Le Mans Hotels

24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest endurance sport car racing event, held every year in Le Mans since 1923. The race attracts petrolheads and motorsports enthusiasts from all over the world, and is wildly regarded as one of the most prestigious racing events on the calendar. The track is called the Circuit de la Sarthe and encompasses both a permanent track and public roads that are specially closed for the event. Cars can reach speeds of 205mph.

History

In addition to motorsports, Le Mans is steeped in history, dating as far back as Roman times. The medieval Old Town is made up of winding cobbled streets with cafés and bars nestled in amongst shops and hotels. Another historical attraction in Le Mans is the Palais royal Plantagenêt. The palace was the childhood home of King Henry II and is a stunning example of 11th-century architecture.

During your stay, make sure you visit the Cathédrale St. Julien – one of the largest cathedrals in France with a length of over 130m. Built between the 11th and 15th century, the cathedral is a lavish mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Make sure you pay attention to the beautiful stained glass windows, some of which can be dated to the 12th century.

Outdoors

Nothing is nicer than relaxing on a warm day in one of Le Mans' beautiful botanical gardens. The Jardin des Plantes, built in the 19th century, covers an area of 8 hectares and is split into an English park and French garden. Perfect for romantic strolls or peaceful afternoon ambles, the park includes a rose garden and a grove of lime trees.

If you're looking for something a little more wild, head to the nearby Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park. The 257,000 hectares contain everything from craggy mountains to lush forests, and there are a number of trails to follow that will guide you through the mushroom-filled woodlands and babbling rivers.

Further afield

Travel outside of Le Mans and a short drive to the south will take you to Tours, with a number of historical attractions including Tours Cathedral and the Basilica of St Martin.