Tag Archives: Travel Destinations

Le Mans Classic 2020

Le Mans Classic 2020 – Dates Confirmed

Le Mans Classic 2020 – The 10th Anniversary

The Le Mans Classic will return from the 3rd – 5th July 2020. As well as celebrating the 10th running of this Le Mans retrospective event, the Le Mans Classic 2020 will also be preparing special commemorations to mark the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s first victory and the 25th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s overall win at Le Mans.

The last Le Mans Classic event, held in 2018, not only attracted nearly 200,000 spectators across the weekend, watching 550 cars compete on the track, but it also won the best Motorsport Event of the year (again!) at the 2018 International Historic Motoring Awards.

Le Mans Classic 2020

The Le Mans Classic has always focused solely on cars that previously raced at Le Mans from 1923 through to 1979. However, following the popularity of modern classics appearing at similar events such as the Spa Classic & Grand Prix de l’Age d’Or, the Le Mans Classic 2020 has added two further grids..

A real crowd pleaser are the monsters of the Group C Racing grid, that features cars that raced at le Mans between 1982 & 1993. Cars such as the Porsche 956 dominated in the early years, followed by a string of manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Jaguar and Mazda that finished with the Toyota TS010. Spectators are always excited to see and feel these legends back at Le Mans,

Le Mans Classic 2020

Bringing the Le Mans Classic in to the modern era is the Endurance Racing Legends grid. This grid features cars that graced Le Mans between 1994 and 2010. Reaching out to a younger audience that can easily remember the likes of the Audi R8 LMPs, McLaren F1 GTRs and the striking Bentley Speed 8, the Le Mans Classic is extending its audience even further.

Le Mans Classic 2020

Travel Destinations continue to be an official ticket agent for the Le Mans Classic 2020. Travel, tickets, camping, glamping and hotel accommodation for the Le Mans Classic 2020 are all on sale now!

Special Offer: All Le Mans Classic 2020 bookings confirmed with a deposit before the end of February 2019, will receive their booking at Le Mans Classic 2018 prices! Call Travel Destinations now on 01707 329988 to book your place!

Le Mans Classic

Le Mans Classic 2018: Review

Dailysportscar visits the Le Mans Classic

A relatively recent phenomenon in motorsport are the big historic festivals. In the UK, Goodwood; with the Festival of Speed and the Revival meeting, Silverstone Classic, and a host more besides, draw big crowds with a mix of on-track action and a festival atmosphere in the paddock and around the circuit grounds. The major European events have been building in popularity too: Spa-Francorchamps has the Spa Six Hours and Spa Classic events, Nürburgring’s Old-timer Grand Prix, Angouleme’s Circuit des Remparts and many more. The biggest, and arguably one of the very, very best is the Le Mans Classic – held every two years, this is the only event, aside from the Le Mans 24 Hours itself, that is permitted to use the full 24 Hours race circuit, with local roads closed to allow round the clock action.

Le Mans Classic

I was invited with my colleague Dave Lord, to attend the Le Mans Classic 2018 event as the guests of Travel Destinations, to take a look at what, for both of us, was a very different event in very familiar surroundings! We were accommodated in the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village – and whilst the container-like accommodation is perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing, it proved to have massive advantages over the more traditional camping option. With comfortable overnight accommodation for two, plenty of storage space and a secure lock on the door it was an ideal operating base for the extended weekend.

Le Mans Classic

Very high temperatures over the full Le Mans Classic meeting might have left some sweltering – indeed our friends on the campsites reported that their tented accommodations were challenging in the conditions – but the tree-lined Flexotel Village wasn’t too bad, and our room was great when we installed a fan! Make no mistake these were extreme conditions – 30-34 degrees across the whole weekend! Our bathroom accommodation was in the central toilet and shower block – showers with perfect temperatures, kept spotlessly clean throughout the weekend- although for those after more privacy, a little more outlay saw some customers choose upgraded Flexotel rooms with their own bijou bathroom facilities!

Le Mans Classic

As the Le Mans Classic came alive on Friday, then the Flexotel Village filled up nicely, and the ambience became immediately apparent – very relaxed and very friendly – individuals, couples and groups of friends either chatting quietly outside their rooms with a glass of red wine or a beer, or clustering around the central marquee where food and drink was available late into the evening – together with a big screen TV – pretty much essential during the latter stages of a World Cup! There were,  I am very pleased to report, no rowdy groups, no fireworks – just people enjoying their, and each other’s company, and it was never, ever, crowded – a host of ordinary cars (ours!), sporty, exotic and classic cars parked alongside the rooms – Everything from an MGA, via a Jensen Interceptor and on to Lamborghinis, Ferraris and a beautiful Jaguar D-Type Replica – Just perfect!

Le Mans Classic

As for the Le Mans Classic event itself – Wow!

700 cars from 1923 to the present day, competing and displayed on track with some 1000 drivers – including some VERY big names. Competition continued through the night with the six main – age-defined groups of cars having 3 x 45 minutes races – with the addition of races for the iconic Group C cars (simply glorious!), Jaguar and Porsche period one-make encounters, plus a pair of very well attended demonstration runs for the “Global Endurance Legends”, for cars from the 90s and noughties – with a short season of races for these splendid machines coming in 2019!

Le Mans Classic

The ‘Le Mans Classic Village area’ was packed throughout with eateries, bars and exhibitions, a fine selection of stalls selling books, models, vintage bits and bobs and much more besides doing a roaring trade – I stumbled (thankfully not quite literally) across Derek Bell signing copies of his latest book at one stall.

Le Mans Classic

And then there’s the ‘set dressing’ and the other main Le Mans Classic attraction – Thousands of classic cars in the club displays on the infield and around the shorter ‘Bugatti’ circuit – all friendly and welcoming, all with a common spirit to revel in petrolhead heaven. Love Renault Alpines? There were simply dozens, Porsches? Hundreds – Something more obscure? Believe me it as likely in there somewhere! Best of all if you regularly attend the big UK, or US historic festivals, there was plenty here that you likely haven’t seen before.

Le Mans Classic

Around and between all of this the Le Mans Classic VIP shuttles were all Citroen 2CV or the Mehari derivative; the competing drivers shuttled around in a bewildering variety of VW ‘buses’ – and the public shuttle buses to take fans out to the more far flung viewing spots were ‘period’ too! Competing cars were escorted through the event either by Gendarmes in period uniforms on historic police motorbikes (with the ever-present whistle!) or by actors dressed 1940s US Military police on rumbling Indians and Harleys complete with the wailing siren – Evocative stuff.

Le Mans Classic

Better still if the scale of the event, or just the heat, got the better of us, it was a short walk back to the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village, where, even in the thick of on-track action, there was an oasis of calm – the cars could be heard – but you could hear yourself think, grab a drink or have a nap – the Flexotel’s sound insulation proving ideal for the task.

Le Mans Classic

If you love the historic scene then the Le Mans Classic is a simply unmissable event – We’ll be coming up with excuses for another invitation – You should pencil it into your 2020 calendar too- and then get on the phone to Travel Destinations to reserve your place!

Written by Graham Goodwin – Editor in chief – Dailysportscar.com
Photography by David Lord –  Photographer in chief – Dailysportscar.com

Classic Le Mans

Classic Le Mans entry list

The Classic Le Mans entry list is always a sight to behold, with the paddocks full of cars that competed at the Circuit de la Sarthe through the era’s. Most of the cars entered will have originally raced at Le Mans in period. 2018 is no exception, take a look at the most recent publicised entry list. The action starts from 3pm on Saturday 7th July and runs through to 3pm on Sunday 8th July. The racing comprises of six grids that each run three times over the 24-hour period:

To give you a flavour of what to expect in each grid (this is just a small selection of what you will see):
Grid 1 – (1923-1939) BMW 328’s, Lagonda LG45’s, Talbot 105’s, Delage’s, Delahaye’s, Bentley’s
Grid 2 – (1949-1956) Jaguar D-Type’s, Porsche 550’s & 356’s, Healey 100 m’s, AC Ace’s
Grid 3 – (1957-1961) Aston Martin BB4 GT’s, Ferrari 250’s, Birdcage Maserati’s, Lotus XV’s
Grid 4 – (1962-1965) GT40’s, Cobra’s, Ferrari 250 LM’s, Low Drag E-Type’s, Porsche 904’s
Grid 5 – (1966-1971) Ferrari 512’s, Porsche 917’s, Chevron B19, Lola T70’s, Mk II GT40’s
Grid 6 – (1972-1981) Porsche 911 RSR’s, BMW 3.0 CSL’s, De Tomaso Pantera’s, Datsun 240Z’s

Classic le mans entry list
Aston Martin DB4 GT at Le Mans
Peugeot group C
Group C cars race at le Mans classic

And it doesn’t stop there, new grids and demonstrations on the Classic Le Mans entry list programme are:

Global Endurance Legends formed in 2017 to bring owners of GT and Prototype cars from the 90’s through to 2010 together. Expect to see McLaren F1 GTR’s, Ferrari F40’s, 360’s & 430’s, Audi R8’s, Chrysler Viper’s and much more.

Global endurance legends at le mans classic
Global endurance legends

Porsche Classic Race Le Mans – this is set to be a veritable feast of Porsche race cars through the ages all on one grid. Everything from 356’s, the popular 2 litre SWB 911’s through to beastly 356’s and RSR’s as well as 70’s prototypes. This will be quite a sight.

Classic Porsche race at le mans classic
Porsche Classic Race Le Mans

Equally as exciting is the ‘Jaguar Classic Challenge’ open to all pre-66 models: XK series, C-type, D-Type, Mk 1’s & mk 2’s as well as early E-Types.

Jaguar D-Type
Classic Jaguars race at Le Mans Classic

Back due to it’s popularity is the Group C race set to take place on Saturday morning. The iconic Group C cars ran during the late 80’s and early 90’s, famous for their ground effect aerodynamics they are devastatingly fast both through the corners and down the straights, reaching top speeds way north of 300 km/h.

Classic le mans entry list
Group C at Le Mans Classic

We think you’ll agree the Classic Le Mans entry list makes for a mouth-watering programme of racing.

There is still time to book we have spaces in both our private and public campsites, our Flexhotel situated in the middle of the circuit and also in our carefully selected hotels and chateaux. Ferries are getting booked up very quickly too. Call 0844 873 0203 to discuss.

Book now for Le Mans Classic 2018

Book now for Le Mans Classic 2018

Le Mans Classic 2018

Le Mans Classic
6th – 8th July 2018

Everyone enjoys reliving past glories. The Le Mans Classic 2018 gives everyone that opportunity over and over again, across a weekend of historic racing on the traditional full Le Mans circuit. With 24 hours of racing, split in to 6 different grids, representing 6 different eras, from the 1920s to the 1970s, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy at the Le Mans Classic. With the addition of Group C cars as a further invited grid, the Le Mans Classic now brings the action on track through until the 1980s.

Le Mans Classic 2018
The Le Mans Classic isn’t just about the on-track action either. There is always plenty to occupy you away from the circuit. The infield around the Bugatti circuit is turned in to Europe’s largest car club car park across the weekend. At the last event in 2016 more than 8000 classic & sports cars filled the club parking areas within the circuit. Elsewhere there are featured displays, a car auction, shops and eateries all reflecting an historic motorsport theme.

Le Mans Classic 2018
Camping with Travel Destinations at the Le Mans Classic

The Le Mans Classic returns from the 6th – 8th July 2018. As an official agent for the Le Mans Classic, Travel Destinations have a large presence at the circuit. There are two private trackside campsites to choose from; One on the Porsche Curves & the other on the inside of the Tertre Rouge corner, called Hunaudieres. These areas are ideal for people bringing their own tents and are hugely popular due to their superior facilities & trackside locations.

Le Mans Classic 2018
Travel Destinations Event Tents at Le Mans Classic

Similar to the Le Mans 24 Hours, glamping in the Travel Destinations Event Tents is also available. Located on the inside of the Porsche Curves, these pre-erected tents can sleep between 2 and 4 people and provide some comfort & security in the centre of the circuit. These are ideal for those travelling in sports cars without much room for their own camping equipment.

Le Mans Classic 2018
Travel Destinations Flexotel Village at the Le Mans Classic

The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village is equally popular. Home to the Morgan Sports Car Club, this pop-up hotel provides lockable bedrooms in the centre of the circuit. With ample secure parking and superior facilities, it is possible to stay here and walk to everything on the circuit. There are standard and ensuite rooms available to choose from and as in previous years this is expected to sell out for the Le Mans Classic.

For those wishing to stay away from the circuit we also have a number of hotel rooms in Le Mans town, as well as bed & breakfast options or camping options. All are within are short drive of the circuit and ideal for those wanting to relax away from the circuit during their stay.

Le Mans Classic 2018
All Travel Destinations offers for the Le Mans Classic 2018 include entrance tickets and paddock access, as we believe that walking around the paddock & getting close to the cars is crucial to enjoying the Le Mans Classic. It is also possible to add grandstand seats as an optional extra for those that want a better view of the action.

It is possible to book your place at the Le Mans Classic 2018 now. Prices are available on this website and it you can reserve your Le Mans Classic tickets and travel with a small deposit. Please call our reservations team now on 0844 873 0203 to discuss the best options for you at the Le Mans Classic 2018.

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 2017

Le Mans 2017: GTE Preview

With just days left before the Le Mans 24 Hours 2017, we take a closer look at the GTE entrants at Le Mans 2017 & what we should expect from them with our man in the stands; Stephen Kilbey.

GTE Am; The Second Battle of the Brands
While GTE Pro may feature full factory-backed GT entries, GTE Am’s grid this year, will be just as fiercely competitive, with almost as much variety. There’s something for everyone, with a smattering of Aston Martins, including a factory-supported Aston Martin Racing effort, lots of brand new Ferrari 488s, some Porsche 911s and as usual, a single Larbre Corvette. The driver talent is also high in the Am class, with plenty of factory talent placed in among the teams to assist the amateurs; and they’ll be the difference. When the world-class drivers are out of the cars, and its down to the more inexperienced gentlemen drivers, that’s when the race will be won. It’ll be fascinating, it’ll be unpredictable, and well worth keeping an eye on all week at Le Mans 2017.

Le Mans 2017

Tyre Wars
There’s a tyre war in GTE Pro and GTE Am. Michelin vs Dunlop. The Pro class Aston Martins and the Am class Astons and Porsches wearing the Dunlops. The Fords, Corvettes (Pro and Am), Pro Porsches and all of the Ferraris are with Michelin. Last season saw the Dunlops in Pro come on strong for Aston Martin (the weather at Le Mans 2017 could be another curve ball in this battle). Pace in the dry might not be the only story! Commercial success here will be measured by the colour of the caps on the podium on Sunday afternoon!

Porsche’s New Weapon
Porsche have followed Ford into the new era of GTE Pro racing by utilizing the more open rule-book to produce the fabulous looking 2017 spec 911 RSR. As is well known, the car now features a mid-mounted (ahead of the rear axle) flat six, and the car looks and sounds fabulous, particularly in the cauldron of the pit straight at Le Mans. With Porsche foregoing the opportunity for a turbo power plant the race long performance might be one to watch, certainly in wet running so far there’s no sign that Porsche have lost their wet-weather traction edge!

Le Mans 2017

Corvette
Fastest at the Test Day on the full circuit in the Pro Class, with the solo Am ‘Vette right at the sharp end too. Things look good for the 5.5 litre V8 bellowing Chevys. The soundtrack of the Corvettes is a highlight at Le Mans for many and a top pit crew, top quality and highly international driving squad and, by the look of things, a Balance of performance that should see the ‘Vettes back in the leading group should mean that ‘America’s SportsCar’ is back at the sharp end.

Le Mans 24 Hours

With Marcel Fässler back at Corvette for the first time since 2009 (after his Audi adventure) there’s even more depth of talent beyond the long-stay talents of Oliver ‘The Tall One’ Gavin, Antonio ‘The little Spanish One’ Garcia, Tommy ‘Don’t Call Me Junior’ Milner and Jan’ Kevin’s Dad’ Magnussen – Jordan ‘the Wacky One from Social Media’ is the other third man for this one.

Colours
Not the LA Gang turf war colours, instead the ‘give Andy Blackmore a nightmare by producing intricate liveries to stand out’ sort. From variations on the traditional Porsche white, Ferrari red (this year the Pro cars are in a gorgeous deeper shade), Aston Martin green and Corvette yellow, through the Gulf liveried Porsche in Am, the tricky to tell apart Fords, Duncan Cameron’s dark green Ferrari in Am and the oh so simple, but oh so very effective Risi red Ferrari.

Le Mans 2017

There’s also JMW’s new yellow Am Ferrari 488, Clearwater Racing’s pair of contrasting dragon liveried Ferraris (one chrome-based the other matt grey based) and the Art Car for this year, the gloriously bonkers comic book themed ‘Human’ Larbre Corvette – this grid of 29 GTE cars has something for everyone’s visual tastes!

Who’s The Daddy?
With the FIA WEC qualifying format not used at Le Mans its all about raw speed in qualifying. With such a depth of talent on tap it’s a tough call on who will be setting pole in GTE Pro. Nicki Thiim has been the pace man at Aston Martin, ably assisted by Darren Turner. Fred Mako and Patrick Pilet are amongst Porsche’s usual picks, Harry Tincknell has Andy Priaulx edging him on at Ford UK whilst Joey Hand has always been quick here too. Brit pair James Calado and Sam Bird look set to do battle for Ferrari, Toni Vilander for Risi, and at Corvette Oliver Gavin and Jan Magnussen just seem to forget that advancing years should take the edge off by producing stellar times.

Balance of Performance
A system designed to ensure close competition has become an annual battle of who can befuddle the rule makers by more than the opposition! Last year it was Ford, ‘finding’ a huge amount of pace between the Test Day and race week much to the irritation of the race organisers, and their competition! This year Ford were again off the pace at the Test Day after a turbo boost restriction was enforced as part of their BoP – the values can be amended at any point before the race – but will they be, and if they are what will be the response to another Ford win at Le Mans 2017?

Le Mans 2017

Aston Martin meanwhile have a car which is in its last season as the Factory weapon, up against cars that, for the most part, are no more than a season old. For them BoP is an important part of staying in the game, can they – or will a brand new Porsche, cutting edge Ferrari and four car Ford effort relegate them to minor placings at Le Mans 2017?

Am Dram
Whilst the big budget GT drama surrounds the factory-backed efforts in the Pro class don’t ignore what is likely the strongest GTE Am field in recent years. 16 cars, plenty of variety, and a tyre war there too, should dole out plenty of excitement. Pick a favourite or two and watch their progress. Eight Ferrari 488s (including teams from The UK, mainland Europe, Asia and the USA) four Porsches, including the gorgeous Gulf liveried No.86, three Aston Martins all upgraded to 2016 specification (GTE AM cars MUST be a spec that is at least a year old) and the single Art Car Corvette will entertain for sure. Check the entry list for some very familiar names from national and international racing.

Le Mans 24 Hours

Ford vs Ferrari
A classic confrontation and one which the events of 2016’s 24 Hours of Le mans did little to dissipate. Ironically though whereas back in period it was the Fords taking on the ‘establishment’, this time around it feels almost the opposite. 2016 saw controversy about Balance of Performance, a meltdown by the factory-backed AF Corse pair then a race long battle between the four Fords and a solo Ferrari from the Risi Competizione outfit that took the race to the wire. There is respect, but with a razor edge, to this battle at Le Mans 2017 – don’t miss a moment of it.

Le Mans 2017

Aston Martin vs Corvette
Another classic encounter, and one that is likely to be overlapping with the Ford/Ferrari battles for added spice! Here though whilst the on-track battles are no less more seriously contested, the off-track dynamics are altogether more respectful. It dates back to the old GT1 days, pit crews exchanging banter, an annual near impromptu car pushing race up the grid and much back slapping and bear-hugging depending on the result Green vs Yellow is as much a part of this great race as the factory battles in LMP1 at Le Mans 2017.

Le Mans 2017

Written by Stephen Kilbey
Photography by Dailysportscar

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.

Le Mans photography

Photography workshops at Le Mans

Have you ever been disappointed with your motorsport photography? Or have you ever wondered how professional photographers obtain the best shots? Then we now have the answer for you.
Travel Destinations have created an exciting partnership with Jessops Academy Photography Training School to offer you the chance to join a number of photo workshops trackside at the Le Mans 24 Hours. These workshops are exclusive to Travel Destinations customers and can be added to any of our Le Mans 2017 packages.

JessopsJessops award winning academy trainers will be hosting photography workshops at the Le Mans circuit on the Saturday and Sunday, to offer you the chance to learn and practice professional techniques and obtain even better photos. These workshops are designed to be fun and educational, enabling you to be able to us professional techniques trackside at Le Mans.

Le Mans 2017
Silhouettes at Le Mans

Jessops Academy have been running motorsport photography workshops in the UK for the last 4 years however, this will be the first opportunity that anyone has had the chance to learn from their knowledge trackside at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

For Le Mans 2017 there will be a total of 6 different training workshops available with 2 Jessops Academy trainers. Each workshop session will be limited to a maximum of 30 people to ensure everyone is able to receive the assistance that they need.

Each 2-hour session can be purchased individually for £50.00 per person, or as a special Travel Destinations offer, all 6 workshops can be purchased together for just £150.00 per person. 

Le Mans 2017 Workshops:
1. Camera set-up and control for motorsport photography. (Saturday, 11:00hrs)
2. Editorial Shooting (photography with a theme) and mastering panning shots trackside (Saturday 14:30hrs)
3. Dusk lighting, silhouettes and making the most of low light (Saturday 20:00hrs)
4. Shooting at night, light trails and slow shutter pit lane action (Saturday 23:00hrs)
5. Using sunrise and the dawn light. The perfect time of day for photography (Sunday 05:00hrs)
6. Reviewing motorsport images, problem solving and post production set (Sunday 11:00hrs)

As well as training at various locations around the track, the training team will be on-site on Friday evening and encourage all workshop participants to join them for a chat & introduction before the workshops begin on Saturday.

Spaces are strictly limited, so please secure your desired workshop by calling Travel Destinations now on 0844 873 0203.

Le Mans 2017
Camera panning gives good results

Further information:
– The workshops are open to all Travel Destinations customers of any photography standard and experience. The workshops can be added to your existing booking.
– A Digital SLR or mirrorless camera is recommended for all workshops. Although the workshops will still be relevant for compact or bridge cameras, the obtainable results will be limited by the technology.
– Bringing at least 2 different lenses with your DSLR is recommended. Particularly a wide-angle lens, and a form of telephoto (3 – 600mm)
– Although a tripod/monopod is not essential, it will be useful for night-time and low light sessions.
– You should expect to take a large number of photos during each session, so please ensure you have enough memory cards & battery life.
– Each trackside session will take place in public areas around the circuit. Media access is not necessary and will not be provided.
– Each session will take place at the circuit, usually trackside so if you are sensitive to noise ear defenders or earplugs are recommended.
– Be prepared for all weathers. Le Mans can be warm, cold, wet, dry and dusty all in one day. The workshops will take place whatever the conditions so you may need to protect your camera from the elements.
– Wear comfortable clothing. We will be moving around the track so comfortable shoes are a must and you may wish to kneel or lie down to get the best angles.

Le Mans 2017
You only get light trails like this at Le Mans

Reserve your place on the Jessops Academy photography workshops at Le Mans by calling Travel Destinations now on 0844 873 0203.

Le Mans Classic tickets

Le Mans Classic Returns

Le Mans Classic 2018We are pleased to confirm that the 9th running of the famous Le Mans Classic will take place from the 6th – 8th July 2018. The Le Mans Classic offers a great motor racing retrospective every two years at the historic Circuit de la Sarthe, in Le Mans, France. The event itself is much anticipated by participants and spectators alike, so booking your place early is highly recommended.

Last July, more than 123,000 spectators made the pilgrimage to Le Mans to witness 550 race cars take to the track as well as an amazing 8500 classic and sports cars from various clubs and organisations gather on the infield.

Travel Destinations are official agents for the Le Mans Classic and so are in a privileged position  to offer our customers the best choice in travel, Le Mans Classic tickets and accommodation for the Le Mans Classic 2018. Local hotels to Le Mans will be in high demand, however we have a selection available within a few minutes drive to the circuit. Camping has always been a tradition at Le Mans, so as well as the basic circuit run camping, we have 2 different trackside campsites offering superior facilities and secure parking adjacent to the track.

For the Le Mans Classic 2018 Travel Destinations will also be able to offer our Event Tents (Glamping) and our Flexotel Village (pop-up hotel) in the centre of the circuit. These options will enable all guests to enjoy a little more comfort, whilst still staying on the circuit. All these options can include entrance tickets and paddock access, as well as your choice of channel crossings from the UK if required. Options are also available without travel if required, so please enquire at the time of booking. Grandstand seats, circuit laps/track laps and meals can also be added to bookings on request. All available options and further details are now available on this website.

All these options are available to book now & can be secured today with a deposit. To learn more and to reserve your place please call our experienced team on 0844 873 0203. We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

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.