Le Mans

Le Mans is often eclipsed by the annual 24-hour endurance race held on the edges of the city, but this former capital of Maine is bathed in rich history. The gloriously restored old town features beautiful reminders of the past around almost every corner. Discover lovely narrow streets, stone houses with intricate details, colombage (timbered buildings) and the charming slate roofs common to this area of France. From the inspired architecture of the Saint-Julien cathedral and the restored ruins of the Epau Abbey to the eclectic collections of the Musee de Tesse museum, the “Cite Plantagenet” is certainly one of France’s best-kept secrets. There are so many reasons to explore and get lost in Le Mans, but for motorsport fans, the city is a real delight, with the Circuit de la Sarthe and the nearby Automobile Museum as not-to-be-missed highlights.