Unleash the Charm of Le Mans on a Budget
Experience the thrill of Le Mans without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Le Mans, France offers visitors affordable accommodation options, including camping and budget-friendly hostels, making it an ideal option for those on a limited budget. A trip would not be complete without visiting the iconic Le Mans 24-hour endurance race track, which is open to visitors year-round, but be sure to book in advance during peak season. Exploring the charming medieval town and sampling the local cuisine, including the famous rillettes, is a must-do when visiting Le Mans.
Day trip plan
Getting latest place information
- Start the day with a visit to Le Mans Cathedral, a medieval masterpiece with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings.
- Take a stroll through the Plantagenet City, a labyrinth of narrow streets and timber-framed houses that will transport you back in time.
- Stop by the Musée de Tessé, a free art museum showcasing works from the 15th to 21st centuries, including paintings by Renoir and Monet.
- Grab a picnic lunch from one of the many local bakeries and head to the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden with over 3,500 plant species.
- Visit the Musée de la Reine Bérengère, a museum dedicated to the history of Le Mans and its famous queen, and learn about the city's rich heritage.
- Finish the day at La Vieille Porte, a charming bistro serving affordable, homestyle French cuisine, where you can sample local specialties like rillettes and tarte Tatin.
- Le Mans may be famous for its car race, but there's so much more to discover in this quaint, historic town. With its beautiful architecture, museums, and gardens, not to mention its delicious food, Le Mans is the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking a taste of authentic French culture.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
