The Circuit de la Sarthe is the legendary home of the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This iconic semi-permanent course, utilizing public roads transformed for racing, has hosted the endurance classic since its opening in 1923.
Circuit Overview
With a total length of 13.626 kilometers (8.467 miles), it’s one of the longest and most challenging circuits in motorsport. Its unique character, blending high-speed straights with technical sections, makes it a true test of engineering and driving skill.
The Bugatti Circuit
Within the larger Circuit de la Sarthe lies the permanent Bugatti Circuit. This shorter, dedicated track is also a prestigious venue for several major motorsport events throughout the year.
- Annual MotoGP Grand Prix de France (World Motorcycle Racing’s French motorcycle Grand Prix)
- The 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race
- Notably hosted the 1967 Formula One French Grand Prix
The Bugatti Circuit offers a more compact, spectator-friendly experience, providing action-packed racing on its permanent layout.
Opened: 1923
Length: 13.626 km (8.467 miles)
Capacity: 100,000
Address: Place Luigi Chinetti, 72019 Le Mans, France
Getting Here: Location & Travel to Circuit de le Sarthe
The Circuit de la Sarthe is conveniently located approximately 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles) south of the town of Le Mans, a well-connected city in western France. With hundreds of thousands of spectators flocking to major events, planning your travel well in advance is essential for a smooth journey.
1. By Air:
- Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF): Located approximately an hour’s drive from Le Mans. Offers direct flights to London Stansted, Dublin, Porto, Marrakech.
- Paris Airports (CDG & ORY): Larger international hubs, approx. 2.5 hours away by car or train. Wider selection of global destinations.
- Search & book flights through Skyscanner.
2. By Train:
- Gare du Mans: The major railway station in Le Mans, a key hub for France’s high-speed TGV services.
- Paris Montparnasse: approx. 54 mins
- Charles de Gaulle Airport: approx. 1 hr 40 mins
- Orly Airport: approx. 1 hr 30 mins
- Lille: approx. 2 hrs 30 mins
- Nantes: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
- Rennes: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
- Search & book trains through Trainline.
3. By Car & Parking:
- Road Access: Le Mans is easily accessible by road with excellent motorway connections.
- From Paris: 205 km (approx. 2 hrs via A11)
- From Nantes: 183 km (approx. 1 hr 40 mins via A11)
- From Major Ferry Ports (Caen, Cherbourg, St Malo): within 3 hours
- Calais: approx. 5 hours drive
- Parking: Six complimentary official car parks are usually available (Actisud, M1, Bleu, Fresne, Raineries – with shuttle, and Héronnière). Early arrival is highly recommended due to crowds.
- Consult the official 24 Hours of Le Mans website for detailed parking maps closer to events.
4. Public Transport within Le Mans:
- Local Buses: Lines 3, 7, 12, and 17 connect Le Mans city center to within a 15-minute walk of various circuit entrances.
- Tram: The east entrance of the circuit (Garage Vert) is close to a tram stop. Regular trams run from Le Mans city between approx. 5:30 AM and 1:00 AM, often the most efficient circuit access.
Important Planning Notes:
- Circuit Access: Familiarise yourself with the circuit layout and entrance points relevant to your ticket type and parking area.
- Book Early: Flights, trains, and accommodation are in extremely high demand and prices will surge closer to events.
- Traffic: Expect significant congestion on roads leading to the circuit, especially on major race days. Plan for ample extra travel time.
Events & Tickets at Circuit de le Sarthe
The Circuit de la Sarthe hosts several world-class motorsport events throughout the year, each with its own ticketing structure and experience. Ticket prices vary considerably depending on the event, day of attendance, and chosen ticket type (VIP, Grandstand, General Admission).
24 Hours of Le Mans Tickets
Securing tickets for the 24 Hours of Le Mans offers a variety of experiences, catering to all types of fans. Prices for Grandstand tickets typically start from around €55, but vary greatly based on location and inclusions.
- General Enclosure (Entry Ticket): Provides access to the circuit grounds for walking and viewing. This is the most basic and popular ticket.
- Grandstand Tickets: Offer reserved seating with better views of key track sections (start/finish, pit lane, specific corners). Usually purchased in addition to a General Enclosure ticket.
- Paddock Access / Pit Walk: Special passes available for closer access to teams/cars or pre-race pit lane walks, often as add-ons or part of packages.
- Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, offering exclusive viewing areas, catering, and other amenities.
Official Source: Official 24 Hours of Le Mans Website
Sign up for their newsletters for alerts on ticket release dates, as popular categories sell out quickly.
MotoGP Grand Prix de France Tickets
As the host of the annual MotoGP Grand Prix de France on the Bugatti Circuit, this event draws a massive crowd of motorcycle racing enthusiasts.
Ticket options for MotoGP often include general admission, grandstand seating, and various hospitality packages, similar to other major motorsport events.
Official Source: Official MotoGP Grand Prix de France Website
Check the official site for detailed ticket categories, pricing, and sales opening dates for the specific year.
Where to Stay near Circuit de le Sarthe
Finding suitable accommodation around Le Mans, especially close to the Circuit de la Sarthe, becomes extremely limited and expensive during major race weeks. Early booking is absolutely critical to secure your preferred option and avoid inflated prices.
- Camping (On-site): A very popular and traditional option for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, offering an immersive race experience. Official campsites are located around the circuit and vary in amenities and atmosphere. Booking these early is essential, as they often sell out first.
- Hotels in Le Mans: The town of Le Mans offers a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to more upscale options. These will be highly sought after during race weeks. Book as soon as your travel plans are firm to secure a room.
- Gîtes / Vacation Rentals: Private houses or apartments (gîtes) in the Sarthe region can be found on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, offering an alternative for groups or those seeking more space and self-catering facilities.
- Hotels in Surrounding Towns: Consider staying in towns within a reasonable driving or train distance from Le Mans, such as Tours, Angers, or even Paris, if direct accommodation in Le Mans is unavailable or too expensive. Factor in daily travel time to the circuit.
Booking Platforms: Utilise well-known and reputable booking websites to find and compare options:
Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to the Circuit de le Sarthe
Here are essential official and trusted resources to help you plan your visit to the Circuit de la Sarthe and its major events:
Official Event & Travel Sites
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Website
- FIA World Endurance Championship Official Website
- MotoGP Grand Prix de France Official Website
- Le Mans Tourism Office
Booking & Travel Tools
- SNCF Connect (French Trains)
- Trainline (Train Booking)
- Skyscanner (Flight Search)
- Booking.com (Accommodation)
- Expedia (Accommodation)
- TripAdvisor (Accommodation)
Official Social Media:
24 Hours of Le Mans:
FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC):
MotoGP Grand Prix de France (Official MotoGP):
Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Sports Tourist