Better than 24 hours, a weekend in Le Mans

Morning: medieval journey through the Plantagenet City

Start your escapade in the Cité Plantagenêt, the historic heart of Le Mans. Hundreds of half-timbered houses nestle together in a maze of cobbled streets.

Look up: the 134-meter-long Saint-Julien cathedral rises majestically. Inside, let yourself be captivated by the 12th-century stained glass windows. The Ascension window is said to be the oldest in the world still in place in a cathedral. And don't miss the chapel of the 47 angel musicians, where you can discover a wide range of instruments played in medieval times.

Then descend to theGallo-Roman enclosure, a 500-meter wall punctuated by twelve towers that surrounds the city.

Afternoon: art through the centuries at the Musée de Tessé

It's just a short stroll to the Musée de Tessé, housed in an elegant 15th-century dwelling. Let yourself be captivated by the collections of Italian, Flemish and French paintings that tell the story of five centuries of art history. Then plunge into the Pharaonic world of the Egyptian gallery: life-size reconstructions of the tombs of Queen Nofretari and Sennefer transport you to the banks of the Nile.

To round off your first day, head for the Brasserie Septante-Deux. The beer is brewed on the premises, and the counter offers twelve draught beers with as many original creations, to accompany a pizza from Paulie's Pizza corner.

Alternatively, depending on the season, Le Plongeoir, the national circus center, will have you on the move in its big top (no program in July-August). In summer, extend the evening with Nuit des Chimères (July-September). This event transforms cathedral and city walls into giant canvases for magical projections.

Morning: pole position for racing cars at the 24 Hours Museum

Even if you're not a motorsports enthusiast, the Musée des 24 Heures is well worth a visit. While the new museum prepares for 2026, its short-lived version invites you to discover the history of this legendary race through an exhibition dedicated to "world champions".

Admire the fifteen or so cars that have enabled manufacturers and drivers to win a world title, and then be surprised by the floor dedicated to Formula 1. From the British BRM of 1962, which won Graham Hill his title, to contemporary racing cars, these works of mechanical art recount the evolution of a passion that has been making Le Mans roar for almost a century.

Afternoon: the calm of the Abbaye Royale de l'Épau

Leave the roar of motors behind for the tranquility of theAbbaye Royale de l'Épau, founded in 1230 by Bérengère de Navarre, widow of Richard the Lionheart. In this Cistercian jewel, the cloister leads to the buildings where the monks lived for over 500 years: the boiler room with its monumental fireplace, the scriptorium where manuscripts were illuminated, the sacristy with its 14th-century wall paintings... The abbey church houses the recumbent tomb of Queen Berengaria, founder of the abbey. Then climb the Matins staircase to discover the immense dormitory.

In the late afternoon, head back to the center of Le Mans for a stop at Au Cœur des Artistes, a collective store where over 40 local artists exhibit their work.

Depending on the season, you can then opt for the relaxed atmosphere of the Guinguette des Tanneries on the banks of the Sarthe, with your feet in the grass facing the river. Or take a seat at La Visitation, a former 18th-century convent now home to shops, bars and restaurants.

Morning: introduction to the secrets of distillation

Start your final day with a unique experience at the Distillerie du Sonneur. In this former ballroom dating from the early 20th century, discover how fruit from our agroforestry orchard is transformed into exceptional spirits. Join us for a tour followed by a tasting, or try our gin-making workshop and leave with your own recipe. Don't miss their most surprising specialty: rillettes eau-de-vie, a bold tribute to Sarthe's gastronomic heritage.

Alternatively, visit Café BOC to discover the art of artisanal roasting, which has been perfuming the town center since 1932.

Then, for lunch, treat yourself to a gourmet interlude at L'Épi'curieux, a gourmet bistro nestled in the Plantagenet City. Or discover the signature trilogy "Animal, Vegetal, Mineral" at the Auberge de Bagatelle, awarded a Michelin star. For traditional cuisine, push open the door at Grenier à Sel.

Afternoon: street art walk and journey into the world of comics

Follow in the footsteps of Mance street art. Over the past few years, the Plein Champ festival has transformed the town into an open-air gallery. Monumental frescoes by C125, Pedro and Seth interact with medieval stonework. Seth's anamorphosis - a dreamy kid floating on the walls of several buildings - has become emblematic of this urban metamorphosis.

Round off your visit at Librairie Bulle, France's largest independent bookshop, with 40,000 titles dedicated to comics. For over 40 years, this cultural landmark in Le Mans has been organizing book signings and meetings. A stone's throw away, original plates, serigraphs and figurines are on display in its annex, Espace Bis.

Other trips to Le Mans

Want to extend your stay in Le Mans? Here are a few ideas to enhance your experience:

• Enjoy the atmosphere of the Marché des Jacobins at the foot of the cathedral, on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings. Stroll between the stalls of fresh produce and local specialties before mingling with the locals over a drink on the terrace at Place du Jet-d'Eau!
• Escape to the Arche de la Nature, for a green break in this natural area at the gateway to the city.
• Treat yourself to a ride on the Rêveuse, or rent an electric boat without a license to discover the Sarthe from another angle.