Le Mans

[david_t]

I know this was mentioned some time ago but,
Can someone give me advice how to get there or point me to a link that can help.Never been before but want to give it a go.Tried a search but it doesn't like Le or 24.Need to know if it's possible to get accomodation or can you camp at the trackside.Also can you buy your tickets at the circuit and what's the best vantage points?
Thanks

[BanjoMaster]

I give you

http://www.maisonblanche.co.uk/
http://www.clubarnage.com/

Everything you will need to know :)

You'll have a fantastic time! Enjoy.

Cheers

[david_t]

Thanks mate.Anybody else with good or bad experiences?

[BanjoMaster]

Been twice, 2000 and 2001. 2000 was roasting hot, 2001 was monsoon conditions, but both were fantastic. Make sure you get about as much of the track as possible, take a radio to listen to Radio Le Mans, and watch your wallet in the fairground. Take money for souvenirs too, 'cos all the teams have stands.

[JB]

Have been every year but 3 since 1989. It really is an awsome experience. You'll need lots of money if it's your first time cos you'll want to buy up all the memorabilia. As Banjomaster said, watch you wallet in the fairground (where, incidentally there are some extremely dodgy 'attractions').

A must is to go to the end of the Mulsanne straight at some point in darkness and watch the brake disks glowing red or sometimes white with heat :D :D :D :D :D

Apart from that, drink loads of beer, forget about sleep for 36 hours and have loads of fun.


Oh, and watch out for Gendarmes to and from the event out to catch as many Briteeeesh speeders as possible :(

[milo]

And make sure you're there for Poseurs Day (Friday @ Mulsanne) - frickin' fantastic; bright sunshine, scantily clad women, friendly atmosphere, cool beer and hot cars (2002 anyway) :D

Just don't go on the 'reverse bungee' ! No, don't do it, do it, you know you want to, don't do it, no do it, DO IT :D

:eek:

[Jon]

I went 1999,00&01 missed last year cos of severe skintness.

Our party of eleven has shrunk to four so if any bulletin boardies are there visit me in camping Maison Blanc (provided you're happy drinking heavily, smoking heavily and generally doing very little except soaking up the burning rubber and petrol vapour atmosphere.
I can't wait :cool:

[david_t]

Thanks to all, how accessible is the circuit on foot? can you get around most of it easily.Also whatabout coach tours around,are they worth it,as we like walking anyway would probably walk it if thats possible.I have ordered tickets for the General Enclosure,and lets hope it doesn't rain.

[SteveDunn]

What would it cost roughly to drive there and back?

[david_t]

Read somewhere it's 250 miles from Calais,add that to which port you sail from or the tunnel.I've booked flights to Paris saturday morning, returning sunday night,just need to sort out rail travel from Paris to the circuit.Think about the extras if you plan to drive,probably means extra night travel, extra breakdown insurance and extra meals,plus the good old go-go gas and those awfully nice Gendarmes waiting for you to slip up.

[SteveDunn]

hmm ya, i have to admit i was only considering the petrol factor, good points :)

Is petrol in France as stupidly priced as it is here? :(

[Jon]

Unless you have a helicopter I would advise against trying to go for the day. There are about 40,000 british there and a few Johnny foreigners :D so Le Mans town is one big car park Sat and Sunday.

If you imagine an 8mile lap being made in your local town, you can see how you would actually have a 15mile drive to get to the far side of it. Le Mans is the same.

If you go, be at the start line for the start (2hours before to get a spot), drive to somewhere like Arnage or Indianapolis corners in the middle of the night (great atmosphere) and be close to the finish line ready to invade the track at the finish.

and enjoy.

and watch your wallet at the fairground