The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an annual endurance race held in France that has been running since 1923. It is one of the most famous and prestigious motor racing events in the world, and it takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, a 13.6km circuit located near the city of Le Mans. The race is a grueling 24-hour endurance test for both drivers and cars, and it attracts thousands of spectators each year. If you’re planning a trip to Le Mans, there’s plenty to do and see during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Here are 10 things to do in 24 hours of Le Mans:
1. Visit the Museum of Racing Cars: The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a museum dedicated to the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It features a collection of cars from the race’s history, as well as displays about the race and its participants.
2. Take a Tour of the Track: The Circuit de la Sarthe is open to the public for tours on non-race days. You can take a guided tour of the track and learn about its history and the race.
3. Watch the Race: Of course, the best way to experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans is to watch the race itself. Thousands of spectators line the track each year to watch the drivers battle it out for 24 hours.
4. Attend the Drivers’ Parade: Before the race begins, all of the drivers take part in a parade through the city of Le Mans. It’s a great opportunity to see all of the cars and drivers up close.
5. Take a Hot Lap: If you’re feeling brave, you can take a hot lap around the track with a professional driver. It’s a great way to get an up-close look at the track and experience the excitement of the race.
6. Explore the City of Le Mans: Le Mans is a beautiful city with plenty of attractions for visitors. Spend some time exploring the city and taking in the sights.
7. Visit the Automobile Museum: The Musée Automobile de la Sarthe is a museum dedicated to the history of the automobile. It features a collection of cars from the earliest days of the automobile to modern-day race cars.
8. Visit the Paddock: The paddock is the area where the teams and drivers prepare their cars for the race. It’s open to the public and it’s a great place to get an up-close look at the cars and drivers.
9. Watch the Night Race: The race begins at 4pm and continues through the night until it ends at 4pm the next day. Watching the race at night is a unique experience and a great way to experience the atmosphere of the race.
10. Enjoy the After-Race Party: Once the race is over, the city of Le Mans comes alive with celebrations. Take part in the festivities and enjoy the party atmosphere.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an incredible event that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Whether you’re a racing fan or just looking for a unique experience, there’s plenty to do in 24 hours in Le Mans.