Le Mans - not the usual question though!

[oblio]

Hi

I am staryting to plan the summer trip for this year and Mrs O really does want to stay in St Emillion for a day or two to explore the area. We would be going through the tunnel so I am looking for a stopping point en route to St Emillion. Looking at a map a natural place to stop appears to be Le Mans.

Having never stopped there before (or been to the racing) I am unaware of how this would suit for an afternoon bimble around followed by a drink/two and a restaurant.

Oh I would need a central hotel as well (with safe parking) without too far to walk for drink/food.

If Le Mans isn't the business (outside of racing) then any suggestions?

Cheers

Graham

Edited to add: after St Emillion we are heading down the coast and east to St Tropez - again similar question to above: can anyone recommend a good stopping place en route? Narbonne? Montpellier? cheers

Edited by oblio on Saturday 7th January 13:14

[MSport Calendar]

The old town in Le Mans is pleasant enough, so it's not too bad a plan to stay there.

The town tourist office is meant to have plenty of staff with good English to is probably the best place to enquire about a suitable hotel.

http://www.lemanstourisme.com/dnn/

[shentodj]

We stayed at this hotel when we went last April:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187195-...

It was recommended to me by someone on here and we found it ideal - we had a large suite so room for whole family. Very central + it has car park. Plenty of cafes, bars etc within easy walk. No Restaurant in Hotel. Basic (fresh) French breakfast served in conservatory.

We visited Le mans circuit (not during Le mans weekend) and here was a good museum, plus we then just drove through to pits and watched some 911s driving the track. My 10yr old was impressed. Then drove down the Mulsanne straight on our way south.

Well worth an afternoon/overnight in my opinion.

Regards,
Shentodj

[CaptainK]

Edited to add: after St Emillion we are heading down the coast and east to St Tropez - again similar question to above: can anyone recommend a good stopping place en route? Narbonne? Montpellier? cheers

Edited by oblio on Saturday 7th January 13:14

[/quote]


How about pezenas? manageable, nice old centre plenty for a night or two. St Emilion is a good call for a couple of nights, better in the evening once the day trippers have gone home. We stayed here a few years ago http://www.logisdesremparts.com/index.php?page=cha... v pleasent with a garden to sit in.