LE MANS 24 HOURS USEFUL INFORMATION
Le Mans 24 Hours Useful Information
This page contains useful information to help you plan your journey to France and the Le Mans 24 Hours
Race.
LE MANS & SARTHE REGION MAP
One thing that we would highly recommend even in these days of SatNav is that you buy yourself a good quality map of Le Mans and the surounding area. This is really important when the race is running as the French police close down many of the roads surrounding the circuit. In addition this Google map will give you lots of great information on how the circuit is laid out, where the car parks, grandstands, bars & restaurants are located, plus the key places of interest in Le Mans centre. Click here
and zoom in on the map to find the detail that you want.
LE MANS 24 HOUR TICKETS
One question that we are frequently asked is “what tickets do I need for the Le Mans 24 Hours race and where can I get them?”
Tickets can be purchased directly from the event organisers the Automobile Club del'Ouest (ACO)
We suggest that you purchase your tickets well in advance to ensure that you get the tickets that you require and avoid disappointment.
TICKETS YOU WILL NEED
Our suggestion is that you will need the following tickets as a minimum:-
1 x Week general enclosure ticket, you will require 1 ticket for each member of your party.
This ticket will cover you from Sunday to Sunday and gain you access to all of the general enclosures within the Le Mans 24 Hour race circuit, including access to the Arnage & Mulsanne corners. Also included with this ticket is access to both practice sessions (Wednesday & Thursday) plus the pit lane on Friday for the pit walk.
1 x Parking Zone RED P Expo pass per car.
This car park is located close to the main gates.
1 x Parking Zone YELLOW P pass per car (if you wish to visit Arnage & Mulsanne corners to spectate)
LE MANS GRANDSTANDS
There are many grandstands for you to choose from and they all vary in price and ticket availability. Check the ACO web site for their current availability.
1st TICKETS
1st tickets are an "official" UK ticket agent for the Le Mans 24 Hour race and can help you with all your ticketing requirements. They can supply you with general enclosure tickets, grandstand tickets and car parking passes.
1st Tickets are experts in Le Mans with many years experience.
Classic Car Tours are happy to recommend 1st Tickets to all our clients.
THE FRENCH POLICE
One thing you should be aware of when in France for the Le Mans 24 Hours weekend is the French police. They like nothing better than to stop cars with UK registration plates and issue them with on the spot fines.
The police are known to time cars on motorways from toll to toll and work out your average speed, so be warned. As you near Le Mans they will also use radar guns to trap you too. Be especially vigilant in and around the circuit as the police will be out in force, so keep to the speed limit. Make sure you have all your documentation with you, driving licence, insurance, tax, and MOT if your car needs one.
You must also carry 2 self-breathalyser kits, this is now French law, so be sure to have these in your car. Kits can be bought from the likes of Halfords, or you can also pick them up at most ferry ports. You also must carry a yellow high VIZ jacket and a red triangle. Halfords also have a handy European Travel kit which has all the items that you need. Please check that you have all the correct documentation and the compulsory equipment in your car before you depart on your journey to Le Mans. Above all be safe, keep to the speed limit and you should have no problems.
GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
As part of your pre Le Mans planning, we would recommend that each member of your party has a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which replaces the old EHIC card.
These are free for all UK citizens and enable you to access medical/hospital treatment in the event that you become ill whilst you are abroad.
This does not replace holiday travel insurance, which you must ensure you have before you set out for Le Mans.
Registering for an EHIC takes only a few minutes and you can do this via this link to the official government site.
DRIVING LICENCE & GREEN CARD
If you have a photo card driving licence, these are still valid in the EU. Should you have a paper driving licence, then you will need to apply for an International Driving Permit.
Each vehicle travelling in the EU from the United Kingdom must carry and insurance Green Card, which can be provided by your insurer.
WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO SEE
Detailed below are our suggestions of where to go and what to see on your trip to the Le Mans 24HRS.
CLASSIC BRITISH WELCOME ST SATURNIN
Classic Car Tours are extremely proud to be the sponsor of the St Saturnin Trophy for the best car at the Classic British Welcome.
This is a free event taking place on Friday for classic cars, classic sports cars and modern sports cars. The event normally attracts up to 800 cars and there are also market stalls, food, licenced bars and jazz bands. The theme for this years exhibition has yet to be anounced, however there will be some fantastic historic cars on display.
If you are near to St Saturnin on the Friday before this years Le Mans 24 Hours, then be sure to stop by and enjoy the atmosphere at this unique event. It's well worth a visit and the show is open from 09.00 to 17.00.
Classic British Welcome St Saturnin, 24 HRS of Le Mans 2019.
LE MANS 24 HOURS MUSEUM
Situated at the main gates to the circuit in a purpose built building opened in 1991, the museum is well worth a visit during race weekend.
The museum provides a stroll down memory lane with a display of memorabilia from the circuit and also cars from the very first race through to the current day. With over 100 cars on display that include Panhard, Ferraris, Jaguars, Ford GT40, plus Porsche, Rondeau, Inaltera, Renault, Mazda, Peugeot, Cadillac, Courage, Bentley and Audi prototypes, plus many more. The museum is open from 10.00 to 18.00 daily between April & September and also has a gift shop selling 24 Hour merchandise, plus a bar and restaurant. You should give yourself 2 hours to enjoy all that is on show.
LE MANS PIT WALK
On Friday the pit lane is open at the circuit for spectators to view the race cars at close quarters as they make their final preparations for the race start. This is your opportunity to see the cars up close, speak to the mechanics and take some great photographs. There is no additional charge as this is included with your general entry ticket.
LE MANS DRIVERS PARADE
The drivers parade takes place in Le Mans town centre on Friday starting at 17.00. There are circa 250,000 spectators packed into the city centre where you will find a real carnival atmosphere on the parade route, especially in the Place de la Republique.
Apart from being able to see all 56 race teams and their drivers close up, the parade also features historic race cars, modern supercars, plus vintage & classic cars. There are plenty of bars & restaurants for you to choose from to keep you satisfied before and after the parade, we suggest that you head to the Grand Rue where you will find a wide range to suit all tastes at reasonable prices.
Parking in Le Mans centre is at a premium whilst the parade is taking place. Our suggestion is that you park your car near to one of the many tram stations and then take a tram into the town centre.
