There are a variety of bars and restaurants in the vicinity of the circuit. Read on for details of the best of them.

Auberge des Hunaudieres

Auberge des Hunaudieres during 'Mad Friday'!

Situated approx 500 yards before the first of the chicanes on the Mulsanne straight, this legendary restaurant used to offer dramatic trackside seats from where you could enjoy good food and drink. Unfortunately green covers attached to the catch fencing obscure the view (although if you are lucky they will have been eased down!) and getting a table can be problematic during track time as the restaurant tends to be taken over by corporate hospitality. However, there is still an open air public bar at the rear of the property; clamber up onto the benches for a glimpse of the cars going flat out down the Mulsanne. To get to Hunaudieres (and the Shanghai des 24 Hueres) during track time refer to the circuit map and stick to the following instructions. Head South East on the N142 (Route du Mans) running parallel to the Mulsanne Straight. Turn right on to Chemin de Ceasar and you will enter the network of minor roads. The restaurant will be temporarily signposted and there will be French police or race officials willing to direct you. They will be blocking the final turning you need to make so be ready to tell them you are eating at Hunaudieres and they will gladly let you through. Eventually you will end up in a field at the back of the restaurant where you can park for free. Of course, on Friday the public roads are reopened and access to the restaurant is simply via the Mulsanne straight (N138).

Shanghai des 24 Heures

This Chinese restaurant (50 yards down from Les Hunaudieres) is open throughout the race week and serves affordable food of a decent standard (typical main course for 12 Euros). Although you can’t see the cars from the window seats, due to the same green covers found at Les Hunaudieres, the track is only 20 feet away so you can certainly hear them! The friendly staff even have 24 Hour memorabilia to give away, an added bonus! There is no need to book but it will be busy on Saturday evening. Consequently it’s best to head here on Wednesday or Thursday night in between the evening’s practice sessions. To get there see the directions under Les Hunaudieres.

Bar Bugatti

Bar Bugatti

This is a typical French Sports bar that serves light food throughout the day. The walls are adorned with photographs and memorabilia of the race, making this a relaxing and cultural way to start your day. It’s definitely worth stopping by here for breakfast or a coffee. To get to Bar Bugatti head north from the main circuit entrance and museum on Rue de Laigne. The bar is approximately 500 yards on your right, beyond the Expo campsite.

 

 

 

 

Stella Bar

the Stella Bar

This lively bar is located at the exit of the Tertre Rouge corner, outside of the circuit confines. It is within easy reach of the Houx Annexe campsite and the Tertre Rouge viewing enclosure. The bar has Stella Artois and Leffe on tap and sells simple food during the day. It will be busy from Wednesday night onwards, but the crowds are friendly and sociable. You will find the Stella Bar where the road to the Houx Annexe campsite passes underneath the Mulsanne straight.

Aux Portes du Circuit

As its name suggest this friendly bar is located only a stones throw from the circuit’s main entrance. It is actually located approximately 100 yards down the hill from the entrance on the way to the Expo campsite on Rue du Laigne. During race week its frontage is packed with Le Mans fans soaking up the sun and observing the sports car filing by.