Happy TravellerWelcome to Le Mans, a historic city located in northwestern France on the Sarthe River where it meets the Huisne. This charming city is steeped in history and boasts a well-preserved old town, the Cathédrale St-Julien, and remnants of a Roman wall. Le Mans is also famous for hosting the world’s oldest active endurance sports car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, since 1923. Let’s explore this hidden gem and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Le Mans has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Vindinium, the capital of the Aulerci, a sub-tribe of the Aedui. The city was seized by the Romans in 47 BC and was within the ancient Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis. Today, visitors can still see a 3rd-century amphitheater and one of the most complete circuits of Gallo-Roman city walls.
As the use of the French language replaced late Vulgar Latin in the area, Cenomanus, with dissimilation, became known as Celmans. Cel- was taken to be a form of the French word for this and that, and was replaced by le, which means the. Le Mans was the stage for struggles in the eleventh century between the counts of Anjou and the dukes of Normandy. When the Normans had control of Maine, William the Conqueror successfully invaded England and established an occupation. In 1069 the citizens of Maine revolted and expelled the Normans, resulting in Hugh V being proclaimed count of Maine. Geoffrey V of Anjou married Matilda of England in the cathedral. Their son Henry II Plantagenet, king of England, was born here.
Le Mans has a well-preserved old town (Cité Plantagenêt, also called Vieux Mans) and the Cathédrale St-Julien, dedicated to St Julian of Le Mans, who is honored as the city’s first bishop. Remnants of a Roman wall are visible in the old town and Roman baths are located by the river. These walls are highlighted every summer (July and August) evening in a light show that tells the history of the town. Other notable landmarks include the Arboretum de la Grand Prée, Notre-Dame de la Couture, medieval church Notre Dame de Sainte Croix, neogothic church, and the Musée de Tessé, the fine arts museum of the city, displaying painting and archaeological collections as well as decorative arts.
Le Mans is also famous for hosting the world’s oldest active endurance sports car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, since 1923. The race takes place on the Circuit de la Sarthe, a route composed partly of public roads. These are closed to the public when the track is in use for racing. Boutiques and shops are set up during the race, selling merchandise and promoting products for cars. The Le Mans start was formerly used in the 24-hour race: drivers lined up across the track from their cars, ran across the track, jumped into their cars and started them to begin the race. The 1955 Le Mans disaster was a large accident during the race that killed eighty-four spectators.
Le Mans has an oceanic climate influenced by the mild Atlantic air traveling inland. Summers are warm and occasionally hot, whereas winters are mild and cloudy. Precipitation is relatively uniform and moderate year-round.
Le Mans is easily accessible by train, with the Gare du Mans serving as the main railway station. It takes 1 hour to reach Paris from Le Mans by TGV high-speed train. There are also TGV connections to Lille, Marseille, Nantes, Rennes, and Brest. Le Mans inaugurated a new light rail system on 17 November 2007.
In conclusion, Le Mans is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into France’s rich history and culture. From its well-preserved old town to its famous endurance sports car race, Le Mans has something for everyone. So why not add this enchanting destination to your bucket list and experience all that it has to offer?
