The Loire Valley
In the 24th week of each year (mid-June), 260,000 car-racing fans converge on Le Mans for this storied 24-hour endurance race. Driven by three-driver teams, the sleek, low-slung cars whip around Circuit de la Sarthe at up to 350km/h, covering a whopping 5000km over the course of the race.
First run in 1923, the race was originally intended to encourage car manufacturers to build more reliable vehicles.
3.22 MILES
At the base of a soaring allegorical sculpture (1920) by Paul Landowski – who later designed Rio de Janiero's Christ the Redeemer monument – a plaque…
3.69 MILES
Often used as a location for films set in the Middle Ages, Le Mans' old city and its picturesque, stone-paved lanes – and tiny vineyard – are surrounded…
3.72 MILES
Built from the 11th to the 15th century, this vast cathedral juxtaposes a Romanesque nave with later Gothic elements. The stained glass dates as far back…
0.03 MILES
About 50 Le Mans Prototype (LMP) cars are the star attraction at this automobile museum, whose oldest vehicles include a De Dion-Bouton (1885) and a…
0.03 MILES
About 50 Le Mans Prototype (LMP) cars are the star attraction at this automobile museum, whose oldest vehicles include a De Dion-Bouton (1885) and a…
3.22 MILES
At the base of a soaring allegorical sculpture (1920) by Paul Landowski – who later designed Rio de Janiero's Christ the Redeemer monument – a plaque…
3.69 MILES
Often used as a location for films set in the Middle Ages, Le Mans' old city and its picturesque, stone-paved lanes – and tiny vineyard – are surrounded…
4. Cathédrale St-Julien du Mans
3.72 MILES
Built from the 11th to the 15th century, this vast cathedral juxtaposes a Romanesque nave with later Gothic elements. The stained glass dates as far back…