The city of Le Mans in France boasts of a rich heritage and is as a Roman town where Henry II was born. This historic city presents its visitors with plenty of entertainment spots, attraction sites and amazing parks among others. Le Mans is located within Maine province and the Pays de la Loire region and hosts a stunning cathedral which can be seen high above the surrounding buildings. Below are the top 9 reasons why Le Mans is the place to visit.
1. Entertainment
Le Mans city is known for motor racing events especially the very popular 24 hours racing which is held in June of every year. Other popular racing events also take place in the summer and spring in various Le Mans circuits. Other major entertainment events held in Le Mans include music concerts, circus shows, theaters and other cultural events.
2. Shopping
Le Mans has a wide variety of shopping centers ranging from small and independent shops to large chains of supermarkets. The local markets are popular for fresh produce. Just like other parts of France, the shops in Le Mans open in the morning, close for lunch break for two hours and reopen until late in the evening. However, large supermarkets open throughout the day. Crafts shops in the city sell jewelry, musical instruments, clocks and hats among other products.
3. Food culture
Le Mans has plenty of eateries and restaurants with different types of foods ranging from light bites in small cafes to traditional French cuisine in restaurants. The variety of foods offered in the city cover a wide range of tastes and budgets. Place de la Republique is known for brasseries, restaurants, and cafes that have a lively feel. The Concorde Hotel is an elegant restaurant known for classic dining. There are also a number of on-site eateries where snacks, crepes and bars can be found.
4. Hotels and Accommodation
There are many types and classes of hotels that can accommodate practically everybody depending on their budgets. During key events such as racing, bookings are usually done beforehand. Most hotels are located in the outskirts of Le Mans district around the Place de la Republique and Rue de la Pelouse areas. The Concorde Hotel offers one of the best accommodation facilities in the city.
5. Historic Attractions
Le Mans city is known to have links with the Plantagenet royal family and has various historic tourist attractions that open their doors to visitors throughout the year. Some of the popular historic attractions in the city include Papea city, Notre Dame de la Couture, Cathedrale St. Julien and Notre Dame du Pre among many others.
6. Beautiful Weather
Le Mans is located in France’s Loire region which has a temperate climate. The summers are sunny and pleasant while the winters are usually mild. Rainfall spreads throughout the year and the city is known for fresh, local produce in plenty. The weather is sometimes unpredictable so visitors are always advised to come prepared for all types of weathers.
7. Parks and Gardens
Le Mans has green spaces that range from small, well cultivated gardens to larger natural parks that are wildlife habitats. Museums and other stunning water features are found in some parks. Visitors can never miss a place to sit and relax or take a walk in Le Mans. Some of the parks include Parc de Tesse, Arche de la Nature and Jardin de la Prefecture among others.
8. Excursions and Day Trip Sites
Le Mans if found towards the northern side of Loire valley where many small towns are found. These towns also have several attraction sites where visitors can go to and come back to their hotels in the evening. Some of the day trips and excursion sites include La Fleche, Angers, Saumur and Chateau du Loir.
9. Landmarks and Monuments
Some of the historical monuments that are a must visit for any visitor in Le Mans include the Celtic and Roman remains. Other monuments include the Gallo Roman Walls, Bugatti Circuit and The Tunnel among many others.
Le Mans is a city with plenty to offer including a relaxing life throughout the year. However the 24 hour Le Mans car racing event out-does all other events come June of every year with the largest number of spectators. Tourists numbering thousands fly into the city at such a time. it is therefore advisable that travelers from the United States who are on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) check with the online ESTA in good time if they want to be in Le Mans in time for the racing. The Le Mans tourist information center also provides all sorts of assistance to visitors who would like to familiarize with the city when visiting.