Local attractions around cottage near Le Mans
Local attractions around this cottage near Le Mans. Have a look at the Gallery for lots of ideas of what you can do in the locality and wider area.
When you rent this cottage near Le Mans you will find the swimming lake and beach at Sille-le Guillaume is a short, 20 min, drive away as is the beautiful 'Alpes Manchelles' region with walking, canoeing and other water activities. The famous motor racing circuit of Le Mans with its 24Hr race is only 40 minutes away for its Le Mans 24hr race and Le Mans Moto.
The nearby A28 means that the Loire and the Loir valleys are within easy reach (1 hour) with their magnificent Chateaux and wineries.
For those who enjoy more energetic pastimes there are well marked and documented walks (randonee) and cycle ways. Leaflets for these are kept in the cottage and new ones can be picked up at the tourist information in Beaumont. As well as the lake with lifeguarded beach at Sille Le Guilaumme, there is a choice of swimming venues; indoors at Alencon, outdoors at Fresnay.
Shopping is provided for with local markets in one or other of the nearby villages each day of the week; boutique shopping in Le Mans; Supermarket shopping in Beaumont Sur Sarthe or Conlie (10 mins), Alencon (25 mins) and Le Mans (35 mins).
Don't miss the opportunity to visit a Vide- Grenier (literally attic clearance - we'd say car boot sale) or Brocante - antiques market.
Loire valley tourist office link
Le Mans
As well as the famous 24hr Circuit, museum and races, Le Mans offers its wonderful medieval area around the cathedral. In fact its walls go back to Roman times and from June to September every night there is a light show projected onto these walls and also the cathedral. Accompanied by music and narration this is a spectacle we go back to again and again.
Markets and Car Boot sales
Look here for a list of markets listed by region, type and date.
For car boot sales and brocantes look here on this clickable map.
Le Mans racing events 2011
March 2011
France Superbikes.
April 2011
24 Hours Motorbikes - the opening race of the 2008 Moto Endurance season.
May 2011
French GP Moto (Grand Prix) French Grand Prix Motorbikes on Circuit Bugatti part of the GP World Championship.
Late May/Early June 2011
Test Day Le Mans 24 Hours 24 Hours Test Weekend - the test weekend is every bit as exciting as the race weekend and you get a better view without a grandstand seat.
Middle weekend June 2011
24 Hours Le Mans 2011 THE motorsport event of the year, renowned the world over and the biggest event of the world Le Mans series. 24 hours of deafening, non-stop action attended by massive crowds - the biggest motorsports party in the world. The Le Mans 24 hours race 2011 will be held across the weekend of the 11th & 12th June 2011, subject to confirmation by the local authorities.
Mid July 2011
Le Mans Classic and LM Story feature alternate years. 2011 is the turn of Le Mans Story. The Classic is a fantastic chance to see legendary cars of years past in racing action. Since 2008 the Classic has used the full 24 Hours circuit, as opposed to the regular Bugatti circuit, and also features night racing.
End July 2011
Promosport Moto racing is close and competitive, a showcase for the biking superstars of the future.
August 2011
24 Hours Karting - organised by A.S.K.-A.C.O. on the Circuit Alain Prost.
September 2011
24 Hours Trucks - has to be seen to be believed! An immensely popular event with 45,000 plus spectators regularly attending.
October 2011
DTM German Touring Cars - the French leg of this popular touring car series.
