Panorama space (if your pass includes Friday) or (assuming they still have them - they did in 2023) one of the free car parks round by the airfield. Walk to the circuit ticking off the museum and pit walk. Walk through the interior of the circuit to the tram and get the tram in to the centre. When you've had enough in town just catch the tram back to the circuit, back to your car, and home.
4. As @Truckosaurus said, unless you're planning on visiting Arnage on your way 'home' I'd leave the car and catch the bus. There are a couple of different routes. "Red 5" runs direct between the tram station and Mulsanne while "Orange 3" run between the Porsche curves and Arnage. You then have "Green 4" running between Arnage and Mulsanne. Buses are rammed, with long queues around the start and end of the race but normally fine outside that. Certainly I've never had any issues getting on a bus from Porsche Curves to Arnage at ~03:30 to watch some night racing. Oh, and the "Zenbus" app has let you track the buses the last few years so you know when to wander to catch one home (though it's France so may or may not work this year, but that's part of the fun of Le Mans!).
Edited by //j17 on Tuesday 28th May 10:18
1. Motorway route is certainly the quickest and easiest (also agree re www.emovis-tag.co.uk ... prob saves 20 mins of queues on its own!). The above mentioned Yvetot detour around Rouen only adds about half an hour and Rouen itself can be very snarly ... and the detour is much prettier and includes the excellent Pont de Brotonne as a bonus.
2. museum entry is throttled but i've never seen a huge queue - free entry once you are in the circuit too. welcome weather shelter if vv hot (not likely this year) or vv wet ... but many will have the same idea.
3. into town for the parade on friday is a must do at some point, but also per above don't try to do too much first time ... plenty of years to come to try everything. the parade is fun (very busy) and the tram service is excellent ... don't try to drive into town.
4. i've walked over there last couple years ... it's quite a long way (maybe a hour walk from main tribunes) but my god arnage/indionapolis at night is like heaven on earth! I've driven in the past too ... it can be slow ... idea of heading over there for dawn above seems like a pretty good one tbh.
5. get ready for planning LM24 2025 within minutes of arriving home ...
hope you have a great time.
2. museum entry is throttled but i've never seen a huge queue - free entry once you are in the circuit too. welcome weather shelter if vv hot (not likely this year) or vv wet ... but many will have the same idea.
3. into town for the parade on friday is a must do at some point, but also per above don't try to do too much first time ... plenty of years to come to try everything. the parade is fun (very busy) and the tram service is excellent ... don't try to drive into town.
4. i've walked over there last couple years ... it's quite a long way (maybe a hour walk from main tribunes) but my god arnage/indionapolis at night is like heaven on earth! I've driven in the past too ... it can be slow ... idea of heading over there for dawn above seems like a pretty good one tbh.
5. get ready for planning LM24 2025 within minutes of arriving home ...
hope you have a great time.
Vsix and Vtec said:
With regards to item 1, that's pretty much exactly the route I take every year. One thing I'd recommend is getting an emovis tag, so you can just slow drive through the payage tag line rather than Queue at the pay booths. So much easier, especially if youre in a RHD vehicle.
Much the same route as we've been taking for the past 16 years. If you are using the toll roads then an emovis tag is well worth consideringSimoN138 said:
5. get ready for planning LM24 2025 within minutes of arriving home ...
I already know I want to be back in 2025. The old legends are unfortunately (for my pocket) true, nobody goes to Le Mans just the once. This year will be our 3rd year (4th time if you include 2023's LM Classic) and frankly, It's becoming a pilgrimage at this point. See you all in Arnage for a pint!Gassing Station | Le Mans | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff