Le Mans, a city rich in history and charm, a city to discover!
Saint Julien Cathedral of Le Mans : An architectural masterpiece blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Don't miss its magnificent stained-glass windows and impressive vault adorned with angels.
Its architectural style, unique in western France, is a testament to medieval religious art. Its foundation dates back to 1060, by Bishop Vulgrin. However, numerous renovations were carried out over the years. It wasn't until 1430 that the final construction of the monument was completed. Today, the cathedral is regularly renovated to counter the harmful effects of air pollution and natural aging.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Sundays)
The Plantagenet city corresponds to the medieval historic center of the town, formerly called Vindunum. It transports you back to the Middle Ages with its cobbled streets and period houses. Major monuments from the medieval period are present, such as the Gallo-Roman wall and the Saint-Julien Cathedral of Le Mans.
Throughout its history, Vindunum has suffered conquests and attempted conquests. This was notably the case for William the Conqueror, Clovis, and Richard the Lionheart. Today, the city has enjoyed the status of a free commune since 1979, making it the second largest after Montmartre.
Bugatti circuit of the 24 hours of Le Mans : If there's only one must-do in Le Mans, it's undoubtedly the Circuit de la Sarthe. Famous worldwide, it originated in 1906 during the Grand Prix Automobile de France, which started in Le Mans.
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest, which founded this motor race, reused the circuit for the ACO Grand Prix and the Coupe de la Sarthe.
It was then that the idea of creating an endurance race between vehicles was born. The first edition took place in May 1923. Two drivers took turns day and night to achieve the best performance.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit is impressive due to its length, spanning 13,626 kilometers. As such, it is one of the longest circuits in the world. Used for about ten days a year for competitions, three-quarters of the circuit is open to road traffic the rest of the year.
In addition to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the circuit is also used for Le Mans Classic (a classic car race), 24h moto, French moto Grand Prix, and the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
24 Hours of Le Mans Museum : To help you understand the legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest opened a museum dedicated to this international event in 1961. The museum features no fewer than 140 vehicles from world-renowned brands. Discover legendary models from Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Bentley, Matra, and more.
In total, 6,500 square meters of exhibition space immerse you in the world of competition. In addition to presenting the vehicles, the museum explores the history of the automobile, the circuit, the race, its behind-the-scenes activities, and, of course, its heroes.
Outside of sporting events, you can freely explore the circuit. You'll discover its unique features, such as the Dunlop footbridge and the nine bridges that thrill spectators.
The museum was originally located within the circuit itself, right next to the village. As expansions and improvements were made, it moved to the main entrance.
Information : https://www.lemans-musee24h.co...
Nature Arch: Spread across 500 hectares of nature, three houses offer you their own unique world.
A must-see in Le Mans, the Water House is open from February to November. It introduces you to the world surrounding the river. Inside the aquariums, discover a variety of species such as trout, barbel, minnows, gudgeon, and more. During your visit, learn about the operation of the old waterworks and their evolution over the years and with technological advances.
As a side note, these waterworks were used to distribute 20,000 cubic meters of water every day to the residents of Le Mans. And to make your visit even more enjoyable, rent bicycles or canoes and ride along the river.
Stroll through the Nature Arch aboard horse-drawn carriages. Large carts pulled by Percheron horses take you on a journey through the countryside and forest. After your stroll, head to the Estaminet to taste local produce.
In the heart of the Prairie House, the Arche de la Nature garden covers 2,100 square meters. Botany enthusiasts will discover the name of each plant on small chalkboards. The garden offers a wide variety of vegetables and teaches you all the organic gardening techniques you need.
And if you're a city dweller, tips are also available through the hanging gardens or the square gardens.
The last Arche house to visit in Le Mans is the Forest House. Here, the forest world is explored in a variety of ways. You'll discover the wood industry and its trades through models and games. You can admire the immense resin trees, which stand five meters tall. The Forest House trail has been awarded the "Remarkable Tree of France" label for its 32 plants.
Wildlife is also present, with around fifty stuffed animals. They are all represented in their natural environment. For example, a forest pond has also been recreated. And if you want to observe live species, head to the anthill and near the snake and insect vivariums.
Not forgetting the other emblematic places of Le Mans...
The Gallo-Roman Wall : Come visit Le Mans, if only to not miss this architectural treasure. A 3rd-century treasure, the Gallo-Roman wall demonstrates the region's power and wealth. Initially designed to resist barbarians, the wall endured numerous Breton, Norman, and Viking invasions over the centuries.
Tessé Museum : The idea for the Tessé Museum emerged at the end of the reign of Louis XVI. At that time, many private and religious collections were confiscated. They were then transferred to the Musée des Beaux-Arts du Mans, which opened its doors on June 21, 1799. The works on display come mainly from the far west (Angers, Anjou, Maine, and Brittany).
How to get to Le Mans ?
Le Mans is easily accessible by car or train. It is therefore strongly recommended to use both modes of transport.By car, thanks to the A11, you are only 2.5 hours from Paris. From the west, the southwest, the A10 via Tours, and the A28 also lead to the Sarthe prefecture. Finally, if you are arriving from the southeast, you will also need to take the A28 at the end of the journey from the A85, the A20, or the A71.
By train, the city is served by several TGV, Ouigo, and TER lines. Le Mans can be reached by high-speed trains from Paris-Montparnasse, Nantes, Rennes, Lille, Strasbourg, and Marseille St-Charles.