Time to get ready for the Le Mans 24 Hour Car Race where drivers drive round and round and round the track near Le Mans for, obviously enough, 24 hours. It's on from June 16 to 17 and if you're keen to sniff some gasoline fumes, check our guide for the Le Mans craziness:
Where to Stay
The Mercure Le Mans Batignolles (17 Rue De La Pointe) brags that it's strategically located near the Le Mans race track, rather than right in the town center: this should give you the jump on other race-goers. During June the restaurant's closed on weekends, but that just gives you the incentive to check out some local eateries (or stay forever at the track).
Where to Eat
Splash out on some hearty French cuisine at Le Flambadou (14bis, Rue Saint Flaceau). In the winding alleys of the Old Town, the cassoulet landaise always gets a big write-up--you'll find ingredients like beans, sausages and preserved duck or goose on your plate.
Where to Get Drunk
We'd like to find a totally automobile-freak bar in Le Mans, but we can't. So go quirky and hit the Paris Texas Cafe (21 rue du Dr. Leroy) for a crazy cross between France and the Wild West. Or for a full-on French discotheque night to get in training for the 24 hour car race, try the Le Select (44 pl.de la Republique) with plenty of noise and lights.
Related Stories:
· Le Mans Hotels [HotelChatter]
[Photo: Eelke Blok]]]>