What else to do while you’re at the Le Mans 24hr (beyond the race itself)
By Chris Ring
Most people go to 24 Hours of Le Mans for the racing — but that’s only part of it.
There’s a lot going on around the circuit and in the city, and if you plan it right you can fit in some great experiences without missing any track time.
Start with the Circuit Village
The Village is the centre of everything inside the circuit. Shops, bars, displays, and plenty going on all week. It’s worth spending some time here early on as it gets busy closer to race day. It’s also close to the museum, so you can easily do both together.
Don’t skip the Museum
A short walk from the Village, the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an easy win. Even if you’re not massively into motorsport history, it’s still worth it. Classic cars, winning machines, and a proper sense of what the race is all about.
Go earlier in the week if you can — it’s quieter and much more enjoyable.
Friday: Do this properly
Friday is the best day to get off the circuit and mix things up a bit.
Start with the Classic British Welcome at Saint-Saturnin. It’s not too far away and packed with classic cars, good atmosphere, and a relaxed feel. If you have a nice car consider driving as they may park you in the exhibit area.
Or you can get there by tram (from Tertre Rouge aka Guetteloup or Antares), get off at Eperon, then take bus route 7, (get a day ticket, it covers the tram and bus) then a short walk to the event. Note, the bus stops change slightly for the event.
After that, head back into Le Mans city for the Drivers Parade, usually around 4pm.
This is one of the highlights of the week — drivers in open-top classic cars, big crowds, and a proper festival atmosphere. Make sure you get the tram back in time for drinks and your evening meal at the Team Langoustine site.
Keep it simple
You don’t need to over plan it.
Early week → Village + Museum
Friday → Classic British Welcome + Drivers Parade
Want to know more?
For more in-depth information about getting round the circuit and Le Mans city itself, check-out the following guides from our friends over at Beermountain:
https://www.beermountain.com/p/getting-around-circuit.html
https://www.beermountain.com/p/guide-to-le-mans-city.html
Useful links
