Visiting Lemans in '08?

Hello to all,

I did a quick search and didn't turn anything up. A couple of friends and I are thinking about heading to the race in 08. Having never been there anyone have some good advice for newbies? Where to stay (or not stay), when to get there, transportation, dining, etc.

Thanks for any help,

Joe

 

Hotel rooms in Le Mans are usually booked well in advance. Last year we arrived Friday am, stayed at Sheraton at CDG; took 1 pm TGV to Le Mans and last return that evening. Walked all thru the paddock area stopping and gawking at the cars in respective garage areas. Didn't go to drivers parade due to time. Took first TGV Saturday am from CDG to LM and last return on Sunday. Figured why get a motel room Saturday night and miss the good part of the race. Our seats are in the Michelin stands - great location - they also double as a nap location. The village also doubles as a great nap location in front of the big screen tv. Our tickets are obtained via Just Tickets in the UK. We also get the 25 GBP pp bus excursion they offer. Catch the 8:30 pm bus in front of the bar just down from the main entrance. You get dropped at Arnage for about an hour and then dropped at Mulsanne for about 1.5 hours (it finally gets dark about 11:30 pm). The ferris wheel at 3 am is terrific - very little crowds and they stopped the cars at the top a couple times so you could see the cars coming into the Ford chicane. There's a restaurant open all night by the village. Spent sunrise at the Dunlop curves - awesome sight. This year staying Thurs & Fri at a Mercure hotel adjacent to the Gare Montpatresse in Paris - commuting via TGV - 54 minutes and the Sheraton on Sunday. Sheraton is a bit pricey but it's definitely worth the convenience it offers. Up two esclators from the train track into the lobby; out the lobby, turn right and you're at the airline ticket counters.

If you arrive in LM by train, simply go out the door towards the Galaxie Hotel and you'll encounter the shuttle bus stop. Bus takes you to track entrance. Return ride drops you in town and it's just a short walk back to the train station. Great pizza restaurant across from station. TGV is a very easy mode of transportation - reservations required, tickets can be purchased on line. Very easy to find your respective car as the signs on the track tell you where to stand for your specific car.

'08 should be a good race with the return of Alfa with the 8c.

Le Mans becomes addictive ! ! !

Carol

 

Sounds exciting, I plan on studying abroad in Europe in the summer of 08' and want to visit as many tracks as I can while I'm there. I don't know if I'd be there during the actual running of the race, but it would be cool to work it into the trip.