We've done lots of research into all the camping options both on and off the circuit, and come up with what we believe to be the best value option. Having taken advice from our friends in the Scimitar Club who have been attending the Le Mans Classic for the last 13 years, we've decided that an off-site campsite is the best value option. It's located approx 12 kms away from the track, and depending on which car park you want to park in will take between 15 to 30 mins to get to the track. It's a municipal campsite, so it's very cheap at just €9 per night, €2 for access to the toilets and showers, a €2 booking fee and a 22 cents a day tourist tax. So an 8 night stay for 2 people costs €93.52
It's located in a small town South West of Le Mans called La Suze-sur-Sarthe and it has the two municipal swimming pools right next door, both inside and outside options. The river La Sarthe runs along the side the campsite and as it's in the town it's got the towns shops and restaurants all nearby. There are also hiking trails, a picnic area and petanque at the site. You must arrive before 21:00 on the day of arrival.
Here are some pictures of the site and La Suze-sur-Sarthe (which apparently don't do the place justice):
We've booked with Brittany Ferries on the Portsmouth to Caen route, and it's cost £408.00 for two people with a car and Portafold, travelling out on the 4th of July at 08:15 and returning on the 12th of July at 16:30. If you want to car share, it costs £468 for 3 adults and £528 for 4 adults.
You can book with Brittany Ferries here: http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/
A few of the other travel options are:
Channel Tunnel: £353.00 return ticket for two people, with a drive time of 4 hours 10 minutes to the campsite.
DFDS Dover to Calais: Anywhere between £128 and £299 for a return ticket for two people, with a drive time of 4 hours 20 minutes to the campsite.
P&O Dover to Calais: Anywhere between £136 and £381 for a return ticket for two people, with a drive time of 4 hours 20 minutes to the campsite.
DFDS Newhaven To Dieppe: A good value alternative with a return crossing (for two people) coming in at £195.50. Drive time 3 hours to the campsite.
Le Mans:
Tickets for the actual event can be bought on the Thursday at the track box office for €60 and paddock passes can be bought for €25 (2016 prices).
If you're interested in joining us for all, or part of, our Le Mans Classic adventure get in touch.
European recovery/relay breakdown would be highly recommended.
Things you'll need with you to drive legally in France:
Passport Driving Licence V5 Log book Insurance Certificate Breakdown Cover MOT Hi-Viz Vest GB badge (car & caravan) Spare glasses Spare bulbs Headlamp convertors Warning Triangle Regarding breathalyzer's; even if you don't have them the French police can't fine you as it's not been brought into law. 'As of the 25th January 2013 a driver can not be penalised for not carrying one. The fine has been postponed indefinitely.' I'm going to save my money and not bother!