Better than 24 hours, a weekend in Le Mans beyond the clichés!
Le Mans is much more than just a 24-hour motor race. You'll see: the capital of the Sarthe region deserves more than a day to wander around the historic city, take a trip back to medieval times, take in the street-art and try out a few cool spots. Take 2 or 3 points of reference and let yourself be guided by your desires.
On the must-see circuit
Of course, there's no escaping the incredible history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. So, to kick off the weekend, why not start with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum? Even if you're not a fan of roaring engines, you'll quickly be taken aboard by the museum's legendary cars, fascinating content and exhibits. After a brief pit stop, the city tour continues. Direction? the Middle Ages!
The cobbled streets of the Cité Plantagenêt plunge you straight into the medieval history of Le Mans. The hundred or so half-timbered houses compete in color and lean against each other, housing shops that are very much of our time! Renaissance hotels have managed to carve out a niche for themselves in the historic center, sheltered by an imposing 1,300-meter Roman wall. Spoiler alert: with the glowing color of its mortar and its geometric friezes, the fortified wall seems to herald the arrival of street-art frescoes. To top it all off, the XXL-size Saint-Julien cathedral towers above the slate roofs.
The Plantagenet City and the 24 Hours racetrack have often been used as film sets.
A new take on Le Mans
Between the Plantagenet city and the Sarthe river, a unique experience opens its doors to you. The Distillerie du Sonneur introduces you to the secrets of gin, vodka and other liqueurs. In the beautifully revamped distillery, fruit and herbs from the neighboring farm are transformed into exceptional products. A successful cocktail of orchards and stills, fruity sweetness and powerful fragrances. A specialty to try if you dare: eau de vie de rillette.
Always in the spirit of sharing, you can also set your sights on the Amuz'Mans games bar and friendly restaurant. Under historic walls, gamers often fill up on a quiz, a role-playing game, a werewolf...
Want to take your pop culture to the next level? Let's take you on a street-art tour of Le Mans. For several years now, the Plein Champ festival has been endowing the city of Le Mans with monumental frescoes. C125, Pedro and Seth are just some of the well-known blazes to be found at the foot of the walls. In this open-air urban exhibition, don't miss the dreamy kid in Seth's Anamorphose.
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Light up your night
In summer, the Nuit des Chimères is a feast for the eyes! Enchanting light projections paint animated pictures on the walls of the old town and the cathedral. This grandiose and creative show, which draws on Le Mans' historic heritage, renews your nocturnal tour of the city. It's sure to inspire wonderful, colorful dreams...
A breath of fresh air in the city
In the course of these varied and offbeat adventures, it's a good idea to recharge the batteries. With rillettes, of course, but not only...
It's bustling, teeming with life and color... the Marché des Jacobins is an important moment in the lives of Mancelles and Manceaux. Situated at the foot of the cathedral and the Plantagenet town, the market delights you with fresh produce, local delicacies and those moments of conviviality we love so much. To make the most of it, it's open in the mornings on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
If you need more greenery, the Arche de la Nature offers you its meadows and its estaminet-style refreshment bar, at the gateway to the city of Le Mans. It's the perfect place to sit out on the terrace, have a beer or order a plate of local produce, between forest paths and a small musical stage!
Where to put your weekend bag?
To all visitors: Le Mans is a land of hospitality. You and your friends can choose your accommodation between the refinement of a multi-starred hotel, the charm of a bed & breakfast, the change of scenery of a campsite on the banks of the Sarthe or... an unusual urban hostel like Artyster. In this lively design venue, you can also enjoy home-cooked, seasonal and local cuisine.
Want to extend your weekend and add to your memories?
- Discover local designers and shop responsibly in the heart of the Visitation site.
- Take an aperitif break aboard the "Rêveuse" on a "toue cabanée
- Get away from it all on the Sarthe by renting an electric boat without a license
