Le Mans - From Virgin to Veteran
Package Tour vs DIY
As a first-timer, it makes a lot of sense choosing an all-in-one organised trip with a recognised operator over a do-it-yourself package, where travel, tickets and accommodation are all pre-arranged.
My first visit was by coach and arranged through Page and Moy (though other operators, such as Motor Racing International, offer similar packages). There are trips to suit all pockets. As a penniless student I took advantage of their ‘Fast & Cheap’ package, which was <£150 (ticket was extra). Trips can be extended to take in other sights/events, though an obvious advantage of this means of travel is the down on a Friday/back on a Sunday shorter trip to fit in with those who have to work.
However, there’s so much to see and do at Le Mans that it pays to keep things flexible. Half (maybe even more) of the fun is the trip down through France, especially if you’re the one doing the driving, and organising your own trip and seeing all your careful planning come to fruition (or go to pot!) is an adventure in itself.
There is a happy medium. Many groups rent a section of the camping space at the circuit from the ACO, and will sell tickets for their private camping in a package that often include Ferry or Eurotunnel crossings (self-drive). Many of these groups are car clubs, and the quality of the package is often dependant on the location of the camping. Advantages include security, reserved parking and pitches, serviced toilets and showers, even entertainment, bars, food and TV! I would have no hesitation in recommending Speed Chills, Team Langoustine and Pistonheads, all of whom I’ve used to varying extents in the past.
My first visit was by coach and arranged through Page and Moy (though other operators, such as Motor Racing International, offer similar packages). There are trips to suit all pockets. As a penniless student I took advantage of their ‘Fast & Cheap’ package, which was <£150 (ticket was extra). Trips can be extended to take in other sights/events, though an obvious advantage of this means of travel is the down on a Friday/back on a Sunday shorter trip to fit in with those who have to work.
However, there’s so much to see and do at Le Mans that it pays to keep things flexible. Half (maybe even more) of the fun is the trip down through France, especially if you’re the one doing the driving, and organising your own trip and seeing all your careful planning come to fruition (or go to pot!) is an adventure in itself.
There is a happy medium. Many groups rent a section of the camping space at the circuit from the ACO, and will sell tickets for their private camping in a package that often include Ferry or Eurotunnel crossings (self-drive). Many of these groups are car clubs, and the quality of the package is often dependant on the location of the camping. Advantages include security, reserved parking and pitches, serviced toilets and showers, even entertainment, bars, food and TV! I would have no hesitation in recommending Speed Chills, Team Langoustine and Pistonheads, all of whom I’ve used to varying extents in the past.
Help and Support
Help and advice from fellow Le Mans goers is widely available, thanks largely to the internet. There are plenty of forums out there that go to show that you’re not alone. I use the Le Mans forum at Pistonheads; it’s simple and free to become a member and is great for opinions, advice, arranging gatherings and last minute tickets.
Autosport publish a guide as a supplement to their weekly magazine in the UK, usually the Wednesday of the week before qualifying starts.
The ‘daddy’ of all guides though comes from Club Arnage, who’s yearly Le Mans guide stretches to 145 pages and covers everything from driving in France to where to find the nearest golf course!
And finally, make sure you take a radio as Radio Le Mans broadcasts on 91.2 FM (and over the internet) for the duration of the race weekend. Often the only way to truly follow the race (if you don’t hire Kangaroo TV or have access to Sky), other than the occasional pigeon-English comments from the race commentator.
Autosport publish a guide as a supplement to their weekly magazine in the UK, usually the Wednesday of the week before qualifying starts.
The ‘daddy’ of all guides though comes from Club Arnage, who’s yearly Le Mans guide stretches to 145 pages and covers everything from driving in France to where to find the nearest golf course!
And finally, make sure you take a radio as Radio Le Mans broadcasts on 91.2 FM (and over the internet) for the duration of the race weekend. Often the only way to truly follow the race (if you don’t hire Kangaroo TV or have access to Sky), other than the occasional pigeon-English comments from the race commentator.
