FrenchDuck UK - Latest

Unless you really like the excitement, noise and atrmosphere of motor racing avoid Le Mans in mid June, when the Le Mans 24-Hour Race takes place (17-18 June 2006) - see www.lemans.org. The circuit is just south of Le Mans (72 Sarthe, Val de Loire) city centre, much of it on normal roads, principally the N138 road towards Mulsanne on the main N road south towards Tours - fortunately the new A28 autoroute now provides a decent bypass for Le Mans whether heading south to Tours - or on the A11 west towards Angers. However, be warned that the roads will be very congested for several days before and after the weekend as enthusiasts from all over Europe converge on the town for a real party weekend. This year the race starts at 5pm on the Saturday (to avoid clashing with World Cup Football coverage on TV!!), and is designed as an endurance race for the cars (and the drivers - and spectators!) and 2006 is the centenary anniversary of the first race.
In previous years we seemed to often be taking our holidays on the eve of the LeMans 24 hour race, and it was great fun taking the ferry on the western Channel and to see all manner of classic and sports cars making their way south.

Recommended reading: Michelin Green Guide: Chateaux of the Loire (Green Tourist Guides)

For more on France, French Wine, Food & Travel try our SEARCH feature

Also see our calendar of events in France

Click here for