Taking the train from Paris to Le Mans?

[Alex_227]

So, in my last few visits, the big downer of the trip is the drive after the race. Dead tired, going to either Paris or Tours after the race, it is not only uncomfortable, it is dangerous.

Because of this, I cooked up the idea of taking the train directly from CDG into Le Mans and the same for return. Or opposite, I guess?

Anyway, I'd love to know if people have tried this on the big race week and weekend. We would parachute into CDG on Wednesday, go to Le Mans and then go back after the race.

Is it overcrowded-reservations necessary? Do reservations get honored? Does the train function well-on time, etc? How is the train station in LM-particularly safety wise at night...

[surveyor]

Not done it on race weekend but have done it in on orher weekends.

Le Mans station seemed safe enough to me.

Direct train, but it takes a long route around Paris so loses points for a chunk of trundling time.

Was reasonably busy on a normal summer weekend. Reservations worked.

[HardtopManual]

I've done it. Trains were busy as you'd expect on that weekend but reservations meant I had a seat.

[Ranger 6]

Did it for the Classic - I went by Eurostar to Lille and then to Le Mans.

Met with friends who had come from LBA to CDG.

Make reservations, and if you get a cheap first class upgrade the do that as well.

[//j17]

One my my friends has used the train for a holiday-shy Friday/Sunday dash to Le Mans. Coming down he got in to Le Mans without any issues, in time to join us for dinner in town after the Drivers Parade. Going back I think we were still trying to get off the campsite by the time he'd; walked to the tram, queued for a post-race tram, ridden into town, settled into his seat on the train, and was speeding across the French countryside.

[mart590]

Ah memories - Used the train a couple of years ago. St Pancras to Lille and Lille to Le Mans carrying tents etc.

You must have seat reservation but we didn’t actually use them – our group of 4 met in the bar at St Pancras, joined a group of about 10 others in the bar on the Eurostar all the way to Lille. Crossed the platform at Lille to the waiting Le Mans train and straight into the bar for the next couple of hours down to Le Mans. Jumped on the tram to the campsite and tried to the put the tent up in the dark (&rain) whilst unable to stand too well.

Absolutely brilliant journey, great fun, no hassle, great staff on train (well in the bars anyway!)
Slept all the way back on the Monday morning return!

Year before last flew to Nantes and train to Le Mans (we were too late to book CDG to Le Mans - so be aware, they do sell out and you can't get on without a seat reservation). The train wasn’t as much fun as the one from Blighty and packing a tent, a chair and some boxers in a suitcase was a challenge. The only downside was Ryanair’s inability to deliver the flight home – it cost them a night in a hotel and a meal for 4 in Nantes though.

Only drive now because I have the MH - otherwise train or fly/ytrain for me.

[Alex_227]

Thank you all! Train it is then! First time on a high speed train too, if TGV happens to fit the time we need.
Oh and that bar option seems very fine.

[Floyd05]

Just created an acoount after years (decades?) of occasional reading for answering this question or better seconding: For the last five years (minus the pandemic) I took the train from Paris to Le Mans on Saturday morning, returning sunday evening (so, no sleep...).

No hassle, no problem. The Montparnasse station is the one, the duration for this trip is around one hour. But depending at which time you want to travel you don't have much choices. There are only 1-2 trains which are suitable, because there are just few (fast) trains traveling (TGV Inoui). It's good to book as early as possible, but you can't book very early, maybe 3 months ahead? It's not cheap, return tickets for this route are around 120-130 € if booked early directly on the SNCF Connect website (which isn't the best...).

Train stations Montparnasse and Le Mans are just fine, in Le Mans just buy a return ticket for the tram right in front of the station and jump into the next one T1 in the direction of Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt, which will bring you directly to the East entrance.

[wkk]

I've used it twice already in the past going from CDG to Le Mans. Worked fine, IIRC about 90 mins drive time. However, buy your tiucket in advance because you do need a place reservation, it's mandatory!