Le Mans on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun

An adrenaline-fueled adventure at Le Mans without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Explore the iconic race track of Le Mans and its historic museum with engaging guided tours. Take a stroll down the streets of the charming town, bask in the picturesque scenery and indulge in regional culinary delights. Opt for budget-friendly accommodations through a hostel stay, and make use of the efficient public transport system to get around the city.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Old Town

  • Check into Hotel Concordia, a charming hotel with a central location and budget-friendly pricing.
  • Take a stroll through Vieille Ville, the old town, and marvel at its medieval architecture.
  • Visit the Cathédrale St-Julien, a stunning cathedral built between the 11th and 15th centuries.
  • Stop by the Musée de Tessé, a museum filled with art from the 16th to 20th centuries.
  • Have dinner at Le Relais des Remparts, a cozy restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
Day 2

Le Mans Race Circuit

  • Travel to the Circuit des 24 Heures, home of the famous Le Mans 24-hour race.
  • Take a tour of the track, see the garages and grandstands, and learn about the history of the race.
  • Visit the Musée des 24 Heures, an extensive museum showcasing the history of motorsport and Le Mans.
  • Stop by the Karting International de l'Ouest, where you can race go-karts or watch others race.
  • Have dinner at Le Carré des Saveurs, a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious French cuisine.
Day 3

Châteaus & Vineyards

  • Drive to the Château du Lude, a beautiful castle surrounded by gardens and a moat.
  • Take a tour of the castle and learn about its history and the lives of its inhabitants.
  • Visit Domaine de la Chopinière du Roy, a vineyard producing delicious local wines.
  • Take a wine-tasting tour and learn about the wine-making process.
  • Have dinner at Le Jardin des Plantes, a restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and gourmet cuisine.
Day 4

Mansigné & Bessé-sur-Braye

  • Travel to Mansigné, a charming village with a historic church and quaint streets.
  • Visit the Château de Pescheseul, a stunning 18th-century castle surrounded by a moat and gardens.
  • Take a tour of the castle and admire the impressive architecture and interiors.
  • Stop by Bessé-sur-Braye, a picturesque town with a market square and ancient church.
  • Have dinner at Le Petit Bistrot, a cozy restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious French cuisine.
Day 5

Les Alpes Mancelles & Saint-Léonard-des-Bois

  • Drive to Les Alpes Mancelles, a stunning natural area with hills, forests, and rivers.
  • Go hiking or cycling along the trails, taking in the beautiful scenery.
  • Visit Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, a charming village with a 12th-century church and panoramic views.
  • Stop by the Musée du Vélo, a museum dedicated to bicycles and their history.
  • Have dinner at Le Bistrot Gourmand, a restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious French cuisine.

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.

More travel plans

Le Mans: A historic French adventure

A trip to Le Mans, France as a tourist offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the impressive Le Mans Cathedral, the charming Old Town, and the world-famous Circuit des 24 Heures. The city also boasts delectable cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene.

4 Days of Romance and Culture in Le Mans

A romantic trip to Le Mans, France offers the perfect blend of culture, history, and stunning scenery. With its picturesque architecture and romantic charm, couples can enjoy strolling through the streets, take a hot air balloon ride, or watch the sunset over the Sarthe River. The city is also famous for its thrilling motorsports events and mouth-watering French cuisine that will perfectly complement a romantic getaway.

Le Mans in 3 Days: City, Wine & Castle

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.

Weekend Escape: Two Days in Lively Le Mans

Le Mans is a city in the Pays de la Loire region of France. It is best known for its connection with the famous 24-hour car race that takes place annually at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Tourists can explore the historic old town, visit the Le Mans Cathedral, and enjoy the region's delicious cuisine and wine.