THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, A WEEK OF FESTIVITIES

It comes as no surprise that National Geographic has included the 24 Hours of Le Mans in its list of the top 10 sporting events to attend at least once in your life (see article). Did you think the 24 Hours of Le Mans is just an endurance race? Actually, the event is much more complex and gratifying than that, especially for spectators, with a week full of activities and festivities.

Magic in the streets of Le Mans

Public excitement begins to ramp up on the Sunday before the race in the streets of Le Mans. Every car and driver entered in the race gather downtown for the administrative and technical checks. It's the perfect opportunity for fans to get within reach of the racing cars and to share conversations with the drivers and mechanics.

The same exchange is possible again on Tuesday at the circuit during the autograph session, and on Friday the day before the start of the race. Once again in the streets of the city, the drivers can be seen at the great Drivers' Parade where they will give out autographed cards, little goodies, souvenir t-shirts and more.

Throughout the week, spectators are able to enjoy the downtown area all about the 24 Hours of Le Mans and take in some local culture with decorations pretty much everywhere, countless shops participating in the atmosphere by offering photos, souvenirs and the like. The spell of the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes over the city! For those experiencing the scene for the first time, take in the sights, walk the streets, take part in the gatherings and enjoy the magic of Le Mans. 

What to do at the circuit

The heart of the event is of course at the circuit! Whether you're 5,10, 30 or 50 years old, passing through the entrance of the circuit will stay with you forever.

Ask anyone who has attended this great race for years to describe the feeling of being at the circuit itself. They'll tell you it is always a thrill to experience the joy of being at the temple of endurance racing that is Le Mans. For your first visit, prepare to be amazed.

Highlights at the circuit

• Being on the edge of the track watching the cars go by at top speeds: even if you are familiar with endurance racing and watch it on television, to see the prototypes and GTs take on the Ford chicanes ahead of the grandstands straight, or go into the ultrafast portion after the Dunlop bridge, will leave a strong impression. Access to the grandstands is free throughout the week so you can watch the cars from various viewpoints. For the race, you must have the appropriate ticket to access the grandstands.
• If you wish to get a bird's-eye view, you can take to the sky in a helicopter or on the big ferris wheel and enjoy a 360° view of everything under the sun at the circuit.
• The 24 Hours of Le Mans village offers plenty of shops, activities and places to get a bite to eat and take a break. You can try out the racing car simulators and even take on the role of a mechanic and carry out a pit stop, head over to the Women's Pavilion, stop by exhibitions highlighting the history of the race and more...all free of charge.
• On Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, the heart of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit beats at a concert rhythm. The center of the circuit transforms into a massive open-air concert venue. This year the artists set to perform are Kool & the Gang, Amir and The Celtic Social Club. You can attend every concert simply with your race admission ticket.

24 Hours of Le Mans activities

To quench your thirst for endurance racing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and take full advantage of your first time attending in person, you should also experience the events organized outside of the circuit, in the surrounding areas of Le Mans Mans.

On Tuesday evening, head to Neuville-sur-Sarthe for an outdoor viewing of the official film of the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans. To gear up for the 2017 edition, what could be better than reliving on the big screen last year's race with Porsche snatching the win in the final lap?

On Friday, check out the Saint Saturnin Classic British Welcome, a stunning gathering of nearly 1,000 unique vintage and modern cars brought together in one spot the day before the race. In 2017, the British constructor of Marcos sports cars is the guest of honor, with around 70 production line cars on-site.

Throughout the day on Friday, you can access the famous Mulsanne corner to view presitigious collection cars on display in honor of the Jaguar marque, an event organized by the Virage de Mulsanne association.

It is quite impossible to go through the entire program of the 24 Hours of Le Mans week, there is so much to do. Le Mans can be enjoyed during the entire week, a free practice evening or simply the weekend of the race itself, it's up to you! To get ready for your visit, check out the program on our official website (don't forget to click on the date of your choice at the top of the page to read all about that day's schedule), and order your tickets today!