Give a day trip from Paris to Le Mans the Green Flag (or the tricolore in this case)
If you’re a race fan, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is likely on your bucket list. Even if you’re short on time, you can make a day trip from Paris to Le Mans for this crown jewel of endurance racing. Here are ten tips to help you experience one of the greatest races in the world.
Note: This blog is based on my trip from Paris to Le Mans for the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. While things might change, these tips from a passionate, seasoned race fan should still apply.
On our first trip to Paris, I managed to convince my wife to squeeze in a side trip to Le Mans for the 24-hour race.
I have to say, I did a pretty good job of it. Our anniversary falls around the same time as the race, so convincing her to visit Paris was easy. I casually added, “And it’s just a short train ride from Paris to Le Mans, so why not take a day trip?”
It may have helped that we were enjoying drinks in beautiful weather, but she agreed. Soon, we’d be adding the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans to our beloved Indianapolis 500, marking the second leg of the Motorsports Triple Crown (depending on who you ask, the Daytona 500 or the Monaco Grand Prix are the other legs).
I quickly bought tickets, and before we knew it, we were on the train from Paris to Le Mans, ready for an unforgettable day at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Here are the lessons and tips I picked up from our day at Le Mans.
A day trip from Paris to Le Mans will give you the chance to see some amazing race cars
1. Sign up for tickets early, or buy on the secondary market
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the oldest and most famous races, and ticket demand is high. Sign up for notifications on the official website when tickets go on sale, or look for tickets on the secondary market if needed. With the track being 8.5 miles long, there’s plenty of room for fans, but tickets are becoming harder to get as the race gains popularity.
For a day trip from Paris to Le Mans, general admission tickets are a good option. While I scored reserved seats, we spent most of the day exploring the track and didn’t use them much beyond the race start.
2. Take an early morning high-speed train from Paris to Le Mans
Once you have your race tickets, book your TGV train tickets from Paris to Le Mans. You can do this through Rail Europe or directly with SNCF. Take an early departure from Paris (usually around 6:00 AM) and book one of the last trains back from Le Mans (between 8:00 and 9:30 PM).
You’ll need to take a convenient light rail from the Le Mans train station to the Circuit de la Sarthe. It’s a quick ride, and you’ll be surrounded by excited race fans. But keep an eye on the time—you don’t want to miss your train or the start of the race!
3. Eat in Le Mans before heading to the track
I’ve visited a lot of race tracks and sampled many concession stands (Knoxville Raceway in Iowa has the best, trust me), but the concessions at Le Mans left a lot to be desired. If you arrive early enough, hop on the light rail into the center of Le Mans for some food before the race.
We had a nice meal on the Place Saint-Pierre, which is host to several good restaurants. Visiting the city center also gives you a chance to see how Le Mans decorates itself with checkered flags and racing memorabilia for the event. It was heartwarming to see that race fans around the world celebrate in similar ways!
Like racing towns in the United States, Le Mans decks out its buildings with checkered flag decorations for the big event.
4. Get off at the stop before the infield (Guetteloup – Pôle Santé Sud)
Here’s a tip I wish I’d known before: Get off at the Guetteloup – Pôle Santé Sud station on the light rail when heading to the race. It’s closer to the grandstands and saves you from extra time on the train and walking through the infield, which is massive. If you have a general admission ticket, there are plenty of good spots to watch from outside the track as well.
No matter where you start, you can easily access both the inside and outside of the track through the Dunlop Bridge or the tunnel under the front straight. This will come in handy if you want to check out some of the merch stands in the infield.
5. Watch the first laps from one spot, and bring a radio
The start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most exciting moments in motorsport, comparable to the start of the Indy 500. Cars fly down the front straight as the French Tricolor is waved to signal the beginning of the grueling 24-hour race.
Don’t miss this! If you have a general admission ticket, try to get a spot near Tertre Rouge or the Dunlop Bridge for the best view. Wherever you are, stay for the first few laps while the cars are still bunched together.
Bring a radio to tune into Radio Le Mans on 91.2 FM. Their English-language commentary is invaluable for keeping up with the action, especially at such a large track.
6. Walk around and skip the shuttles
Once the cars start to spread out on track, take the opportunity to explore different viewpoints. Even if you have a reserved seat, it’s worth leaving to find new vantage points, do some shopping, or grab a drink in a collectible cup.
For a day tripper traveling from Paris to Le Mans, you can easily walk to the Ford Chicane, front straight, Dunlop Curves, and Tertre Rouge. These are all walkable and you won’t have to mess with the notoriously unreliable shuttle service.
7. Visit the museum
While you’re walking around, make sure to stop at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. It’s located at the end of the front straight, outside the track. The museum is full of incredible race cars and is a must-see for motorsport fans.
In the past, your race ticket included museum admission, but always check the official site for updates. Even if it’s not included, tickets are usually under €15 and well worth it.
Take time on your trip from Paris to Le Mans and pop into the museum to see the incredible cars on display, like the Mazda 787B
8. Watch the time, and head for the train station early
As much as you’ll want to stay at Le Mans all night, eventually, you’ll need to leave. The Le Mans light rail stops running shortly after 8:00 PM, so give yourself plenty of time to get to the train station. Missing your train back to Paris and trying to find last-minute accommodations in Le Mans on the busiest night of the year is not ideal.
If you have time, consider stopping by Aux Portes du Circuit, a legendary bar near the track. It’s as much a part of the Le Mans experience as the race itself.
9. Keep up with the race after your trip from Paris to Le Mans comes to an end
Even after you’ve left the race and you’re riding along on the TGV at a similar speed to the race cars, you can stay connected. Radio Le Mans continues their excellent coverage online, and the race is broadcast for free on L’Equipe’s cable channel or their streaming service. Check local listings for your year, but these are usually reliable options.
10. Vow to return for the full experience
There you have it! You’re ready for a day trip from Paris to Le Mans. And if you’re like me, you’ll vow to return for the full experience one day—camping, wild fans, all-night engine roars, and no sleep in sight. It sounds like a dream for a hardcore race fan like me, though I’m not sure I can turn it into another anniversary trip!
Have you been taken a trip from Paris to Le Mans? Whether for the full race or a day trip, let me know your tips in the comments!
