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Things to do in Le Mans

Home to one of the world’s most famous motor races, Le Mans is a must-visit for motorsport fans, but there are plenty of things to do in Le Mans for those who visit outside of this event too.

The city boasts a beautiful old quarter, with plenty of museums, and a fantastic zoo, meaning there are lots of activities to keep you entertained whilst also providing lots of things to do in Le Mans with children. No matter what you love to do while on holiday Le Mans will offer that to you.

Located in northwestern France, Le Mans can be reached in just over 4 hours from Calais by car, you'll even find a number of things to do in Le Mans as well as several interesting places to stop at on the way if you need a break. Enjoy more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car by upgrading to one of our Flexi tickets. Take the scenic route home at a leisurely pace with one of our Standard Flexi or Fully Flexi tickets, and you'll enjoy greater flexibility to your departure time!

So why not book your crossing and start planning your trip today?

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24 Hours of Le Mans
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Arche de la Nature
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Cité Plantagenêt
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Museums in Le Mans

Things to do in Le Mans

24 Hours of Le Mans

When you think about things to do in Le Mans, this famous race is probably the first thought that pops into your head. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the longest running endurance race which makes it very popular among both motorsport fans and even those who don’t follow the sport too!

This event gives drivers the chance to drive as far and fast as they can within 24 hours, and usually takes place during a weekend in the middle of June. If you visit Le Mans outside from when the race is on, you do not need to worry as one of the best things to do in Le Mans is driving on some of the track itself with some of the race being located on public roads.

Anyone with an interest in motorsport and automobiles will enjoy exploring the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum. As one of the best things to do and see in Le Mans, the museum is home to 120 vehicles, 40 of which have won the race in the past, this museum offers visitors plenty of information about the event’s history, details about some of its best-loved drivers, and the chance to see race suits and other accessories too.

Riding a horse through a forest in Le Mans

Best things to do in Le Mans - Visit Arche de la Nature

Just 10 minutes from the centre of Le Mans you will find Arche de la Nature. Here this is a park run by the council offering guests a choice of things to do in Le Mans with kids including both educational and fun activities to take part in. For example, their forest walks allow you to discover all about nature and the different species that live in the area.

Throughout the year the Arche de la Nature hosts a number of workshops and festivals, plus you can choose to rent a bike or canoe, ride through the forests on a horse, or have a go at Disc-Golf, a game where instead of using a ball and club you throw a frisbee at holes in order to score points! Here with such a variety of activities on offer, the Arche de La Nature is definitely one of the best family things to do in Le Mans.

Cité Plantagenêt

The old quarter of Le Mans, known as Cité Plantagenêt, is one of the best places to visit in Le Mans. It is a quaint and quirky area featuring cobbled streets, timber framed houses, and renaissance hotels, making it the perfect place to wander around and get a feel for what the city was like in the past.

Cité Plantagenêt is home to the Le Mans Cathedral, which at 134 metres in length is one of the largest cathedrals in France. The cathedral was built from the 6th to the 14th century so it is made up from a whole range of different styles, and two of its most impressive features are its stained glass windows and flying buttresses. When visiting Le Mans, this cathedral is a must and is truly one of the most breathtaking and best things to do in Le Mans for the whole family.

You can pick up an audio guide and map of Cité Plantagenêt at the tourist office if you would like to learn about the area. If you visit on a heritage day you can have the opportunities to explore more fun things to do in Le Mans by visiting some of the buildings that are usually shut for the public.

Museums in Le Mans

For more fun things to do in Le Mans, there are plenty of museums in Le Mans to keep you occupied if you want to add a bit of art and culture to your trip. For artwork, artefacts and furniture from between the 15th and 19th centuries, head to the Tessé museum which was originally home to collections from the Tessé family but has since expanded. Here you will find two floors of permanent exhibitions and an Egyptian gallery and therefore a must thing to do and see in Le Mans.

Those with an interest in science and nature, a more unusual thing to do in Le Mans which isn’t so touristy, is Le Mans’ Green Museum. Housing around 450,000 specimens across its temporary and permanent exhibitions, you will love learning about the agriculture and natural beauty of the city and its creatures.

Want to discover more about the history of Le Mans itself? One of the most educational things to do in Le Mans is visiting The Museum of La Reine Bérengère. Located in three timber-framed houses, this museum offers plenty of information about the area with art, ceramics, and furniture from between the 18th and early 20th centuries.

The city boasts a beautiful old quarter, plenty of museums, and a fantastic zoo, so there is lots to keep you occupied

Top 10 things to do in Le Mans

With lots of places to visit in Le Mans suggested, it can be tricky planning how and when you will get all these visits and things to do in. At P&O our aim is to ensure all our passengers have a stress-free and relaxing trip. We think this is vital both onboard and off the ferry, that’s why we offer as much passenger information beforehand so you know everything there is to know. Our list below is another example of this and will help make planning your trip to France to be even easier with us highlighting some of the best things to do in Le Mans.

1. Visit the Circuit de la Sarthe
2. Explore the Cité Plantagenêt
3. Discover the Cathedral of Saint-Julian
4. Walk along the Le Mans’ City Walls
5. Visit the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans
6. Explore Parc de la Fosse
7. Enjoy the Jardin des Plantes
8. Take a boat trip along the Sarthe River
9. Visit the Le Mans Archaeological Museum
10. Attend the 24 Hours of Le Mans race

Regardless of the trip you want to endeavour. All of these things to do in Le Mans offer great options for any type of traveller including children and families. Why not book your Dover to Calais crossing today and explore the variety of facilities we have onboard to entertain everyone onboard including our Children’s entertainment as well as our Pet Lounge so no traveller ever needs to get bored.

FAQs:

1. Where is Le Mans?

Le Mans is located in the North-Western part of France, in the Pays de la Loire region. It is situated approximately 200 kilometres Southwest of Paris and 300 kilometres South of Calais, Le Mans is the perfect location for a French road taking just under three and half hours from our Calais port to get there. Here Le Mans is a perfect location if travelling with a caravan or with bikes with plenty of places to explore its rich medieval history.

2. What are the family things to do in Le Mans?

Le Mans is a great family friendly place to go on holiday. You can explore the medieval Cité Plantagenêt, enjoy nature at Parc de la Fosse and Jardin des Plantes, or visit the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans for motorsport fun. The interactive Le Mans Science Museum is great for kids, while the nearby Zoo de la Flèche offers an exciting wildlife experience for all ages.

3. What to see in Le Mans, France?

In Le Mans there is a lot to explore. From charming historic old twins with medieval streets and timber-framed houses to multiple museums there are plenty of things to do in Le Mans. The Saint-Julian Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, while the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a true highlight that celebrates the iconic 24-hour race. You can also visit the ancient Le Mans City Walls, offering panoramic views of the city. For a relaxing break, head to Parc de la Fosse or the beautiful Jardin des Plantes. Why not start a relaxing trip straight away by booking our Club Lounge and enjoy our free wifi and endless choice of food and drink. Book your Dover to Calais ferry today and let us do the rest for you so you can enjoy a smooth sailing trip.

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