Le Mans trip

[722stu]

Reporting on a wonderful weekend in France to catch the 24hrs of Le Mans race. The Portsmouth to Caen ferry was packed with wonderful classic cars and the drive from the coast, taking my time on the N-roads, is terrific.

If you've ever been to Le Mans before you'll know that camping can be a tad crazy. My solution was to take the front and rear seat out, insert in my MDF 'platform' and sleep in the car, easily two and a bit metres and space behind the drivers seat for associated clobber. A discovery is this little parking spot on the banks of the River Sarthe in Arnage; close enough to the action but far enough away for a moment of peace.

My car's a '67, 850cc, 3-speed, so progress is steady. No drama's, lots of inquisitive looks and usually a crowd gathered around at coffee-croissant breaks in various town squares. Next weekend is the Le Mans Classic, a superb event if ever you have the chance, and usually a fantastic turn out from car clubs from all over France, including historic Renaults. http://www.lemansclassic.com/en/

Stuart.

 

[pepper]

I'd love to go to the Le Mans classic but I'm a bit skint at the moment so it won't be this year.

It's biannual isn't it?

 

[Cornish4]

That's right pepper, it is indeed biannual. I agree Stuart, it's a great event. I went to the last one with a friend and we camped too, it was superb, even though it rained a bit, but the atmosphere was terrific. We are doing it again this year, and looking forward to it very much. Don't mind the crowds though, as it's nice to be part of it.

 

[722stu]

Yes, the Classic is biannual; it's a fantastic atmosphere and there's so much happening on track, but also the thousands of classic cars on the infield on the Bugatti Circuit. I agree, the crowds are all part of the atmosphere; there are times when nothing much will move on the roads around the circuit. I usually take a cycle on the back of the R4 to get around once I'm there; it's also a handy way to get to the further away parts of the circuit like Arnage and Mulsanne when the roads are restricted.