Le Mans, France

While there are lovely modern buildings in Le Mans, France, it is ancient Le Mans which attracted me as a tourist.

Let’s hop on the little tourist train (Les Petits Trains du Val de Loire) and see some of the sights.

 

We start here we are in front of the cathedral (St. Juliens). Do you see our little white train waiting in front?

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it. Can you see the little tourist train now?

Our train will immerse us in Le Mans of long ago…in a time of the Plantagenet kings.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Here we are at the cathedral, the oldest one in Le Loire region. We are driven all around St. Juliens so we experience the great size of  it while seeing many of the interesting architectural details.

The cathedral must be high above the La Sarthe river banks because for the next while we seem to be continuously going downhill, travelling over bumpy cobblestone streets. It is quite charming..all part of the experience!

We see ancient timber clad buildings.

We see fairy tale like buildings.

We are charmed with whimsical details as we drive past charming restaurants, inviting shops, and homes with gorgeous lace curtains hanging in the windows.

And, we learn a lot of history.

Aside: all the commentary is in French but the train driver gave us a folder filled with photos and English/German/Italian notes so we followed along quite easily.

For example, I did not know that the future King Henry II was born here in 1133.

I think the building on the left (above) is the mansion that was his childhood home. When you click on the photo to enlarge it, have a closer look at the window panes. Next time I visit I want to have a closer look at this mansion. It fascinates me that it has been there for almost 900 years!

Now I understand why Le Mans has the tagline Plantagenet City (Cite Plantagenet).

More history…the Roman Walls.

It is claimed that these ancient city walls are the best preserved Roman walls outside of Rome and Constantinople.

Then, of course, there is Le Mans 24 hour car race. This statue downtown celebrates the race and the winners.

On the street leading up to this statue you will find the hand and foot prints of big names in racing history.

Rather like the movie “stars” outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre) in Hollywood, isn’t it.

Aside: To see pictures from the museum dedicated to Le Mans 24 hour car race click here.

 

While Le Mans was not on our original touring plans in France, I am so glad we came…and I hope we can visit again to see more of this charming place.

So, be spontaneous!

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Happy Travels!