The lively town of Le Mans lies to the North of the stunning Loire Valley in the so called ‘department de Sarthe’. Its location provides a gateway to the beautiful towns of Angers and Tours but Le Mans itself has a lot to offer, aside from sportscar racing.

Vieux Mans, the old town, is the star attraction with its complicated array of medieval streets encircled by the original third to fourth century Gallo-Roman walls. Stone steps wind their way up from the River Sarthe to the crown of Vieux Mans and the impressive Cathedrale St-Julien. A 19th Century tunnel runs underneath the old town, emerging to the north of Place des Jacobins and an imposing monument to Wilbur Wright, one of the earliest pioneers of flight. This is the edge of the modern centre of Le Mans, the Place de la Republique being at its centre. Here you will find the streets lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, giving the town a friendly and vibrant feel. All this lies within 5 miles of the circuit so even if you only have a couple of hours to spare it is well worth a visit.

Le Mans Cathedral

La Vieux Mans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in need of some refreshment and Le Mans is just that bit too far click the eating/drinking button on the left for a run down of bars and restaurants that can be found within close proximity of the circuit. Or hit the shops button for details on the major supermarkets that serve the areas surrounding the circuit.