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Le Mans

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Sarthe

Le Mans - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Sarthe
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The birthplace of the Plantagenet dynasty, the City of Art and History of Le Mans, the former capital of Maine, has retained a prestigious built heritage from its eventful past. Proof of this is provided by its historical quarter, the Plantagenet city, a harmonious ensemble of nine hectares and a listed protected area, defended by an imposing Roman wall from the end of the 3rd century. The Cathedral of St. Julian, half-Romanesque and half-Gothic; the former palace of the Counts of Maine, where Henry II Plantagenet was born; the paved side streets lined with countless timber-framed houses and Renaissance mansions make it an ideal set for swashbuckling films! Old Le Mans, with its fabulous décor, was in fact used as a set for many historical films, like Cyrano de Bergerac and Le Bossu. It is also an ideal setting for lovers of old buildings, who can travel along its picturesque streets admiring the superb façades to their hearts' content. Houses of particular interest include Queen Berengeria's House, the Two Friends' House and Adam and Eve's House, all three adorned with sculpted details...

The Cathedral of St. Julian, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, is 134 metres long with a surface area of 5,000 m², making it one of the biggest cathedrals in France! Its exceptional Gothic chevet, 12th-century south door, impressive Romanesque nave and 13th-century Gothic chancel make it a splendid example of medieval religious architecture. Cast your eyes upwards and gaze at the magnificent Romanesque windows, including the famous stained glass window of the Ascension, from the early 12th century, as well as the remarkable fresco of the heavenly concert by 47 musician angels, from the late 14th century, painted on the vaults of the Chapel of the Virgin!

Not far from the cathedral, the Museum of Queen Berengeria, based in three beautiful old houses, contains collections of regional art, ethnography and local history.

Also worth a look is the Tessé Museum, located in the old 19th-century bishop's palace and remarkable for its masterpiece, the Plantagenet enamel – an enamelled copper plate from the 12th century - its Egyptian antiques, and its collections of French, Italian, Flemish and Dutch paintings ranging from the 15th to the 20th century.

To relax after your visits, head to the Horticultural Garden, a wonderful park of five hectares created under the Second Empire, consisting of a French-style garden with a rose garden, and an English-style garden with a water feature and hundred-year-old trees.

In July and August, at nightfall, don't miss the Night of the Chimeras (Nuit des Chimères), a magnificent visual and sound show that celebrates the heritage of Old Le Mans!

Other events include the Europa Jazz Festival, in the spring, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a prestigious long-distance car race in June, and the literary salon, the 25th Hour of the Book, in October, to name but a few.

Additional information
Le Mans

Le Mans is the prefecture town of the department of Sarthe, in Pays de la Loire region. It is located about 185 km south-west of Paris.

At the foot of the Paris basin, east of the Armorican massif in the west, Le Mans which today has more than 148,000 inhabitants was inhabited since the Neolithic.

The city grew with the Roman occupation and the construction of aqueducts and then a fortified enclosure. Its color will be worth its nickname to the locality, "the red city".

Le Mans then became a stronghold of the Franc Empire, capital of the county then the Duchy of Maine. Subjected to the repeated assaults of the Bretons and then the Vikings, it was finally conquered by the Normans. However, it was at the beginning of the twelfth century that the rise of the city took a turn. Count Geoffroy Le Bel or Plantagenet married in 1128 Mathilde of England. Their son Henry II was born in Le Mans in 1154 and became king of England and initiated what became the Empire Plantagenet (England, Ireland, Scotland and the western frontage of France between Normandy, Anjou, Poitou and Aquitaine). In fact, the city of Le Mans inherits the nickname of Cité Plantagenêt.

The city was not linked to the kingdom of France until 1448 after the Hundred Years War and continued its economic development (silk, tannery) and cultural development.

In the 19th century, the first insurance company (now MMA) was created in Le Mans, and with the Bollée family, the city was the cradle of the automotive industry. No wonder that the first grand prix automobile in history was organized in 1906, which in 1923 became the famous "24 Hours of Le Mans". The event allowed the city to acquire a worldwide reputation. With an exceptional historical heritage, which has allowed many directors to film films in natural scenery (such as the Cyrano by Jean-Paul Rappeneau), this is a must-see tourist attraction, also appreciated for its Cultural vitality and its preserved green spaces.

Things to see and do

The architectural heritage of the city, labeled City of Art and History, is one of the richest in France.

Among the essentials, the tour of the fortifications (Roman and later). To be discovered thanks to a route punctuated by explanatory panels. Information on +33 2 43 47 40 41.

However, it is the historic heart of Le Mans and the Plantagenêt city (named in memory of the former sovereign) which constitutes the jewel of the city. We will mention the former royal palace (today town hall) of which only Romanesque walls and windows remain and the Couture church, former abbey of the Saint-Pierre de la Couture abbey, in Plantagenêt Gothic style., which served as a model for many churches in Maine and Anjou. The shroud of Saint-Bertrand (9th century) and very rich furniture are kept there, including three sculptures by Germain Pilon (dated 1570) and five paintings by Parocel (18th century). The building is considered the cradle of the art of stained glass.

Also worth seeing is Notre-Dame du Pré, built in the 5th century, church of the old Saint-Julien abbey, rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. An example of Romanesque style surrounded by a medieval garden with medicinal plants. We will not forget the Maison-Dieu de Coëffort (Hôtel-Dieu), built in the 12th century, massive from the outside, but with exceptional interior layout, with three parallel naves separated by columns supporting vaults 13 high meters.

Numerous half-timbered houses, some dating from the 14th century, Renaissance style mansions where some of the poets of La Pléiade lived (Du Bellay, Ronsard) and later dwellings and public buildings, dating from the classic (17th and 18th centuries) still dot the city center and the Plantagenêt city.

We will also not miss the cathedral, built from the 11th to the 15th century, bringing together several styles. Note its set of stained glass windows considered one of the most remarkable of the Middle Ages and a large Gothic style fresco (14th century), on the vaults of the chapel of the Virgin, "the Musician Angels".

To obtain brochures to discover all these riches or take part in guided tours, contact +33 2 43 28 17 22.

Another way to understand the city's past and its treasures, its many museums:

The Jean-Claude Boulard Museum - Carré Plantagenêt, an archeology and history museum, has a collection of 1,200 objects evoking the history of Le Mans from the origins to the 15th century. Open everyday save Monday. FREE ENTRANCE. Information on +33 2 43 47 46 45.

The Tessé museum presents collections of fine arts (paintings, sculptures and art objects). Open everyday save Monday. FREE ENTRANCE. Information on +33 2 43 47 38 51.

The Musée Vert, a natural history museum, offers exhibitions and activities on the theme of nature and science. It preserves more than 300,000 specimens. FREE ENTRANCE. Information on +33 2 43 47 39 94.

In a completely different genre, the 24 Hours of Le Mans museum tells the history of the automobile at Le Mans and that of the famous event. Open every day. The museum houses more than 120 vehicles. The visit can include that of the circuit. Information on +33 2 43 72 72 24.

Adjoining the Arche de la Nature, a green complex including walking areas, fun and educational facilities on several hundred hectares outside the city within the city, the House de l'Eau is well located in the city itself. We visit aquariums and an old water factory. Open from March 1st to the end of the All Saints holidays. Information on +33 2 43 50 38 45 or +33 2 43 47 40 33.

Finally, the Instrumental Facture Heritage Center has a collection of 3,000 musical instruments of all kinds. Visit by appointment at +33 2 43 43 81 05.

To get a change of scenery after all these visits, many parks and gardens are accessible. We will mention the Jardin des Plantes, the Quinconce des Jacobins, the Jardin de Tessé or even the Parc à Fourrage… A special mention for the Gué-de-Maulny park (16 hectares on the riverbank with picnic areas and facilities sports for a family audience) and the Sports Island, where joggers and walkers can coexist…

For sports enthusiasts, again, two swimming pools are open all year round: the Atlantides aquatic center, with fun facilities and fitness equipment well-being (tel.: +33 2 43 50 05 31) and the Ardriers swimming pool (tel. : +33 2 43 39 99 20).

Countless hiking trails have been designed throughout the city and its surrounding area, combining discovery of heritage or the natural environment. Brochures and information on +33 2 43 28 17 22.

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

In addition to the famous 24 hours of Le Mans which traditionally take place on the weekend of the 24th week of the year (in June), with tests during the preceding days, numerous events punctuate the year.

In January, every other year,

From January to March, Le Mans Pop Festival welcomes the sure values of the French scene while maintaining a program around amateur practices. Information on +33 2 43 47 49 84.

The Carrefours de la Pensée, in March, bring together researchers, journalists, observers for debates and meetings. Information on +33 2 43 47 38 60.

In March, again, Les Photographiques is a festival which offers numerous exhibitions and meetings with artists. Contact on +33 2 43 78 92 20.

In May, Puls'Art is an international contemporary art event with a program of exhibitions and meetings throughout the city.

In June, A must-see dedicated to urban arts in Le Mans. It meets the public and artists every year on the first weekend of July at the Gué-de-Maulny park. Information on +33 2 43 47 36 52.

On Thursdays and Fridays in July and August, in the neighborhoods, Summer Evenings offer street theater, circus shows, music and songs.

In July and August, again, the Nuits des Chimères offer night tours in the city center then shows projected on the emblematic places of the city (wall, cathedral, etc.).

Get Read! in mid-October, is a book fair that brings together authors, illustrators, publishers and associations.

Finally, in November, the Bebop festival offers concerts by established artists or young talents representing different contemporary musical genres.

For gourmets and gourmands, the many specialties of Le Mans and its region can be discovered every day of the week in one of the city's 25 markets.

Detailed information

French Motorcycle Grand Prix
A prestigious event that has become an unmissable gathering for bikersFrom 10 to 12 may 2024
24 Hours of Le Mans
One of the great motor sports gatheringsFrom 12 to 16 june 2024
25th Hour of the Book
One of the oldest book fairs in FranceOctober 2024

Photos

Saint-Julien Cathedral (© City of Le Mans)
Saint-Julien Cathedral (© City of Le Mans)
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Chapel of Musical Angels in the cathedral (© City of Le Mans)
Chapel of Musical Angels in the cathedral (© City of Le Mans)
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Tessé Museum (© City of Le Mans)
Tessé Museum (© City of Le Mans)
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Le Mans Cathedral
Le Mans Cathedral
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Promotional film Of Course Le Mans (© Air2D3)
Promotional film Of Course Le Mans (© Air2D3)
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

The royal abbey of Épau, Moulins'art (active mill, contemporary art center, nautical base, tavern, departure point for hikes along the canal), the Spay zoo ("Spaycific'Zoo"), Malicorne (art pottery center, nautical base, castle), the Lude castle, the La Flèche zoo, the Solesmes abbey, a center of Gregorian chant. Further north: the Mancelles Alps.

End of May: Classical music festival at the royal abbey of Épau.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

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