Le Mans is a town in Pays de la Loire in France, best known for its annual 24-hour automobile race. Le Mans is twinned with Bolton, England.
The rich 17-century history of Le Mans, former capital of the province of Maine, is too often eclipsed by the world famous annual 24-hour race, held on the edge of the city.
There are, however, beautiful reminders of the past and a gloriously restored old city, which was used as a backdrop for several movies. Saint-Julien Cathedral, at its heart, is a wonder and should not be missed.
The city is very easily accessible from Paris, it has much to offer and deserves more than only a short trip to its circuit when the motors roar. The "Cité Plantagenêt" may be one of the best-kept secrets in France.
Those more concerned for the environment will be encouraged that the building of the A28 motorway to the south of the city (between Écommoy and Tours) was delayed for several years after a rare protected beetle (the Pique Prune) was found living in the intended route. Motorway development had to be delayed whilst the beetle was relocated.
The famous 24 Hours Le Mans race is run partly on race circuit, partly on (closed-off) public roads. In 1999 Pete Dumbreck suffered a serious dramatic accident when his Mercedes did a backwards somersault rotating 3 times in the air at 190 mph reaching a height of nearly 50 ft and landing clear of the track (road). He was knocked unconscious but then woke-up and got out of the car before being found by race marshals and Gendarmes. In accordance with French Law, he was then breathalysed because the accident took place on public roads. He was then transported to hospital for checks before being released.
Take your time to get up to date information at the Office du Tourisme. in Square des Ursulines, which is a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral ("Comtes du Maine - Office du tourisme" station on line T2).
Take your time to get up to date information at the Office du Tourisme. in Square des Ursulines, which is a 10 minute walk from the Cathedral ("Comtes du Maine - Office du tourisme" station on line T2).
- The splendid Saint-Julien Cathedral., located in the heart of the town, is a magnificent example of the lengths and efforts people expended to build up such buildings in the Middle Ages. With its reversed rounded arches, it is one of the most impressive religious monuments in the area, and one of the largest cathedrals in France. Its building started in the 11th century and took over 500 years. Techniques and styles evolved throughout its history. As a result, the cathedral is a mix between various architectural styles. The nave is pure Romanesque, but the choir is in flamboyant Gothic. The stained glass inside the cathedral should not be missed. One of the panes, dating back from the twelfth century, is the oldest stained glass still standing in the world. One of the chapels presents a painted celling, with angels playing various instruments.
- The Old City (Cité Plantagenêt), just behind the cathedral, is a large and nice example, with many houses and buildings dating back from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (look for the Pilier Rouge or the Maison des Deux Amis). The paved streets and limited traffic make for a nice strolling in this very "middle age looking" old town. In the old town, you can stop at the little Musée de la Reine Bérengère. for some displays about the local history. The large Palais des Comtes du Maine. palace is now part of the city hall and can not be visited. Ruins of a Roman thermal building., dating from the 3rd century, have recently been uncovered. They can be visited with a prior reservation (02 43 28 17 22).
- The Gallo-Roman Walls., around the old city, date back from the third century and are still in excellent condition.
- The Carré Plantagenet. is the local museum of history. The historical collection covers prehistory to the end of the middle-ages, with an important focus on the Gallo-Roman period.
- The Musée de Tessé., just outside of the old city, offers displays of various interest, with a reconstitution of an Egyptian tomb at the basement.
- L'abbaye de l'Épau. (Epau Abbey), on the Eastern side of the town, was founded by Queen Berengaria of Navarre, widow of Richard I of England (Richard Lionheart). Only ruins were remaining during the 1950s, but after 30 years of restoration, the Abbey, now a property of the prefecture, can be visited and is used for cultural events, notably the Festival de l'Epau.
- The Circuit of the 24 Heures du Mans. is located at the south end of the city. The famous Hunaudieres straight is actually part of the public road from Le Mans to Tours. You can visit some of the rest circuit, though it is of limited interest if there is no race. Seeing the 24 h, is of course a very different story. The town buzzes with many international visitors and the noise of the motors can be heard from the city center. Try to stay awake for the whole 24 h, as the glow of the carbon brakes in the night with racing faster than Formula One is unforgettable. The tradition at the end of the race is for the public to invade the circuit. Although it is officially prohibited, a few thousand people each year take the chance of a lifetime to take a stroll on the bitumen. Close to the circuit is a large Automobile Museum, open even if there is no race.
The splendid Saint-Julien Cathedral., located in the heart of the town, is a magnificent example of the lengths and efforts people expended to build up such buildings in the Middle Ages. With its reversed rounded arches, it is one of the most impressive religious monuments in the area, and one of the largest cathedrals in France. Its building started in the 11th century and took over 500 years. Techniques and styles evolved throughout its history. As a result, the cathedral is a mix between various architectural styles. The nave is pure Romanesque, but the choir is in flamboyant Gothic. The stained glass inside the cathedral should not be missed. One of the panes, dating back from the twelfth century, is the oldest stained glass still standing in the world. One of the chapels presents a painted celling, with angels playing various instruments.
The Old City (Cité Plantagenêt), just behind the cathedral, is a large and nice example, with many houses and buildings dating back from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (look for the Pilier Rouge or the Maison des Deux Amis). The paved streets and limited traffic make for a nice strolling in this very "middle age looking" old town. In the old town, you can stop at the little Musée de la Reine Bérengère. for some displays about the local history. The large Palais des Comtes du Maine. palace is now part of the city hall and can not be visited. Ruins of a Roman thermal building., dating from the 3rd century, have recently been uncovered. They can be visited with a prior reservation (02 43 28 17 22).
The Old City (Cité Plantagenêt), just behind the cathedral, is a large and nice example, with many houses and buildings dating back from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (look for the Pilier Rouge or the Maison des Deux Amis). The paved streets and limited traffic make for a nice strolling in this very "middle age looking" old town. In the old town, you can stop at the little Musée de la Reine Bérengère. for some displays about the local history. The large Palais des Comtes du Maine. palace is now part of the city hall and can not be visited. Ruins of a Roman thermal building., dating from the 3rd century, have recently been uncovered. They can be visited with a prior reservation (02 43 28 17 22).
The Old City (Cité Plantagenêt), just behind the cathedral, is a large and nice example, with many houses and buildings dating back from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (look for the Pilier Rouge or the Maison des Deux Amis). The paved streets and limited traffic make for a nice strolling in this very "middle age looking" old town. In the old town, you can stop at the little Musée de la Reine Bérengère. for some displays about the local history. The large Palais des Comtes du Maine. palace is now part of the city hall and can not be visited. Ruins of a Roman thermal building., dating from the 3rd century, have recently been uncovered. They can be visited with a prior reservation (02 43 28 17 22).
The Gallo-Roman Walls., around the old city, date back from the third century and are still in excellent condition.
The Carré Plantagenet. is the local museum of history. The historical collection covers prehistory to the end of the middle-ages, with an important focus on the Gallo-Roman period.
The Musée de Tessé., just outside of the old city, offers displays of various interest, with a reconstitution of an Egyptian tomb at the basement.
L'abbaye de l'Épau. (Epau Abbey), on the Eastern side of the town, was founded by Queen Berengaria of Navarre, widow of Richard I of England (Richard Lionheart). Only ruins were remaining during the 1950s, but after 30 years of restoration, the Abbey, now a property of the prefecture, can be visited and is used for cultural events, notably the Festival de l'Epau.
The Circuit of the 24 Heures du Mans. is located at the south end of the city. The famous Hunaudieres straight is actually part of the public road from Le Mans to Tours. You can visit some of the rest circuit, though it is of limited interest if there is no race. Seeing the 24 h, is of course a very different story. The town buzzes with many international visitors and the noise of the motors can be heard from the city center. Try to stay awake for the whole 24 h, as the glow of the carbon brakes in the night with racing faster than Formula One is unforgettable. The tradition at the end of the race is for the public to invade the circuit. Although it is officially prohibited, a few thousand people each year take the chance of a lifetime to take a stroll on the bitumen. Close to the circuit is a large Automobile Museum, open even if there is no race.
- Gliding Club/Flights/School, Aérodrome, Route du Chêne (D323), 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 78 24 87. Trial flight €100. 2 long flights €190. 5 flights €300. Other options available.
- Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). Apart from famous the Le Mans 24 h race each year there are many other races organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) including 24 h lorry race, a 24 h motorbike race and a 24 h karting race as well as frequent club races. It is an active motor racing club that has its own race circuit which forms part of the extended 24 h race circuit.
- Golf de Sargé, rue du Golf, 72190 Sargé Lès-Le Mans, +44 2 43 76 25 07.
- Piscine Municipale d'Allones, av du 19 mars 1962, 72700 Allonnes, +33 2 43 80 75 10. Opening times vary for school term time, school holidays and bank holidays.
- Les Atlantides, 4 av de Volos, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 50 05 21. Complex opening times at different times of year with different schedules for different activities (e.g. aqua-gym, etc.) in different pools.
Gliding Club/Flights/School, Aérodrome, Route du Chêne (D323), 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 78 24 87. Trial flight €100. 2 long flights €190. 5 flights €300. Other options available.
Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). Apart from famous the Le Mans 24 h race each year there are many other races organised by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) including 24 h lorry race, a 24 h motorbike race and a 24 h karting race as well as frequent club races. It is an active motor racing club that has its own race circuit which forms part of the extended 24 h race circuit.
Golf de Sargé, rue du Golf, 72190 Sargé Lès-Le Mans, +44 2 43 76 25 07.
Piscine Municipale d'Allones, av du 19 mars 1962, 72700 Allonnes, +33 2 43 80 75 10. Opening times vary for school term time, school holidays and bank holidays.
Les Atlantides, 4 av de Volos, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 50 05 21. Complex opening times at different times of year with different schedules for different activities (e.g. aqua-gym, etc.) in different pools.
Rillettes, a kind of boiled pork pate, is the culinary specialty of Le Mans. It actually tastes much better than its description. You can buy some rillettes in almost every meat shop in town, and it makes for the perfect sandwich pasted on some fresh baguette.
A very good variety of restaurants is found in the town center and especially in or around the old city. For 50 Euros and a very good sample of French cuisine, give a try to Le Grenier à Sel, 26 Place de l'Éperon, La Ciboulette, 14 Rue de la vielle porte, or Le Nez Rouge, 107 Grande rue, all of them close or inside the old city. Le Baobab, on the same street as La Ciboulette, offers some African cuisine at the very heart of the old city.
The area closer to Place de la Republique, popular with young people on weekends, offers cheaper eats, with several kebab shops that would fill you for 10 euros or less.
- Papa Chapter, boulevard Pierre Piffaut, ZI Sud Vitaxis, 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 16 18 20. M-F 11:30-14:30 (longer during Le Mans 24 Hours!).
- Auberge de 7 Plats, 79, Grande Rue, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 24 57 77. Closed Su & M.
- Caffé Rossi, 7 pl Des Jacobins, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 28 04 06.
- La Fontaine des Saveurs, 43 rue d'Arcole, 72000 Le Mans (opposite Palais des Congrès et de la culture, +33 2 43 24 55 91.
Papa Chapter, boulevard Pierre Piffaut, ZI Sud Vitaxis, 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 16 18 20. M-F 11:30-14:30 (longer during Le Mans 24 Hours!).
Auberge de 7 Plats, 79, Grande Rue, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 24 57 77. Closed Su & M.
Caffé Rossi, 7 pl Des Jacobins, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 28 04 06.
La Fontaine des Saveurs, 43 rue d'Arcole, 72000 Le Mans (opposite Palais des Congrès et de la culture, +33 2 43 24 55 91.
Le Mans is a rather quiet town (except for a few hours once a year) and the university campus is quite far from the centre, so on weekdays the streets are almost empty and the bars are calm, to say the least.
The majority of bars and pubs are located close to Place de la Republique.. The main arteries for an evening drink in Le Mans would be Rue du Port, going from Place de la Republique to Sarthe river, and Rue du Docteur Leroy, also starting from Place de la Republique.
On weekends, there are a few busy spots, you can check the Le Passeport du cochon vert, 25 Place d'Alger (its name would poetically translate as The Green Pig Passport), both are frequented by a young clientele.
In the old town, Le Saint-Pierre, 7 Place Saint-Pierre (facing the town hall), is completely packed during the week-ends. Going down from the old town towards the place de l'éperon, Le Chicago 5 rue de la vieille porte, is the place to be for cocktail amateurs, with a rum/Cuban-themed ground floor and a lounge/prohibition theme on the first floor.
One of the heritage houses of the old city, Le Pilier Rouge, 5 rue du Pilier Rouge, has been fully restored into a bar. It is located right above the huge tunnel crossing under the old city.
- Le Mulligans, 44 Rue du Dr Leroy, 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 14 26 65.
- Le Chicago, 5 rue de la Vielle Porte, 7200 Le Mans, +33 2 43 29 25 67. Tu-Sa 17:00-02:00.
- Le Lézard, 8 rue de la Barillerie, 72000 Le Mans. M-Sa 12:00-02:00.
- Washington D.C., 2 rue de la Mission, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 84 63 53.
- Le Verre Tige, 48 grande rue, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 28 39 00. There are a few gay bars, notably La Limite, 7, Rue Saint-Honore in the old city, or L'Arc en ciel, 2 Rue Doree, also in the old city.
The majority of bars and pubs are located close to Place de la Republique.. The main arteries for an evening drink in Le Mans would be Rue du Port, going from Place de la Republique to Sarthe river, and Rue du Docteur Leroy, also starting from Place de la Republique.
Le Mulligans, 44 Rue du Dr Leroy, 72100 Le Mans, +33 2 43 14 26 65.
Le Chicago, 5 rue de la Vielle Porte, 7200 Le Mans, +33 2 43 29 25 67. Tu-Sa 17:00-02:00.
Le Lézard, 8 rue de la Barillerie, 72000 Le Mans. M-Sa 12:00-02:00.
Washington D.C., 2 rue de la Mission, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 84 63 53.
Le Verre Tige, 48 grande rue, 72000 Le Mans, +33 2 43 28 39 00.