Le Mans is best known for its racetrack and its rillettes. But that's a summary... far too summary! The city has much to offer the curious, including Vieux Mans and its treasures of the past. Dare to cross the boundary between modernity and the old town: you'll plunge into the heart of a historic city, whose cobblestones tell you their story as you walk along. Discover the 13 must-see things to do in Le Mans during your visit to the Sarthe region.
1. Le Mans 24-hour race circuit and museum
Watching a race at the 24h of Le Mans is one of the top 10 sporting events to see at least once in your life. This iconic circuit has embodied the very essence of endurance racing since 1923. Every year, it hosts the legendary race of the same name, where racing cars compete for a day and a night. The event is steeped in heroic tales, dramatic moments and unforgettable performances. Names such as Tom Kristensen, record holder with nine victories, have written their names in the annals of Le Mans. The event arouses worldwide fervor, attracting renowned drivers and teams. If you're lucky enough toattend this race, you're in luck!
Afterwards, don't hesitate to visit the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. It showcases the race's iconic cars, as well as the exploits of the legendary drivers who helped forge its reputation.
2. Visit the superb Musée de Tessé
Founded in 1799, the Musée de Tessé, one of the oldest in France, offers a fascinating insight into the history of art. Its rich collection of French, Italian and Flemish paintings from the XIVᵉ to the XXᵉ century, bears witness to the great stylistic currents of Western art. Expect to travel! Italian primitives, French classics, terracotta sculptures from Maine: the artistic panorama on offer is nothing short of exceptional.
The highlight, however, is the Egyptian gallery, renovated in 2018. Did a small part of you dream of visiting an Egyptian tomb? This is the atmosphere you'll be immersed in, in the lushness of the superb murals created by the craftsmen of yesteryear. To see and see again without moderation!
3. La Cité Plantagenêt, the historic heart of the city
If Le Mans is one of the 10 best cities to telework in, it's not least for the quality of life in this emblematic district. The cobbled streets are adorned with 1001 colors, highlighting half-timbered houses that have stood the test of time with panache. It's by far the most pleasant place to stroll in Le Mans, discovering hidden courtyards and superb Renaissance hotels as you stroll along. There are many points of interest in the area:
- saint-Julien Cathedral,
- the Remparts circuit,
- place Saint-Pierre-la-Cour,
- the Couture church,
- the Maison de la Reine Bérengère.
It's also in the heart of this historic city that you'll have the chance to admire one of the world's most beautiful murals: theAnamorphosis of Seth. The hypnotic quality of this urban work of art will not leave you indifferent!
Tip: you've only got a day to visit Le Mans? Start with the Plantagenet City! There are many points of interest that will leave you with wonderful memories.
4. The Gallo-Roman enclosure, a leap into the past
Staying a little longer in the Plantagenet City, we're going to introduce you to theGallo-Roman enclosure at Le Mans. As we mentioned earlier, it's surrounded by ramparts built by the Romans. At the time, it comprised 26 towers, of which 12 remain to this day. Quite a feat for a construction dating from the IIIᵉ century! In fact, these Roman ramparts are among the best preserved in the world.
Guided group tours can be booked, to discover the ancestral history of Le Mans, its old town and above all its ramparts. Want to take some great photos? Head for the Quais Louis Blanc for the best view of the ramparts!
5. Visit Saint-Julien Cathedral
This other emblematic building of the Plantagenet city stands out in all its magnificence. Large, imposing and busy, it's nonetheless superb! Saint-Julien Cathedral's mix of styles is evident in every square centimetre. It's not for nothing that this cathedral is in the finals of the tournament for France's most beautiful cathedral in 2023: it's simply sublime!
Push open the doors and you'll discover some of the finest stained glass in France.Medieval art is everywhere in this impressive cathedral, a must-see in Le Mans.
6. Musée Jean-Claude-Boulard Carré Plantagenêt
Do you love history? Head for the Musée Jean-Claude-Boulard-Carré Plantagenêt, a veritable treasure trove of archaeology andhistory in Le Mans. The museum plunges you into the heart of the evolution of the Sarthe region from prehistory to the Middle Ages. The uncluttered, resolutely contemporary architecture houses no less than 1,200 m² of permanent collections and 300 m² of temporary exhibitions. In all, five eras are explored:
- prehistory
- protohistory
- the Gallo-Roman period
- the Early Middle Ages,
- medieval Maine.
In short, a journey through time! Featuring emblematic local artifacts and remains from recent excavations, the museum tells the story of the town in five chapters, showcasing the lifestyles of our ancestors over the millennia. This immersive experience transports you through the fascinating layers of Sarthe's past. A must-see for the whole family!
7. La Nuit des Chimères, a breathtaking show
Visiting Le Mans in summer is a great idea, as you can attend the Nuit des Chimères, a dazzling sound and light show. On the ramparts, on the cathedral, in short in the heart of the famous Plantagenet City (we told you it was the must-see place in town!), stories are told to the rhythm of sound and light. Agrandiose spectacle for all, leaving you with a maximum of beautiful memories. Let yourself be carried away by fantastic tales and luminous performances: you won't be disappointed!
8. The Jardin des Plantes in Le Mans, an ode to nature
Take a gentle break at the Jardin des Plantes in Le Mans, covering five hectares. Take time to stroll in the sunshine through two distinct sections: a regular garden with a rose garden and a terraced mall lined with lime trees, anda landscaped garden with winding paths leading to a pond.
These two areas are connected by an underground rockwork passageway: children will love playing the adventurer! As you stroll along, also discover the 19thᵉ century bandstand, as well as the adorable merry-go-round. With children's play areas and well-placed amenities, the Jardin des Plantes offers you a true haven of tranquility in the heart of the city.
9. L'Arche de la nature, nature break
Le Mans oscillates between culture and nature, and this natural site is a perfect representation of this. L'Arche de la Nature promises a captivating natural escape. With its 500 hectares of natural space permanently open to the public, this oasis leads you along its riverside paths, through its bocage and a mystical forest. Along the way, explore the Maison de l'Eau and the Maison de la Forêt. Then discover the charm of the conservatory farm and vegetable garden, featuring local species. Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to attend one of the many festivities organized on site, dedicated to apples, pigs, chestnuts and much more.
10. Discover the Musée Vert du Mans
Geology, botany and zoology come together at the Musée Vert du Mans, a place dedicated to minerals and much more. Through 450,000 specimens, local fauna, flora and geology are presented in a fun and attractive way. These fields also enable the museum to address topical issues, such as the region's biodiversity. Fossils and other animals accompany you into the heart of this perfectly designed Natural History Museum. A great visit for the whole family!
11. Stroll through the Jacobins market
Find the best local produce at the Jacobins market, located on the eponymous square. From 4 a.m. onwards, the first traders - market gardeners and craftsmen - get busy offering their quality products. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the hustle and bustle lasts until 1:30 p.m., while on Fridays, dedicated to a variety of manufactured goods, the market runs all day long. Enough to make you happy during your stay in Le Mans!
While you're shopping, you can stock up on culinary specialities and souvenirs: you've found the perfect address!
12. Take a boat trip on the Sarthe
Over the years, Le Mans has metamorphosed into a modern city, without ever neglecting its historical heritage. The result is a city with a thousand facets, capable of dazzling you in many ways. Take a boat trip on the Sarthe and discover all these treasures, past and present, from a fresh perspective. Pure wonder! Let yourself be carried along by the water, in an electric boat, rowboat or kayak, and immerse yourself in this town, itself sailing between past and present.
13. Taste the culinary specialties of Le Mans
Le Mans is one of the 10 cities renowned for their gourmet specialties. This is where you'll find the best rillettes in the country. In 2023, at the Le Mans trade fair, the Miroir butcher's shop won an award for the excellence of its rillettes: a must-taste!
This delicious starter will be followed by a marmite sarthoise, featuring chicken, rabbit, ham and baby vegetables. All simmered in a sauce made with Jasnières, a famous local wine. On the sweet side, accompany your coffee with a petit sablé, a simple yet delicious cookie.
What to do in Le Mans in the evening?
In summer, don't miss the sound and light show"La nuit des Chimères" in Vieux Mans. Afterwards, you can relax in convivial venues such as the Saint Flaceau or the Chicago Bar, to name but a few.
Looking for some fun? Theescape game -LU6D Le Mans is open until 11pm from Tuesday to Saturday. It's a great opportunity to test yourself while having fun one evening during your vacation in the Sarthe region! Younger visitors will love Le Spot, a skatepark open 6 days a week, with opening hours until 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Fancy a party? Go to La Suite discotheque , Guest's or Lockdown.
Family activities in Le Mans
Open all year round, theCityglace skating rink opens its doors to families looking for fun in Le Mans. Skating, ice hockey and other games are on offer, as well as year-round entertainment. On rainy days, or to give your children a break from sightseeing, the Jim and Jump indoor park is ideal. They'll be able to let off steam and have the time of their lives!
If your children are old enough, you can also play an escape game or laser game. Just outside Le Mans, we invite you to discover Papéa Parc, an amusement park that will thrill the whole family! Of course, the city's various nature parks also welcome families for picnics, playgrounds and walking trails. L'Arche de la Nature in particular is a great address.
What to do around Le Mans
Located less than an hour from Le Mans, La Flèche zoo is a must-see. More than just a zoo, it's a place where endangered species are protected. Young and old are sure to have a great time! Less than a quarter of an hour from Le Mans, the Abbaye Royale de l'Epau opens its doors for an interesting cultural visit. The whole family can also relax on Ile Moulinsard, where the nautical base promises a full range of activities, in a verdant setting that invites you to get away from it all.
Are you a hiking enthusiast? The Alpes Mancelles are just waiting for you! Their valleys stretch across the Armorican Massif, encompassing Sarthe, Mayenne and Orne. Pure splendor, to be discovered in 1001 ways. Finally, we invite you to discover the Château de Montmirail, located less than an hour from Le Mans, in a small town full of character. This XVᵉ century building promises a fabulous trip back in time!
Where to stay in Le Mans?
Although it's not the cheapest district, we recommend opting for the old town for accommodation in Le Mans during your stay. The charm of the traditional houses on rue Berthelot or in the Saint-Nicolas district will immerse you in an enchanting setting, close to the city's points of interest.
The best value for money
Hôtel de la Pommeraie boasts a prime location: right in the heart of the city, it borders a verdant, peaceful park. Take advantage of the charm of the woods to enjoy a relaxing interlude during your stay. The charm of this establishment is matched only by the comfort of its rooms. One of the best addresses in Le Mans, at a very reasonable price, which you can book right here !
Best placed for the 24h of Le Mans
Located right next to the emblematic circuit,Hôtel Le Circuit welcomes you to the heart of its wooded park. The location is ideal for race fans, and offers all the comforts you'd expect. Three types of room are available, with the quietest facing the park: click here to book your stay !
The most practical
Coming by train? Put your bags down at theInter-Hotel Chanteclair, located not far from the station, which you can book here. Some rooms are perfectly suited to families visiting Le Mans. Another good point for this establishment offering all the comforts you could wish for.
Discover all our favorite Le Mans hotelshere !
Halfway between motor racing and heritage, Le Mans is a city full of surprises. Immerse yourself in its old town, taste its rillettes and other specialties and let yourself go. Spend a weekend in Le Mans, and you'll be sure to make some wonderful discoveries!
