Advice about attending LeMans ?

[Doug E]

Anyone been?

This will be the year I can finally cross it off the bucket list. I'll be driving over from Paris the morning of the race, staying the night then driving back to Paris the next evening.

We have lodging already booked about 10km outside the circuit but I'm interested in any experiences and advice related to parking and tickets.

Thanks in advance!

[masraum]

The only advice that I could give is that you should take me. I'll.. I mean, you'll really enjoy it with me along. I'll even buy you a beer or two.



Wow, very cool trip. It's one of the things that I'd like to do too.

Enjoy

[tevake]

I had the pleasure of going to the Classic vintage races there some years ago.
It's a fantastic venue, filled with history, and masses of rabid fans there, making a total long weekend event of it. You should make a point of wondering the camping area near Maison blanc, outside of the track across from pit in. It's an event in its self.

Lots of walking will get you many great vantage points, my favorite was inside the track past the Dunlop bridge In a series of turns just after the start/finish line. Having light chairs with carrying straps with you is a good idea. Mine had an insulated pocket for cold drinks that were nice to have.

The traffic to and from the track is a challenge, but also entertaining as the quantity of amazing cars driven to Le Mans is stunning to see.

Good ear protection is a must, especially if you plan to sit in the grandstands near the Start line. I had tickets there but didn't hang there much, too loud for me.

Being there all weekend makes the term endurance racing a personal reality.

I booked tickets and a camping spot thru an English company that sells bunches of packages. Can't remember the name right now. Will get back if I can find it.

Have fun, I'm sure you will!

Cheers Richard

[Don Plumley]

Awesome - on my list too. Will revisit this thread for tips.

[kevin993]

Fencing, fencing and more fencing. Viewing areas are generally a long way from the track itself. You can walk along the track from the Porsche curves all the way to Tetre Rouge, but getting to other places (like Indianapolis) requires a shuttle bus.

Each of the grandstands requires a ticket for that grandstand, so general admission doesn't automatically get you in grandstands of your choice. Of course, in the middle of the night, security is less present around the grandstands up and down the front straight.

Forget about access into the back of the pits and paddock without a special pass. Access at US tracks is miles easier. Frankly, that goes for a lot of the areas around the track - hospitality areas are common but only for guests.

I had certain areas that were favorites for viewing - outside of the final curves as the cars launch onto the front straight (Tribune 23), inside of the uphill left hander headed to the Dunlop bridge, and inside of Tetre Rouge. I also really liked the grandstand above pit lane (Tribune 34).

As you might imagine, the place is packed at the start and finish. My favorite time was overnight but don't forget that the night is shorter at LeMans than most other 24h races.

DM me if you need anything else.

[Balloonmeister]

I was there for both 2014 and 2016. The first time, I just bought a GA ticket and spent hours walking, standing, etc. The second time, I splurged for a Grand Stand reserved seat - much better! Get there early if you are driving your car to the track - the traffic is horrendous. Another option is to park your car near a tram station and take the tram down to the track. It'll be packed but less hassle than trying to find a place to park and then walking miles to get to where you want to be. Lots of vendors and things to do and see. The experience is way more than watching the cars go by, and after the first few laps of the start or restart, the cars are so spread out that it's just not that exciting to watch given the enormity of the place. Again, enjoy the experience, people, sights, sounds, everything. It truly is a grand event.

[Tobra]

Ear plugs and plenty of booze, I would be more inclined to take a bicycle or motorbike than a car

Brush up on your French, maybe learn a few curse words

[Heel n Toe]

Always remember to join in the fun and hijinx.

[Doug E]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions!

Appreciate your offer Kevin, I'll contact you with any follow-up questions. BTW, great pictures.

I'll also keep this thread updated with what I do to help any future travelers.