Spa Francorchamps newbie
Discussion
Looks like Me and Mrs Brads will be heading out to the Spa round of the IM GT
Never having been there, has anyone any advise or just ideas about the best way to travel (both out there from Edinburgh, and around the area itself) and also about decent hotels in the area.
We are thinking about heading out a few days early just to chill for a bit.
I usually take the bike to Europe but fancy flying this time. May be tempted taking the car, but either of those options will include the tunnel as I hate ferries.
Cheers all.
Never having been there, has anyone any advise or just ideas about the best way to travel (both out there from Edinburgh, and around the area itself) and also about decent hotels in the area.
We are thinking about heading out a few days early just to chill for a bit.
I usually take the bike to Europe but fancy flying this time. May be tempted taking the car, but either of those options will include the tunnel as I hate ferries.
Cheers all.
We've done it a few ways now, driven from North Wales, it's a nice drive once you get through the tunnel to the other side, traffic around Brussels is usually pretty heavy but not unbearable, apart from that it's good.
We have also flown to Brussels and hired a car.
I'd book early if you're looking for a hotel close to the circuit, as the funcup 25 hour race usually shares the same race weekend as the GT's and they have LOTS of drivers and hangers on that fill all the local accomodation quickly. There are some really nice places in the area though.
If you're making a few days of it, it's only a couple of hours drive down to the 'Ring for a few tourist laps if that's your thing.
We have also flown to Brussels and hired a car.
I'd book early if you're looking for a hotel close to the circuit, as the funcup 25 hour race usually shares the same race weekend as the GT's and they have LOTS of drivers and hangers on that fill all the local accomodation quickly. There are some really nice places in the area though.
If you're making a few days of it, it's only a couple of hours drive down to the 'Ring for a few tourist laps if that's your thing.
I normally go via Brussels, e40 / e42 bit slow round Brussels at the wrong times of day but when I've tried Lille, Mons, Namur on the E42 it's been much slower with terrible condition roads and massive roadworks, if they ever get those finished it would be the more pleasant route of the two.
We've always stayed here in Arimont next to Malmedy. From there it's 10 mins in to the circuit and Malmedy has everything you need.
https://www.val-arimont.be/
https://www.val-arimont.be/
British GT hasn't been on the same bill as the FunCup race for a couple of years however I do recommend you get your accommodation booked soon. That weekend is host to Belgian Independence Day celebrations and Spa itself hosts a huge festival so everywhere close by gets booked very quickly.
Access to Spa itself is also quite restricted although you should be fine on a bike but generally there are no through routes and people attending the festival have to park way out of town and walk in.
Access to Spa itself is also quite restricted although you should be fine on a bike but generally there are no through routes and people attending the festival have to park way out of town and walk in.
Brads67 said:
Looks like Me and Mrs Brads will be heading out to the Spa round of the IM GT
Never having been there, has anyone any advise or just ideas about the best way to travel (both out there from Edinburgh, and around the area itself) and also about decent hotels in the area.
We are thinking about heading out a few days early just to chill for a bit.
I usually take the bike to Europe but fancy flying this time. May be tempted taking the car, but either of those options will include the tunnel as I hate ferries.
Cheers all.
Yes, you and Mrs Brads are officially booked in for the weekend with VIP hospitality and pit lane tours! Never having been there, has anyone any advise or just ideas about the best way to travel (both out there from Edinburgh, and around the area itself) and also about decent hotels in the area.
We are thinking about heading out a few days early just to chill for a bit.
I usually take the bike to Europe but fancy flying this time. May be tempted taking the car, but either of those options will include the tunnel as I hate ferries.
Cheers all.
Anyone know if camping is available during the British GT? I know it's a bit mix and match with VIP during the day then back to a tent at night but it was actually quite a good atmosphere last time I went (6 hours of spa).
Also being summer it's a good excuse to sit outside and enjoy a few beers.
Both the British GT and Spa websites aren't getting me very far.
Also being summer it's a good excuse to sit outside and enjoy a few beers.
Both the British GT and Spa websites aren't getting me very far.
We have been to Spa for the British GT for the last 2 years (won't be going this year though).
Last two years, no charge to get in, parking I think was 7 euros.
Take food, very little open unless you go to the pits where we found it expensive and a bit crap tbh. There was a chips and mayo van that was outside the circuit at Malmedy (cash only). Tehre was a bar open at Raidillan (if thats spelt right).
Be prepared to pee in a bush, not many toilets open last time either.
Last two years, no charge to get in, parking I think was 7 euros.
Take food, very little open unless you go to the pits where we found it expensive and a bit crap tbh. There was a chips and mayo van that was outside the circuit at Malmedy (cash only). Tehre was a bar open at Raidillan (if thats spelt right).
Be prepared to pee in a bush, not many toilets open last time either.
gazza5 said:
Be prepared to pee in a bush, not many toilets open last time either.
This was a problem when I went a few years ago too. Also, on Google maps, it looks like where I camped last time is now tarmac 
.Maybe I'll just book a hotel but this may impact day drinking, tough choice.
gazza5 said:
Take food, very little open unless you go to the pits where we found it expensive and a bit crap tbh. There was a chips and mayo van that was outside the circuit at Malmedy (cash only). Tehre was a bar open at Raidillan (if thats spelt right).
For food visit the Total petrol station on the roundabout at the La Source entrance. https://goo.gl/maps/pYQF7RDHzrLRyJSq7It's been completely rebuilt since the Google car last drove past and has a wide selection of everything you might want including freshly made sandwiches, baguettes etc.
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