[tevake]

yes there is a cost to staying in the near track areas. but that is a good part of the event, hanging with your neighbors and partying in the camping area.

I stayed at Maison Blanc, just across from pit in. And near a nice set of turns before the front straight. I ended up not using my access to the grand stands near the start finish line very much as the noise there was just too much for me even with ear plugs.

There are many good viewing areas you can walk to and see the action on different parts of the track. I liked the area just after the bridge and before the mulsane straight
Try to find a beach/lawn chair with straps on it, one with insulated pockets is good too.
I had a cooler with food, drinks and lots of ice that made for nice camping.

There are vender with all kinds of cool car related goods, as well as food and drinks.

Check with British car sites for package deals on tickets, they turn out in large numbers for events at L M. And are fun to hang with if your French is as weak as mine.

Cheers Richard