You might be surprised to know that there are many people who attend the Le Mans 24 Hours race and yet very rarely venture further than their campsite, indeed there are some that never actually see the race. Then again, you may be further surprised to know that there are some people who never miss a minute and stay trackside for the full 24 hours.
I know that we have customers who fill both categories. However, the vast majority of people will fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. One question that we get asked each year is ”where is the best place to watch the Le Mans 24 Hours?”.
You may choose to purchase a grandstand seat. With grandstand seats the main choice to make is do you wish to be on the start/finish straight, or would you prefer to be on a bend. Grandstands such as Lagache, Tavano or Sommer are located on the start/finish straight opposite the pit lane and garages. These offer a good view of the start and the finish, and you usually have an unobstructed view of driver changes and any work done in the garages, but the actual on track racing can be dull. As an alternative you may prefer to be on a corner or curve, such as the Dunkop or Panorama stands or the renamed La Sarthe stand by the Ford chicane; by choosing these stands you sacrifice a view of the start and finish for more race action on the track.
Of course you don’t need to purchase a grandstand seat to see the racing at Le Mans. Just a simple General Enclosure race ticket can get you trackside and with a bit of planning and a lot of walking you can move around the track and see all the Le Mans action as it takes place. If you choose this option here are some of the best viewing points around the track:
The Start/Finish Straight: Although this area is dominated by the grandstands, if you don’t have a ticket, it is still possible to view the race from the concrete steps in front of the stands. The steps act as free seating throughout the race, but expect this area to be very crowded both for the start and the chequered flag. Once the race has finished there is access on to the circuit here for the trophy presentations.
The Dunlop Bridge: Always a favourite for photographers the chicane here usually provides some good race action. The most popular areas are either in front of the grandstand on the outside of the track or on the opposite side at the bottom of the hill.
Tertre Rouge: This area has been altered a lot in recent years and is now much more spectator friendly. Large grass slopes now provide good track views both at the esses and the corner itself. This viewpoint marks the end of the areas accessible with a General Enclosure race ticket but it is well worth the walk.
Mulsanne Straight: Viewing along the Mulsanne Straight is now prohibited; however it is possible to get close to the action at either the Auberge des Hunaudieres and Shanghai des 24 Heures restaurants or the Hotel Arbor near the 1st and 2nd chicanes. Access to these areas is only by car and expect to pay for parking and only get restricted views of the cars at best.
Mulsanne Corner: At the bottom of the straight the braking zone at the Mulsanne Corner never fails to provide some great race action, particularly at night. Expect to pay for parking here now, or alternatively catch the free bus from either the main entrance or from outside the Beausejour campsite.
Arnage Corner: If you only get to one corner of the circuit then make sure it is here, as the 90 degree right hander almost guarantees action. If you make it here for dawn or dusk then you will be well rewarded but anytime is always a good time. Much like the Mulsanne corner there is now a charge for parking, so it is worth using the free bus transfer from outside Beausejour or the main entrance.
Porsche Curves: Always referred to as the drivers’ favourite part of the circuit due to the speed and accuracy required to negotiate the Porsche Curves. The viewing area behind our private campsite gives excellent views of the sweeping curves and almost down to the Arnage corner. There is also now a new viewing area inside the curves accessed through the Beausejour campsite.
Ford Chicane: Close up views are possible from this complex as the cars accelerate towards the Start/Finish Straight. If you don’t have a stand ticket then the best views are obtained either from in front of the stand or from the grass banking near the Maison Blanche campsite.
Hopefully this will help you make the most of your time at Le Mans, and please remember to email us your best photos from both on and of the track to info@traveldestinations.co.uk You may get featured here on this website in our galleries or in our next brochure (full credit will be given on any photos used).
