The most popular (and cheapest) transportation over to France from the UK is by Ferry or Eurotunnel
There are several companies to travel with and several ports to travel from, which one is dependent on your location and the convenience offered.
Driving to Le Mans from Calais/Dunkirk
The quickest route after you arrive in Calais or Dunkirk is to drive on the A16 heading to Abbeville and then join the A28 which will take you via Rouen and Alencon.
The journey time is expected to take around 4 hours, 45 minutes and a distance of 432 kilometers.
Once you arrive at Le Mans you will then need to find the best route to your campsite or accommodation. But be aware, it can be tricky to find the correct road to take and traffic can also be hectic around race week so keep your wits about you!
Click here for P&O Ferries crossings from Dover to Calais
Driving to Le Mans from Cherbourg/Caen/Saint-Malo
The ferries depart from Poole or Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Caen and Saint-Malo
Travel time from Cherbourg to Le Mans is 3 hours and just under 2 hours from Caen
From Cherbourg you can drive via the N13 to Caen and then pick up the N158, through Falaise and then onto the A28 into Le Mans.
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En-route, you can stop at Sees, a beautiful small town nestled in the French countryside with an impressive Cathedral (used in filming of Joan of Arc). A couple of great restaurants and bars to break the journey before the final leg of the journey.
Saint-Malo to Le Mans is around 2 hours 45 minutes. You can drive there on the D137, onto the N157 and finally the A81 into Le Mans.
A WORD OF WARNING !
When driving in France be very aware that the Gendarme are on full alert for those (particularly the British) who decide to break any speed limits during race week.
It is very easy to put the pedal to the metal to get down to Le Mans as quick as possible but it isn't worth the fines, confiscation of your driving licence and even impounding your car.
In addition to this, it is also illegal to use speed detection devices and even SatNavs that show speed camera locations. Most SatNavs have this facility switched off as a factory setting but check before setting off from the French ports. If in doubt, leave the SatNav in the boot or concealed in your luggage so it can't be seen to be used in the vehicle.
Also, ensure all other French driving laws are obeyed, Fluorescent jackets for all in the vehicle and placed directly in the vicinity of each person so can be used instantly if needs be.
There are so many other laws they impose and news ones being introduced all the time so please check with the RAC or AA motoring sites to ensure you comply.
