Le Mans car museum

Ciruit de la Sarthe…have you heard of it?

Musee des 24 Heures…have you heard of that?

Le Mans 24 hour race…how about that?

If you have heard of these you likely are a person who loves cars and car racing (or love someone who does).

Come join us as we visit the car museum in Le Mans, France. (Even if you are not a racing fan.)                                My husband knows cars. I do not know much about them but even I enjoyed our visit.

So let’s go have a look.

Hint to get there: As the museum and track are on the outskirts of Le Mans it is fairly easy to find it by car. If you come by train, buy your ticket for the tram at the machines just outside the station, then hop on the tram marked vers Antares. At St. Martin stop you will get off and transfer to bus 3 marked Congress de  Exposition. Get off at the expo grounds and walk about 8 minutes to the museum. BE SURE to ask someone near there for directions as it is very easy to get sidetracked (we know!)

The museum is large, bright, spacious, and well laid out.

Okay, right, let’s have a look.

There  are many race cars on display…all shapes and colours (that’s car talk, right?)

There are interesting, informative displays of artifacts relating to the race.

Many of the car brands are unknown to me (surprise, surprise) but there are some I recognize!

And there are some that are rather unique!

So you can see that not all the cars are race cars. Actually the history of automobiles has more representation than race cars.

Large displays tell about the race and its contribution to several decades of technical progress…

The  more than 100 cars displayed help one get a sense of the historical development of the automobile. I am serious when I say even non-car buffs will enjoy the multiple aspects presented here. Related art is integrated beautifully to complement the cars.

You are teased by the sounds of a race from time to time. Where is that coming from? Are they racing today? The sound effects are quite effective!

The Heroes’ Alley is in a long hallway down one side of the museum. Very simply and tastefully presented in photos, memorabilia, and artifacts. Most are race car drivers, automobile developers and manufacturers …but, do you recognize this fellow? 

Yes, that is Steve McQueen.

If you do not know his connection to La Mans have fun researching it.

While you are at it research the Wright Brothers (yes, the airplane people) and their connection with Le Mans.

Note:It cost us 8.50 euros per person to visit the museum.

For an extra fee you can go out into the stands and have a look at the race track.

 There is a small cafeteria which serves delicious, reasonably priced food. The washrooms are large and clean. The staff is friendly and efficient (and multilingual). What more could one ask for!

Plus, the museum is not the only special thing about Le Mans.

To continue your visit in Le Mans click here.

To visit other regions of France, Click here.

To visit other countries, click here.

Happy travels!