24h Le Mans
While you’re in Le Mans for the 24 Hours, take the opportunity to try out some local eateries, offering fine dining or excellent vantage points for the race. Here are the top ten places to eat out during your stay in Le Mans.
Aux Portes du Circuit
Jeanine Belnou runs the bar-restaurant that is an institution for many spectators and members of the motor racing family. Drivers and race organisers alike frequent the establishment, including Henri Pescarolo. Every year in mid-June, the restaurant is packed with regulars and new spectators who flock to sample the delicious house dishes. It’s an absolute must, almost an extension of the circuit itself and a great place to have a relaxing break. Some loyal customers even get to pitch their tent in the garden, lulled to sleep by the roar of engines.
Aux Portes du Circuit
rue Laigné
72100 Mans
This restaurant is a temple to racing, in the heart of the city. Fans of the 24 Hours will love the ambience in this diner-style restaurant, just off the main square, Place de la République, the venue for the scrutineering sessions. Everything from helmets, firesuits, car parts, artwork and photography, everywhere you look there is a reference to the legendary race in this place. The friendly service adds to the warmth of the establishment. Even the menu has a racing theme, with salads named after famous circuits (Interlagos, Magny-Cours, Sepang etc.). In the week before the race, lucky diners can find themselves with a whole Le Mans team on the next table. Now there’s something to boast about!
Le Mans Legend Café
9Bis Rue du Port
72000 Le Mans
On the Mulsanne straight, on the outside of the circuit, you’ll find Les Relais d’Alsace. The welcoming brasserie is open until midnight seven days a week and serves a wide range of hearty dishes. It is no secret that staff of race organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest are regular customers. Come and taste some rillettes, the local potted pork, or a speciality of Alsace, home of the restaurant chain.
Les relais d’Alsace
ZAC des Hunaudières
Chemin des Landes du Camp
72230 Ruaudin
Within the grounds, spectators are spoilt for choice for places to eat. This year, there are some 75 eateries at the circuit, from fast food, pizzas and sandwiches to wine bars and diners. The enviable location of Le Welcome overlooking the pit straight is a selling point in itself. The spacious restaurant, terrace and bar have superb views of the Dunlop curve and the pit straight.
Some establishments are inextricably linked to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and will bear the mark of the much-revered race for decades to come. The Hôtel de France is one such place. Located a short drive from Le Mans in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, the Hôtel de France can boast such distinguished guests as the Kennedy family, Steve McQueen, Stirling Moss and Derek Bell. In the fifties, the Aston Martin team used the hotel as a base during the 24 hours of Le Mans. The hotel restaurant, Le Relais de Ronsard, serves succulent French cuisine, including duck foie gras on cornbread toast and a supreme of chicken with spring vegetables.
L’Hôtel de France et le restaurant « Le Relais de Ronsard »
20 Place de la République,
72340 La Chartre-sur-le-Loir
If you’re hankering for a leafy setting, then look no further than Le Jardin Gourmand. The venue is a former stable building, with a patio overlooking beautiful grounds but the attentive service and appetizing dishes alone are well-worth the trip. This popular restaurant is just five minutes from the city centre and close to the famous Abbaye de l’Epau and acres of woodland should you wish to have a stroll after lunch. The chef uses simple, fresh seasonal produce. Early booking advised.
Le Jardin Gourmand
Lieu-dit PAPEA
72530 Bener-Le Mans
In the city centre, on Place de la République, La Réserve is a trendy haunt, a gastro-bistro serving excellent value dishes in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Don’t expect a menu as long as your arm here. The chef prefers to serve a small selection of the best fresh, home-cooked food. La Réserve is a favourite with last year’s Le Mans winner Romain Dumas and Top Chef TV personality Michel Sarran. The chef’s specials range include mouthwatering suggestions such as prawn tart with shellfish sauce, foie gras ravioli flavoured with truffles or veal fillet served with Savoyard crozets (small buckwheat pasta squares).
La Réserve
34 place de la République
72000 Le Mans
Le Beaulieu is a landmark dining experience. Laurence and Olivier Boussard offer traditional cuisine with an exquisite contemporary twist, using local methods and recipes. This Michelin-starred (1 star) gastronomic restaurant serves fresh produce according to season. Expect the chef to come and check that your meal is to your liking. An absolute must for a special meal on any occasion.
Le Beaulieu
34 bis Place de la République
72000 Le Mans
Fancy a wine bar atmosphere and a bite to eat as well? Then this is the place! Choose from a selection of meat cuts, hams, smoked fish and cheeses to accompany your favourite beverage. A dish of the day is also served on weekdays, inspired by the fare on offer in the local markets.
A great find!
L’un des sens
9, rue Docteur Leroy
72000 Le Mans
Opened in 2014, the local branch of KFC is located on the Mulsanne Straight, between Tertre Rouge Corner and the first chicane. One of only a few eateries on the circuit itself, its main attraction is the view of the race! The fast food menu is served at the usual opening times, including during the race. However, when the circuit is in use, access is on foot only. The restaurant is a short walk from the tramway terminus.
KFC Le Mans Les Hunaudières
Giratoire de César
72000 Le Mans
