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Le Mans 24 Hours is quite possibly 'the greatest race in the world' The Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race (Vingt-Quatre Heures du Mans), hosted annually in France in mid June, a 24-hour endurance race for both men and machine. Although the race is based at the Le Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France it has historically been considered as 'the biggest British motor race in France' with many British drivers and cars claiming victory over the many decades. In 2023, this annual event has run for 100 years, with the exception of a few years owing to World War 2 and the effects of the Great Depression in the 1930's. The circuit has also changed considerably over time, along with the cars that race upon it. What was once a dirt track and is now a track capable of top speeds in excess of 250 mph. The cars also now clocking speeds in excess of this on the Mulsanne Straight. What also makes it quite unique is that the race is run throughout the night which is quite spectacular to watch if you can stay awake that long! For those who haven't yet experienced Le Mans 24 Hours, it is most definitely worth going to at least once, many (including myself) have been continuously for many years, even decades....and of course it is never with thrills and spills - not to mention the social shenanigans of the event.

Le Mans Museum - located at the Circuit de la Sarthe main entrance and is one of the 'must do' visits for anyone who hasn't previously been to Le Mans. Housing a unique collection of the first road-going cars in history to a very fine collection of Le Mans race cars from over the years. Having visited many times it appears that it is possible to not have noticed all the exhibits the first or even the second time around. In addition, new vehicles are occasionally being added to the collection, so it is never the same experience twice and certainly worth revisiting, even if you have been there before. Link for further information: https://www.lemans-musee24h.com/en/

Arnage, a village within the perimeter of the Le Mans race circuit and place for race fans to gather and watch the plentiful exotic cars driving into the circuit area. The village is situated a short distance from the circuit and you can walk quite easily from the Arnage corner. On the outer edge of the circuit, Arnage village has always been a popular place to wander to and observe the comings and goings of those arriving during the week. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to eat and drink while you watch the sideshows and a great way to enjoy an entertaining evening. Arnage is renowned for being the epicentre of Mad Friday where you can see plenty of power being put down onto the tarmac, accompanied by much shenanigans to the amusement of the crowd (and unfortunately also the local Gendarmes). Arnage is also very convenient to purchase supplies for the week from the 'Super U' supermarket, such as food, beer, camping gear and petrol/diesel for the cars and generators. https://www.magasins-u.com/magasin/superu-arnage.m36602 A recent attraction to run at Arnage on the Thursday before the race weekend is the local car show /Arnage dans la Course' put on by the village council. A small but rather nice show which includes; trade stands, beer and food tents and a fine selection of cars and motorcycles, including some historic race cars which regularly attend. https://arnagedanslacourse.com/ Arnage is a short walk from the Porsche Curves area of the circuit, one straight road with very little verge of pavements to walk on, so be careful as it's too easy to fall into the road or the ditches to each side of you (especially if you are inebriated).

Each year the village of Saint Saturnin to the north of Le Mans hosts a car show for the race visitors who wish to show their cars or purely look at them. Originally, the show came about as an idea to host the event when the drivers of fine machinery were making their way to the Le Mans circuit. Encouraging them to stop and display their cars, it soon grew over the years to what it is nowadays, a perfectly organised event which you can while away the Friday before the race and enjoy good food and music, for free! Each year, there is a theme for the specialist cars that will be attending - Porsche, Morgan, Triumph to name but a few. Inside the civic hall, there are stands and displays of race cars and other museum pieces along with traders specialising in Le Mans paraphanalia. If you are lucky enough to have a dry day then the outdoor entertainment is superb along with many food and drink stands. Be aware that entry to the event is slow if you are driving into the village centre but huge carparks and display arenas are plentiful If you are a regular attendee or have never been before then this event is a must for any car enthusiast ! More information about the event: https://www.classicbw.org/en/homepage/