Camping is the be all and end all. It really is the only way to do it. Lots of people do hotels or air b&b but it’s camping trackside. A genuine experience.

Take a look at our wiki

If you have not got a circuit camping pass you are probably stuffed already! Agents might have some left over if you are really lucky and loaded. All accomodation nearby will also be gone. 2027 should be ok. Join the ACO next year and buy your camping ticket within the first 2 minutes of them going on sale. There is no experience like it!!!

There are multiple options, but you need to be ready to book early, general release tickets & camping are pretty much sold out for the 2026 race.

Camping you bring your own, but there are other orgs such as pistonheads, travel destinations and others (in the pinned wiki post) where you can pay more for fancy camping or pre-erected tents, there have also been container hotels and others some years, but it all comes down to budget and timing.

Hotels/ airbnb can be a choice if you would like to explore the area throughout the event, arrive a day or two early go sightseeing, do Le Mans, stay extra day or two and go sightseeing somewhere else plus allows you to take your time to head back home.

It really depends what you would like to experience, camping, accommodation or onsite accommodation (shipping containers or tents)

If first time going and unable to drive, then probably the onsite accommodation might be best, allows somewhere to stay, store stuff, shower, food/ drink.

Hotels/ airbnb near the track (le mans) can be an option however you will be walking a lot and making use of transport (trams, taxis, buses)

Camping you highly likely will have to purchase your own equipment (tents, generators, food/ drinks, bbq) and carry to the camp site.

Each option has advantages and disadvantages, just matter which one is beneficial and whether travelling by yourself or with others (family, friends) Don't forget if dont like an option, try another one next time.

Question to people - Is there the potential to stay slightly further out and drive in each day during the run up, parking up somewhere sensible that is vaguely within walking distance? Then during the race, keeping the car there and using it as a base/refuge (i.e. sleep in the back)?

First question, what’s your budget?

First time Le Mans here but:

🚆 Staying in Paris and traveling to the circuit

We did Spa last year for the WEC and chose to rent a place about 30–40 km away. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. The time you lose driving, fuel costs, traffic, queues, and overall fatigue just aren’t worth the money saved. After walking 20–30 km around the circuit all day, the last thing you want is another hour in the car or standing on a crowded train back home.

🏨 Staying in Le Mans or nearby towns

For 2026, we already booked a place for €700 from the 8th to the 15th in Teloché, about 3–4 km from the Mulsanne Curve. We can even walk to the track if we want (obviously depends on personal preference). It has private parking, so no stress about finding a spot. During the week we’ll probably take the bus into the city, and on race days we’ll either walk or use public transport.

Since you are flying in, i would pick a nearby town and an airbnb while they are still accessible, saw prices already going toward 850 eur + for 8th to 15th, this way you can easily go in the evening and watch the race during the night aswell. I have no personal information about camping, but I am sure its an entire experience that's worth, but i think it would be too much for the entire week .

Kind regards,

Camping.

We stayed in Paris for a week then rented a car and an Air BNB about 45 mins away to do more sightseeing. We also bought Mulsanne and Arnage parking. So we drove in, parked, bussed to the main midway and watched till dark then bussed back to Arnage. Slept in the car.

I'm going to tell you two things- 1. Trackside sitting isn't great. At Arnage you have a ridge to stand on and the slope is steep so no chairs except at the top - and it's crowded. So is the pit and midway area. SRO. Crammed with people. We got decent hillside seating after Dunlop bridge and IMO that's the best viewing as far as how long you see the cars 2. If I ever go back I'm staying with the Village on the Curves (Elyssian?) They provide a tent, meals and trackside viewing.

One more thing - As a lifetime (71 now) Daytona 24 regular attendee I still wasn't prepared for how far you will walk at Le Mans - miles and miles. Even from the bus stop it was a mile to the S/F line and the trams are...inconsistent.

Enjoy! Oue 2023 trip was unforgettable.