Le Mans in 3 Days: City, Wine & Castle

Experience Le Mans' speed and charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Travel to Le Mans, France on a budget requires careful planning and research, but it is possible to enjoy this charming city without breaking the bank. Affordable accommodations can be found in hotels or hostels outside of the city center, and there are plenty of free or low-cost attractions to explore, like the Cathédrale St-Julien and the Musée de Tessé. For an authentic experience, try the local cuisine at budget-friendly eateries like La Table des Dames or Bistrot des Copains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Le Mans' Hidden Gems

  • Check into Hôtel Première Classe, an affordable option within walking distance of the city center
  • Head to the Plantagenet City, an old town district with narrow streets and timber-framed houses
  • Visit the beautiful Abbaye de l'Epau, a Cistercian abbey from the 13th century
  • Grab a bite at the cozy La Couturelle restaurant, serving traditional French cuisine
  • Explore the Jardin des Plantes, a peaceful botanical garden with over 1,200 plant species
Day 2

From Racing to Wine Tasting

  • Start the day at the Circuit des 24 Heures, home to the famous 24 hour race, and visit the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans
  • Take a break from the speed and enjoy the countryside with a visit to the Domaine des Génaudières vineyard for a wine tasting
  • Head back to the city for lunch at the quirky Café L'Epicurien with its retro decor and delicious sandwiches
  • Spend the afternoon at the Musée de Tessé, featuring art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century
  • End the day with dinner at Le Bouchon du Vauguyon, a casual spot known for their delicious steak frites
Day 3

A Day in the Park

  • Have breakfast at the charming Les Planches café, known for their homemade pastries
  • Visit the Château de la Groirie, a stunning castle from the 18th century, and its surrounding gardens
  • Head to the Parc de la Gazonflière, a peaceful park with a lake and walking paths
  • Grab lunch at the family-friendly crêperie, La Sarrasine, and try their savory galettes
  • Finish the day with a relaxing boat ride on the Sarthe river, passing picturesque scenery along the way.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Le Mans by plane is to fly into Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport and then take a train from Gare de l'Est station in Paris to Le Mans station. There are several flights from major cities worldwide that operate into Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport. From there, take the RER B line to Gare du Nord and transfer to Gare de l'Est station to take the train.

Car

The best way to get to Le Mans by car is to drive from Paris. The journey takes around 2 hours and if you don't have a car, you can rent one from any of the major car rental companies in Paris.

Train

The best way to get to Le Mans by train is to take the TGV train from Paris Montparnasse station. This station is easily accessible by metro in Paris. The journey takes around 55 minutes and trains run regularly throughout the day.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Le Mans as the city is located inland. The closest port is in Nantes, which is a 2-hour drive from Le Mans. From Nantes, you can take a regional train to Le Mans station.

Bus

The best way to get to Le Mans by bus is to take a coach from Paris-Bercy station. This station can be accessed by metro in Paris. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and there are several coaches that run daily.

Destination

Le Mans

Welcome to a land where speed is king and the smell of gasoline is the national scent. Le Mans is the place where cars go fast and people go even faster to escape them.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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