Tag Archives: Le Mans tickets

Le Mans 2022

Le Mans 2022 on sale now!

The Le Mans 24 Hours will return to its usual June slot in 2022. In the now-traditional ACO press conference prior to the start of this year’s race, the dates for Le Mans 2022 were confirmed as the 11th & 12th June.

Due to the current Covid restrictions, this year’s race could only accommodate a restricted audience of 50,000 spectators. At such a large circuit as Le Mans, this left many areas feeling quite empty. However, the race organisers are planning for bigger and better things for 2022, and so are we!

Everybody understands that a pandemic is difficult for business, and for a travel and events company that has been no different for Travel Destinations. However, we are blessed with very loyal and understanding customers who appreciated our many phone-calls over the last 18 months. Because of these efforts, we have managed to retain more than 85% of Le Mans bookings from 2020 through until 2022. We are hugely grateful to you all!

Now our thoughts turn to Le Mans 2022, and we are pleased to report that we are open once-again for reservations!
In 2022 we will be back with all our favourite offers, including our private trackside campsite at Porsche Curves, our popular private glamping site and of course our fantastic Flexotel Village cabins; all located at the circuit!

Travel Destinations Event Tents – Glamping at Le Mans

We will continue to offer the best choice of Le Mans tickets, grandstand seats and hospitality options for those that choose it, as well as all the different travel options for those attending from the UK.

Le Mans 2022
Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

With Le Mans 2021 postponed until August, it will feel that the Le Mans 24 Hours 2022 will be here quicker than ever, and with so many customers re-confirming for 2022 already, some high-demand Le Mans options are already low on availability. We anticipate that all of our private options and some circuit-run campsites will sell-out earlier than ever before! With that in mind we recommend that all those wanting to attend Le Mans in 2022 ensure that they secure their bookings as soon as possible.

Reservations for Le Mans 2022 are now open for new bookings. Please call our reservation team on +44 1707 329988 to secure your place. Further details are also available on our website where you can see all the available options.

Le Mans

Le Mans 2020 Update

Travel Destinations has announced today that it is continuing to sell travel packages for the 2020 running of the Le Mans 24 Hours in September (19-20), following yesterday’s update from the ACO which stated that the event will run with spectators track-side.

In terms of accommodation, in addition to booking customers ferry and tunnel crossings, Travel Destinations continues to offer its increasingly popular on-site glamping and Flexotel (temporary hotel) options, as well as a variety of camping options including its private on-site area situated trackside at the Porsche Curves (featuring access to TD’s private viewing bank). Hotel and B&B bookings off-site are still being offered too.

As for race tickets, while additional sales via the ACO have been postponed, as an official agent of the Le Mans 24 Hours Travel Destinations has an allocation of both general admission and grandstand tickets still available for customers.

Pop up hotel at Le Mans

Hospitality packages remain on offer too, with a variety of options from TD partner Michelin, as well as official ACO hospitality areas at the Porsche Curves and Start/Finish straight. These include options such as full catering, suite, paddock and grid walk access, VIP parking and shuttle bus services.

Anyone interested in attending the 2020 (and/or the 2021 running) of the race can contact Travel Destinations by calling one of our experts on 01707329988 (+44 1707 32 9988 for international callers) or emailing info@traveldestinations.co.uk.

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All bookings made are covered by the Travel Destinations’ Refund Guarantee
Le Mans tickets

When & how to book Le Mans tickets

The Le Mans 24 Hours is seen as the pinnacle of sports car racing and it is on the bucket list of spectators and drivers from all fields of motorsport. Every June more than 250,000 race fans make the pilgrimage to Le Mans. So what makes Le Mans so popular? What Le Mans tickets do you need? and how can you get the most from your own personal Le Mans Experience?

The Le Mans 24 Hours is a unique event. The Le Mans circuit is like no other motorsport venue in the world. It really has to be experienced in person to fully appreciate the history, the challenge, the emotion and the atmosphere of the event. This is the reason that National Geographic rated the Le Mans 24 Hours the number one sporting event in the world; higher than the Olympics, the super bowl or the football world cup.

The history of the Le Mans 24 Hours is well known. A 24 hours endurance race has taken place at Le Mans annually since 1923; only interrupted by a general strike in 1936 and the Second World War. Nearly every car manufacturer that you can think of has competed at Le Mans over the years, but relatively few have been successful. It is not easy to win at Le Mans.

Le Mans tickets
For spectators, such a big event does provide a number of challenges. When to book, where to stay, what tickets are required, how long to stay, where to watch & what to do. That is where Travel Destinations as a specialist travel company can assist. Travel Destinations has been looking after people at Le Mans for more than 20 years now, so in that time we have done everything, seen everything and can help from a position of knowledge and experience. Often there is no right or wrong answer, just a different solution to the same problem, but at least Travel Destinations staff can talk customers through the pros and cons of all the available options.

The one thing that all the Travel Destinations staff agree on is that booking early for Le Mans is highly recommended. As with any large-scale event, availability is key; so the earlier you book your Le Mans tickets, the more choice that you will have. In reality it is possible to turn up on the day and purchase an entrance ticket to the circuit, but that is all that will be available. Campsites, grandstands, glamping and hospitality will always sell out. Gone are the days of turning up in your car and just pitching a tent in the nearest field.

Travel Destinations looks after a few thousand customers at the Le Mans 24 Hours each year, many of whom are repeat customers. Often these people will re-book immediately on their return or even before if they phone on their way home from the race, which some people do. However, this isn’t always necessary unless you are particularly forgetful. We would usually recommend that people reserve the travel, tickets and accommodation before Christmas for the following year. This will usually guarantee you everything that you want. Once the New Year comes around, certain things will start to sell out. Particularly popular grandstands and track-side campsites may start to fill up. There will always be something available right up until April and May; we do even make some very late bookings in the first week of June, but by then there is no choice, it is just what is left available at that time.

Le Mans tickets
So, ultimately what we are saying is that the time to book is as soon as possible. Once you have decided that you want to go to Le Mans then you need to act. These days the first thing most people do is surf the internet. You will find endless social media, forums and message boards all offering their opinions on where is the best place and what the best tickets to have are. However, there are really only two things that you should look for when purchasing tickets etc. for Le Mans: The first thing to look for is an official Le Mans tickets agent logo. This logo means that the company is officially licensed to sell tickets directly from the ACO (the Automobile Club De L’Ouest, are the race organizers). Anyone without that logo is effectively a re-seller and is probably acting without authorization from the circuit. That is called ticket touting and is effectively breaks the terms and condition of buying a Le Mans ticket. Not only that, but you run the risk of not receiving the correct tickets or any at all. So message one is to always look for that Le Mans official agency logo. The second thing to look for, & this applies for any holiday that you may choose to book, is that the company should be bonded to offer financial protection. The most well-known if these in the UK is ABTA and ATOL. These logos show that the company you are booking through have been authorized to sell travel packages and that they have all the insurances in place to do so. Sadly there are many companies that will claim to ensure your money is safe if you book with them, but ultimately you should ask more questions before you book. We recommend looking for the logos. If they aren’t there or you are not sure, don’t book.

The internet is great for many things, but for Le Mans tickets it can cause issues if you aren’t familiar with Le Mans, are visiting for the first time, or the website is in a foreign language. Sometimes it is best to speak to someone with experience and ask some questions. Travel Destinations actively encourages all our customers to call us, even if they have been to Le Mans many times before. Things are always changing at Le Mans, so you can’t just presume things will be the same as previous years. In recent years some campsites have been built on and closed or reduced in size. New campsites have opened and others have changed the facilities on offer. All Travel Destinations staff have been to Le Mans, so can speak from experience. They are also kept up to date with current events at the circuit so that they can pass on that information directly to our customers. Ticking a box on a website just can’t do that.

Top tips for booking for Le Mans tickets:
• Only purchase from an official agent (or the circuit directly).
• Check for financial bonding if booking as part of a travel package (look for the logos!)
• Pick up the telephone and speak to the company. If they can’t answer the phone or don’t know the answers to your questions, try someone else who can.

Travel Destinations is the largest UK Tour Operator to Le Mans. Travel Destinations are an officially appointed Le Mans tickets agency for the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as the Le Mans Classic and they are a fully ABTA and ATOL bonded tour operator.
Visit www.lemansrace.com for more details or call the Travel Destinations team on +44 (0)1707 329988.

Written by Richard Webb

Le Mans 2019

Le Mans 2019: Reserve your place now!

Le Mans 2019: On sale now

There are few events that people start planning the moment the previous one has finished. Christmas and the family holiday are probably on that list. Le Mans is definitely there.
Le Mans 2019 is already unique in that it will be the second Le Mans 24 hours in the one, not to be repeated, “Super-Season” of the FIA World Endurance Championship. From now on, the Le Mans 24 Hours will be the grand finale to a season that begins in September & October the previous year. If Le Mans could be any more important in the motorsport calendar, it will be now.

Le Mans 2019

Toyota dominated the 2018 race, but there was also a lot of positives to be taken from the new private teams, who now have the invaluable experience of a Le Mans 24 Hours under their belt. Expect some rule changes and “balance of performance” tweaks to enable the privateers to close the gap on Toyota at Le Mans 2019.

We know what to expect from the LMP2 battle. In 2018 we saw both a chassis war and tyre war mix up the grid, but it will perhaps be remembered for the controversy that saw teams disqualified after the podium presentation for tampering with their refuelling rigs. That was a shame for quite a few teams that either had their trophies taken away, or that missed out on that podium feeling in the first place. Hopefully lessons will be learnt by everyone before Le Mans 2019.

Le Mans 2019
The GTE Pro battle was exceptional in 2018 & there is no reason to expect it to be any different for Le Mans 2019. Porsche’s retro-liveried cars were instant fan favourites and were cheered on by thousands as every lap went by. However, they were pushed all the way by a mixture of the Ferrari & Ford with the new BMWs not far behind. The older Corvettes and the new Aston Martin Martins looked great, but lacked the performance to back it up, but a year on don’t expect the same results.

GTE Am continues to deliver. There was competitive racing, errors, moments of exceptional skill and a popular winner in the best performing car. What more can you ask for? Same again at Le Mans 2019 please!

Le Mans 2019

So now you know what to expect, why not join us track-side at Le Mans 2019? Travel Destinations are an official tickets agent for Le Mans 2019 and offer you the widest possible choice for you to stay at Le Mans and enjoy all the action. Here are just a few of the possible options:

Circuit Camping: Thousands of race fans camp at the circuit each year. Le Mans 2019 will be no different. The circuit run campsites such as Maison-Blanche, Tertre Rouge and Houx are all available through Travel Destinations. You will need to bring your own tent & expect to join a rowdy crowd at various locations around the track. Camping facilities will be basic at best but if you join in the party atmosphere you can have a great time.

Le Mans 2019
Private camping at Porsche Curves: Travel Destinations private campsite at the Porsche Curves remains hugely popular with race fans still wanting to camp, but preferring the added benefits of on-site security, serviced showers & toilets as well as hospitality marquee with café & bar exclusive to Travel Destinations customers. In addition, you also get the bonus of our very own exclusive viewing bank overlooking the fastest corner on the circuit!

Travel Destinations Event Tents: Our “Glamping” option is located across the other side of the track to our Porsche Curves campsite, but instead of having to bring your own tent, we provide a 5-metre diameter bell-tent, fully carpeted & complete with mattresses and all bed linen. The Event Tents benefit from security, serviced shower & toilet blocks as well as their own hospitality marquee for food and drink and all residents also have access to our private viewing bank at the Porsche Curves.

Le Mans 2019
Travel Destinations Flexotel Village: Each year we build a “pop-up hotel” in the centre of the circuit. This Flexotel Village provides customers with their own bedroom at the track. Each room comes with 2 proper beds & all bed linen and towels and you can choose from a standard room with shared facilities or your own ensuite room with shower & toilet. The atmosphere amongst the Flexotels is calmer & more relaxed than elsewhere on circuit, but there is still a hospitality marquee serving food and drinks all weekend for those what enjoy coming together with other like-minded race fans over a beer or a BBQ. All this is just a short walk from the paddock or Tertre Rouge corner.

Le Mans 2019
Hotel & chateaux offers: For some the lively nature of the busy circuit may be too much, so staying away from the circuit is a more comfortable option for them. Of course, there is the battle with traffic to get in to the circuit if you are driving, but some of our hotel options also have the option of using the excellent tram service to get to and from the track. Prices for nearby hotel rooms are not the cheapest options, but for those looking to enjoy the whole race week they are certainly a comfortable option.

Le Mans 2019
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, then why not call our team at Travel Destinations? Each member of staff has an intimate knowledge of Le Mans with multiple visits under their belts. They know the pros & cons of every option and will be happy to discuss the best option for you.

You can book Le Mans 2019 with Travel Destinations now. Early-bird prices are on our website and you can secure your place at Le Mans 2019 today with a small deposit.
Call us now on 0844 873 0203 to join us at Le Mans 2019.

Le Mans 2018

Le Mans 2018 tickets & travel on sale now

Le Mans 2018 tickets & travel are on sale now

The dust has just started to settle on what was a memorable Le Mans 24 Hours. Not only was the story of the race almost unbelievable at times, but the weather was hotter than most of us can remember. Just as soon as Porsche & Aston Martin were finished popping their champagne corks, we started thing about Le Mans 2018.

Travel Destinations are now open for bookings for all of our race options for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2018. Le Mans 2018 may be just under a year away, but now is the time to start planning to be track-side. All options are currently available to reserve with a small deposit, so please call us now on 0844 873 0203 to reserve your space. All our prices included travel from the UK, entrance tickets and your chosen accommodation option. International visitors are more than welcome, and prices are available without channel crossings where required. All of our private secure options at the circuit were sold out for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, so it is important to book early & avoid disappointment.

Le Mans 2018
The Travel Destinations private campsite on the Porsche Curves has always set the benchmark for camping at Le Mans. Positioned track-side, our campsite is unique at Le Mans in having its own private viewing bank overlooking the Porsche Curves. The campsite is open from Wednesday before the race until the Monday after the race & benefits from 24 hours security during this time. All guests will be welcomed by our campsite team and shown to their reserved pitch. The campsite has fully serviced showers and toilets and has a large hospitality marquee where food and drinks maybe purchased over the weekend. The marquee has large screen TVs showing the race and other sporting events live over the weekend so you won’t miss a thing at Le Mans 2018.

Le Mans 2018
Just a stone’s throw away from Porsche Curves are our Travel Destinations Event Tents. Commonly described as our glamping option, this area is dedicated to large pre-erected tents. Each tent is 5 metres in diameter and can sleep up to 4 people. The tent comes fully carpeted, with mattresses and all bed linen. The Event Tents are located in their own private secure area, with their own showers & toilets as well as a hospitality marquee. As well as this all guests will also have access to Travel Destinations’ private viewing bank and all the facilities at Porsche Curves. Glamping at Le Mans 2018 has never been so easy.

Le Mans 2018
The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village has gone from strength to strength in recent years. This pop-up hotel is perfect for those people who don’t want to camp, but still want to enjoy the convenience and atmosphere of staying in the centre of the circuit for Le Mans 2018. Each bedroom contains two proper beds and all bed linen & towels. In their own secure paddock, just a few minutes’ walk from the start line, the Flexotel Village also has fully serviced shower & toilet blocks, as well as a hospitality marquee serving high quality food and drinks throughout the weekend. For those who wish to upgrade there are also a limited number of Flexotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms available for a supplement. Secure parking is available in the Flexotel Village but it is also convenient for those people arriving train/tram, as the Antares tram stop is just around the corner.

Of course, there are also thousands of camping pitches in the ACO circuit run campsites available for Le Mans 2018. Although these areas offer only basic facilities & no security, they are always popular and most areas will sell out. Travel Destinations has the largest allocations of pitches in all circuit run campsites, particularly in the most popular areas of Maison Blanche, Houx and Tertre Rouge. For those looking to secure these campsites we always recommend booking early. Some of the larger campsites, such as Beausejour will have better availability, just because of their scale but for the best channel crossings and times, it is good practice to book early anyway.

Grandstand seats and race weekend hospitality are also available and can be added to any of our Le Mans 2018 packages. These are ideal if you would like to get a better view of the action, or just want a different experience. We can highly recommend the hospitality with our partners at Michelin.

You can secure all your Le Mans tickets for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2018 now. A deposit at this stage will secure your booking until balances are due 10 weeks before the event. As an ABTA bonded tour operator and an official agent of for Le Mans 2018 you know you can book with Travel Destinations with confidence.

The Le Mans Classic also returns in 2018. We offer all of our usual offers and more at the Le Mans Classic. You can witness cars from the 1920s right through to the 1980s take to the track that they once called home. Visit our Le Mans Classic pages on our website to learn more about the event and Le Mans Classic tickets.

Travel Destinations remain the leaders at Le Mans!

Le Mans tickets

The Countdown to Le Mans

It is now that time of year when everyone’s thoughts turn to Le Mans. Thousands of people are counting down the days until it is time to return to La Sarthe. Routes are being planned, tents pre-erected following 12 months of storage, and supplies are being purchased. The Travel Destinations teams are making their final preparations before departure as well.

Travel Destinations Le Mans Ticket Packs
All Le Mans tickets have now been sent out from our office (unless you made a purchase in the last 24 hours or have arranged to collect tickets from us at the circuit). If you have received a card from the post office asking you to collect a package, then we request you do so as soon as possible, before your tickets are returned to us. When you receive your ticket pack, please do check all your tickets to ensure that you have everything that you require. Now would also be a good time to check that your passport is in date for when you travel too!

Le Mans tickets
Eurotunnel travellers

If you are travelling with Eurotunnel please ensure that you also complete your Advance Passenger Information by following the instructions on your ticket. You will need to do this for all passengers travelling in a car. You will need to input passport details for each person travelling. This is not required if you are travelling by ferry as your passports will be scanned at the point of departure.

Your Essential Guide & further campsite information
Along with your Le Mans tickets, you will also have received our new-look “Essential Guide to Le Mans”. Please do read this before you travel and bring it with you as there is a lot of useful information inside. Le Mans can be a confusing place at times, particularly if this is your first visit, however a bit of planning now can save on stress later. The guide contains directions, maps and a race week schedule to assist you in enjoying your visit to Le Mans.

Le Mans tickets
If you are staying in one of our private areas (our trackside campsite at Porsche Curves, our Event Tents & our Flexotel Village) then you will have been sent a separate email containing further information specifically for you. It is important that you read this information in conjunction with our essential guide as it will assist you with access and answer many questions. Even if you have been to Le Mans with us before, please ensure you have read this document as things to change at Le Mans.

Photography Courses
We have had a fantastic response to our Le Mans photography workshops in association with Jessops Academy. Important information including joining instructions has already been sent directly to those people who have already signed up. We are all looking forward to seeing the results. If you haven’t yet booked for these courses but are interested in joining in, please do call us for an update on late availability.

Le Mans Tickets
For those making a last-minute decision to attend Le Mans, then we can still assist you. There is very limited availability for Le Mans tickets but we can help you with on-circuit & off-circuit camping, entrance tickets & travel. As you would expect the availability situation is changing on a daily basis so please call us for up to date Le Mans ticket information.

Le Mans tickets
We wish you all a safe journey to the circuit & hope that we see you there. Should you need to contact any of our staff during your stay at Le Mans, please do call our on-circuit helpline provided in your pack. Our staff at the track will be happy to assist.

Le Mans 2018
For those planning even further ahead; we will go on sale for Le Mans 2018 during the week after this year’s race. If you wish to guarantee your place at Le Mans 2018 then please do call us on 0844 873 0203 when you return. A deposit will be required at the time of booking.

Le Mans tickets
Thank you for choosing Travel Destinations for your Le Mans visit this year & we hope you can join us again soon.

Toyota at Le Mans 2017

Le Mans 2017 Entry List Revealed

After much anticipation the provisional entry list for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2017 & the FIA World Endurance Championship was announced today. Le Mans 2017 will be the first season without Audi so the initial look of the grid is very different from previous years.

You can download a full copy of the entry list here: Entry List 2017

LMP1 Class
Not only is this class missing the headline act of Audi, but with Rebellion switching classes, the field was always going to be a little light this year. Just six cars will be making up the top tier at Le Mans 2017 with more teams promised to bolster the ranks in 2018. However, for 2017 Toyota have chosen to add a third car to their FIA WEC cars giving them the numerical advantage. The reigning champions Porsche will be fighting to retain the Le Mans trophy with 2 cars. The class is made up by the single privateer in ByKolles, with Robert Kubica their lead driver. They will be looking for a better performance than last year, but realistically they would be more than happy with a sixth place finish behind the big guns. LMP1 may not be what it was, but if Porsche and Toyota give us a finish like last year, nobody will be complaining about the missing Audis.

LMP2 Class
The biggest field by far is here with 25 entries. Most of these cars are stepping up from the European Le Mans Series and there are only 9 competing in the FIA WEC this year. It is new start for the regulations in LMP2 so this is a healthy number to see on the list. The split between Europe and the USA is clear to see with only Ben Keating making the entry list from the IMSA stable. With such a large field it will certainly be difficult to predict the outcome, which will make things exciting for everyone involved.

GTE Pro Class
Some of the most anticipated racing will no doubt be from this class. 13 cars and 5 manufacturers could actually make this class the headline act in 2017. Ford look like they could be the ones to beat, with a 4 car entry on the back of an impressive performance last week in Daytona. Porsche could be the challengers after returning to the fray with the new 911 RSRs. Aston Martin, Corvette and Ferrari won’t just be making up the numbers either, so this could well be a fight right to the finish.

GTE Am Class
There is a good mix of cars in the GTE AM class as well as good numbers. 16 cars have been invited with a spread across the FIA WEC, European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series and IMSA. From a British perspective it is great to see the experienced JMW Motorsports team back after missing out last year & the Gulf Racing team Porsche makes a welcome return after an underrated turn in 2017. Aston Martin will also be flying the flag for the UK with 3 cars, but Ferrari has the numbers again with 8 cars in the field. Last mention in the class should go to Labre Competition’s sole Corvette, that has new Rolex 24 at Daytona winner Ricky Taylor named as lead driver.

So there you have it with 2 cars in reserve, could this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours prove the doom mongers wrong and actually turn out to be a classic. Certainly the potential is there, so all you need to do is be at Le Mans 2017. If you haven’t already booked then time is running out, call Travel Destinations now to book your place.

Written by Richard Webb

Le Mans race

What to take to Le Mans

Part 4. What to take with you

Walking around Green Park at the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, I once came upon a campsite with its own fish-tank, complete with tropical fish swimming around and a chicken coop full of hens. At the Nurburgring 24 Hours I have witnessed a whole pirate ship on a steep hillside overlooking the track including cannons and crow’s nest with a man on lookout. At Le Mans I have seen most of a house, with a full kitchen including sink, fridge, chest freezer and dishwasher next door to a lounge with sofas and a TV. Every year this type of thing goes on and you can’t help but wonder what they left behind to fit all of this in.

Not everyone takes it to the extremes, but there are a few things to remember when it comes to packing for Le Mans. Some are obvious and some are common sense, but if I had a pound for every call we receive during Le Mans week saying “I am sorry but I have forgotten my…” then I would be a very rich man by now.

Documents:
Without fail somebody every year either forgets their passport or finds out that it has expired just hours before departure. Even with the UK still being in the EU at the moment, you cannot travel to France without your passport. This item is crucial and so should be checked well in advance and kept safe at all times. Check it now if you can. I bet you don’t know when your passport expires!

Le Mans tickets

Losing travel tickets either before you travel or during your stay is less of a problem these days. E-tickets are easily replaced & booking numbers can be quoted in place of a piece of paper, but it is a hassle. Much better to keep them in your vehicle so they are available when you need them. Race tickets are another matter. These are not easily replaced so should be kept safe and not left on the kitchen table. Your camping pass should be fixed in your windscreen and your entrance tickets should be kept with you (usually on a lanyard) so that you have them available to be scanned when you enter the circuit.

There are other documents that you shouldn’t leave home without such as your driving licence & car insurance documents. I am sure you would never dream of breaking the speed limit in France, but if you ever do the Gendarmes will ask for these documents as well as money to pay the fine.

Clothing:
Everybody knows the saying “It always rains at Le Mans”, so it is amazing how ill prepared some people can be for few days at the circuit. Of course it doesn’t always rain but a warm and waterproof outer layer is very important. When the sun goes down you don’t want to have to miss the racing because you are cold or wet so pack a coat. It is very difficult to describe to someone who hasn’t been to Le Mans before, quite how much walking is involved. Distances between viewing points and your campsite are usually bigger than you think. I have saying that where ever you are at Le Mans, you are 20 minutes’ walk from where you want to be. With that in mind a good pair of boots or similar sturdy footwear is essential. Following on from that is socks. You can never have too many socks. If you’ve ever got up in the night, needing the bathroom and been forced to pull on wet socks, then you know what I mean. I am sure a sock salesman would clean up if they set up shop in a Le Mans campsite. Otherwise layers of clothing is to be recommended. You can always remove a layer if it is hot, or add another layer when it gets cold, so pack your back with multiple layers to stay warm or cool at Le Mans. And finally, if you have flip-flops bring them. They are perfect for the communal showers!

Le Mans 2017

Camping items:
Forgetting your tent is unlikely (it has happened though) but there are other things that are worth thinking of. You can never have enough tent pegs, and if it has been dry then something stronger than the usual metal peg is required. A mallet will also be required, because it will be difficult to get the pegs in with just your hands. Sleeping bag and pillow could go without saying, but we have been asked for spares at Le Mans, so double check before you leave. An airbed or sleeping mat are equally useful if you plan on getting much sleep. A torch with batteries is good. Don’t rely on your phone, because when you need it, you will probably have it charging in the car. You can survive on circuit food, but nothing beats a Le Mans barbecue. Drivers swear they can smell bacon in the morning as they blast through the Porsche Curves and everything seems better with bacon doesn’t it. Event wet socks (see earlier). The local supermarkets are good for all your essential food items and some of the non-essential ones too. Try and stay clear of glass bottles if you can. Camping and glass don’t mix that well and in recent years there has been a crackdown on taking glass in to track-side campsites so it is best avoided. Alcohol? Can’t say I’ve tried it myself, but I understand its popular at these kind of events.

Camping at Le Mans

Essentials:
These are the things that you want to really add to the whole Le Mans experience but are easily forgotten. A bottle opener and a tin opener for instance. It is no good returning with from the shops with a tin of beans if you can’t open it. No doubt your campsite will be located in the perfect location, but if it isn’t a decent water carrier to get your supplies back from the nearest stand-pipe will come in handy. All Travel Destinations staff are consistently asked for phone chargers. We do carry some, but often not for the right model of Iphone or Android device, so think about it before you leave and ensure you have an adapter for your car. An FM radio is so important at Le Mans. If you want to know what is going on, then tuning in to the team on Radio Le Mans is essential. They are the best and will be broadcasting right through Le Mans week. You will kick yourself if you forget your radio. The last thing to mention is money. Even if you forget most things you can always buy them when you are at Le Mans. Even a tent! But you shouldn’t carry around too much. Sadly things do go missing at Le Mans, and you don’t want that to be your wallet. We would recommend a small amount of Euros for things like road tolls and your essentials but then have a credit card for anything else and keep that separate and safe too.

Radio Le Mans

Top tips for packing for Le Mans are:
• Check your passport is valid and keep it with you at all times
• Take layers for warmth and a waterproof as it always rains at Le Mans
• Don’t forget your FM radio to tune in to Radio Le Mans

Le Mans official ticket agency

Travel Destinations are the largest UK Tour Operator to Le Mans.
Travel Destinations are an Officially appointed agency for Le Mans and are a fully bonded ABTA and ATOL tour operator.
All our Le Mans options are available to view on this website or call us now for more details on 0844 873 0203.

This article first appeared on Motorsport Magazine online & is the fourth in a series of guest blogs by Richard about Le Mans.

Glamping at Le Mans

Camping at Le Mans

Part 3: Camping at Le Mans

Camping is a tradition at Le Mans. If you want to experience all that the Le Mans 24 Hours has to offer then staying at the track is the best way to do it. No question. Often camping is a necessity as well, as more than 250,000 spectators descend on Le Mans during Le Mans week and there just aren’t enough rooms to go around. Supply and demand means that any rooms that are available are expensive and are often snapped up by corporate bookings and never go on sale to the general public. So camping it is.

Travel Destinations have many customers that would never camp at any other time of the year, but for Le Mans it is just accepted. But then there are different types of camping available too. So, it is very important to make the right choice of campsite at the circuit. The difficulty is that everyone will have a different opinion depending on their experiences during their stay. At Travel Destinations, we speak to thousands of Le Mans customers every year. Sometimes we will have people in one campsite say it is the best place and rebook again, whilst others in the same campsite will choose a different one for the next year. This is one of the reasons why we speak to every customer, so that we can talk to them, find out their needs and requests and then discuss the best options available.
The majority of the camping areas at the track are run by the circuit (the ACO). Thousands of people camp in each area year after year. We describe it as a motor racing Glastonbury, although actually there are twice as many people at Le Mans than the music event. But you can get the idea. The campsites are full of tents and cars. Although there are lots of different areas, there are some things they all have in common. Each camping plot will give a 7 metre by 5 metre area. This will need to accommodate both a vehicle and tents. Each campsite will also provide shower and toilet blocks, but as with any event like this expect them to be very busy at peak times.

Camping at Le Mans

Each campsite has a name and they are different prices depending on the size and location. As a rule of thumb the closer the campsite is to the start/finish straight the more expensive it will be. There are always exceptions, but that is the general rule. Perhaps the most popular circuit run campsites are Maison Blanche, Houx & Tertre Rouge. Maison Blanche borders the track just before the Ford Chicane. It has been much reduced in recent years with the building of the new Porsche Experience Centre but it remains popular. Houx is a larger campsite in the centre of the infield. It is also a short walk to the village and the start line. Perhaps its most notable point is that Houx is the only campsite that offers access to electricity. Tertre Rouge is located adjacent to the track at the northern end of the circuit just beyond the Dunlop Bridge. It is a small campsite that looks down on the track which makes it very popular. Each of these campsites will often sell out a long time in advance of the race.

Beyond these three campsites are other areas such as Houx Annexe, Blue Nord & Blue Sud. Although these campsites offer similar facilities to the first three (except electricity) they are a bit further to walk to the village or start line, so therefore they aren’t as expensive. Each of these campsites will give a numbered pitch, so these are popular with campers who may be arriving later in the week as they won’t have to search for a spot. The biggest circuit run campsite is called Beausejour. This campsite is located on the infield, with the closest part of the track being the Porsche Curves. Pitches aren’t numbered so arriving early is recommended if you want to be near the entrance. Even then a walk from the Beausejour campsite to the start line will take about 30 minutes, so bring your walking shoes with you. The campsite as huge with thousands of pitches, so usually this is the last area to sell out.

Camping at Le Mans

There are two other circuit run campsites that are further away from the start line than Beausejour. Both Arnage and Mulsanne campsites are located on corners and offer great views. However they are beyond walking distance from the rest of the circuit, so new visitors will need to be careful as they can be quite isolated. These areas can be popular with regular visitors that don’t mind being away from the main areas of the circuit.

So far we have only mentioned the circuit run campsites on the track. These are cheap and cheerful, but offer little in the way of facilities and security. However there are alternatives for those people who wish to stay on circuit but would like a bit more for their money. Private campsites will offer a range of extra facilities usually including 24 hours security, private showers & toilets as well as food & drinks on-site. Even then there are differences between what each company can offer. Some private campsites are located within the ACO public areas, but are fenced off to keep them private. Others are located trackside and have no neighbours at all, so it is important to understand exactly what you are buying.

Travel Destinations were actually the first company to introduce private camping more than 10 years ago. Our private campsite at the Porsche Curves has increased in area and capacity since then but still offers the extra security, serviced showers and toilets as well as our popular marquee where our bar and food outlet can be found. It is also where we have our TV screens and evening entertainment so it is a real social hub. Our Porsche Curves campsite also has the only private viewing bank at the circuit, so our guests can get a unique view of the race.

Glamping at Le Mans
Travel Destinations Event Tents

For those that don’t enjoy camping, Travel Destinations have added Glamping and Flexotels to the on-circuit choices. Glamping is still under canvas, but the large pre-erected tents come with carpet and beds, so you don’t need to have any equipment. Similarly, the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village provides pop-up hotel rooms in the centre of the circuit so that you can return to your own bedroom and a proper bed each night. The height of luxury at Le Mans.

Pop up hotel at Le Mans
Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

By their nature all private areas at the circuit are going to be limited in space and more expensive than the large circuit run campsites, but it is important to note that the private campsites will sell out the quickest, so it is always important to book early. It is unlikely that there is going to be much availability as the race gets closer.

Top tips for Camping at Le Mans are:
• There are lots of options so it is important to do your research or speak to an official agent before you make your booking.
• Consider the distance from the campsite to the track as you will be doing a lot of walking
• Think about what you want from your experience. Is cost the priority or would you prefer security or luxury?

Le Mans official ticket agency

Travel Destinations are the largest UK Tour Operator to Le Mans.
Travel Destinations are an Officially appointed agency for Le Mans and are a fully bonded ABTA and ATOL tour operator.
All our Le Mans options are available to view on this website or call us now for more details on 0844 873 0203.

This article first appeared on Motorsport Magazine online & is the third in a series of guest blogs by Richard about Le Mans.

Le Mans 24 Hours 2017

Book now for Le Mans 2017

Le Mans 2017Le Mans 24 Hours
17th & 18th June 2017

 

The Le Mans 24 Hours this year will live long in the memory. The memories will be even more vivid for those that were there. If you would like to be at Le Mans 2017 then we can help you. The dates for next year’s race have already been confirmed for the 17th – 18th June 2017. Although ticket prices will not be confirmed until later this year, you can still reserve your travel, tickets and accommodation with us now.

From Monday 20th June, we will be open for provisional bookings for Le Mans 2017. Please take a look at our offers for this year’s race on this website. This year’s prices have been left as a guide to help you decide which option you prefer. Please be aware that many of the options did sell out before the end of January this year.

Take a look at our camping options on the track. These include circuit run campsites, our famous private trackside campsite at the Porsche Curves as well as our Glamping Option with our Event Tents. Also on circuit is our Flexotel Village providing your own bedroom in the centre of the circuit. Please be aware that although the prices include travel from the UK, many of the options are also available without travel for international visitors.

When you have chosen your favourite option, please call us to begin your provisional reservation. From the UK you can call 0844 873 0203. From outside the UK please call +44 1707 329988.

Travel Destinations is an Official Agent of the Le Mans 24 Hours and we are an ABTA and ATOL bonded tour operator, so you know you can book with confidence. Call us to book your tickets for Le Mans 2017.