Club Arnage

Some time ago I read somewhere that there was some kind of viewing point close to one of the chicanes at the Hunaudières straight, but I can't find it anymore ...  Seemed like a spot where you could take rather good pictures.  Does anyone know if this is possible, and most of all where this acces point may be ?  I think it was near a hotel or something (wasn't the Chinese restaurant).

I'm trying to find some new area's to take pictures this year ...

I think this might be the place that was discussed before - though the information may be well out of date:

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=6799.0

F

They is an Auberge "Auberge Du Mulsaene" between the second Chicane and the Kink.  I would say it pretty rubbish for Photos unless you want load of trees between you and car.

It's easy to find your way if you know where it is.  You should be able to find it on Google Maps.  The road is normally closed off these days and has a Gendarme there to make sure the place doesn't get invaded.  but you might get lucky.

I think that since the Dunbreck incident they are even keener to ensure Joe Public only get to view from the official places.

Good luck.


t.

there is a fantastic point on a bank inside of second cicane just on exit.i wouldnt like to stand and take pics though.better to stay low and enjoy the moment.

Access to viewing is from hotel Auberge, Last year  during evening practice we blagged our way past the gendarme saying we had a meal booked, the road is gated and has security as well. viewing was ok trackside, better further on by the marshalls point but after about an hour we were all moved on back to the hotel car park Nice to see a diff. we had a beer at the hotel very pricey. Nice to see a different view of the track.

Thanks for the tips, I'll try to get there on Tuesday to check the location !

@ Lofty : can you get to the inside of the chicane ?  Never tried it before ...

The golf at Mulsanne could be an opportunity too, but don't have a clue how to get there.

My take on this is that there is no official viewing from Tertre Rouge till Porsche Curves apart from Mulsanne Corner and Indianapolis/Arnage. The Hotel is the most likely exception - in the guide whoever wrote that bit (top of page 31) reckons the hotel charges €10/person. Or a tame marshal - certainly some folk managed to walk out the back of Arnage campsite to the marshal camp just before Indianapolis last year without getting shot. But others were turned back prompt'ish - suspect it was my accent!

Nevertheless it seems to me there may be more likely (patently unofficial) options between Mulsanne corner & Indianapolis - Google earth has coughed a few hints I hope to explore. But not sure taking a camera will win too many friends - my plan is more camouflage stuff!

In the past few years you could pay 10 Euros to park at hotel arbor and that included a pint from their bar.

The viewing was pretty good. There is catch fencing there though.

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Le%20Mans%20Gallery/images/DSC_0116.jpg)

At the Classic in '08 the kind marshalls let me go the other side of the fence and sit behind the concrete wall. Much better for photos!

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Classic%20Gallery/images/DSC_0217.jpg)

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Classic%20Gallery/images/DSC_0230.jpg)

The hotel has changed hands now I think. I am hoping to go there this year so was planning on emailing them to ask if the area is still accesible. http://www.auberge-mulsanne.fr/

Response from hotel arbor:

Dear Mr Dobson,

It will be a pleasure to welcome you during le Mans 24hrs.
The rate is 10€ per person with a drink included.

Best regards,

Virginie
Reception


 


 

Hôtel Arbor -Auberge de Mulsanne
158, Route de Tours
(Ligne Droite des Hunaudières - Direction Le Mans)
72230 MULSANNE /FRANCE
Tél : 00332.43.39.18.90                                                   

Fax : 00332.43.39.18.99
site : www.auberge-mulsanne.fr                         

Localisation GPS " la ferme de mulsanne"

For this, I am well and truly IN!!!

Get away Brad.  You know as well as me you won't shift your arse from the campsite once you've had a few sherbets!

Of course I didn't tell you this but if you get to the golf club (Mulsanne bend) before 1pm on the Wednesday and Thursday when they close the road to the public you are locked inside ::) until the practice sessions finish. Beer not expensive either. You can get out if you are bored by the track that winds through the golf course and comes out on the road between Porsche curves and McDonalds. You are right up against the track and there is now viewing from the roof of the new clubhouse although since the ACO have spent 2 million euros on it access to the roof may be for their VIP's and press only.

Do you need to have pre-booked to get past the Gendarmerie that are normally protecting that road?

Not really but you'll need to explain the reason of your visit to said gendarme and "hotel, hotel" and some gesticulating won't do it.

With a bit of French it shouldn't be a problem.

Hotel Arbor seems ok ... I'll send them an email too, if the gendarmes are being difficult, just show them the mail of the hotel ...
If the golf is accessible during the race, it's a great option to go to on Sunday instead of the outside of Mulsanne I think.

Why not print out that letter and change the "Dear Mr ..... " bit? Add a bit of "J'ai un rendevous a l'hotel a <enter time> heures" when he stops you and Bob (or at least Jean-Claude) should be your uncle  ;D

Sadly you'll only be able to get into the golf club on the Wednesday or Thursday since the main road is open but during the race access is tighter than - well you know what. You need the correct passes at the Chemin aux Boeufs, then further on and once again at the rear entry to the golf course. Frankly, it's not even feasable. I only suggested it as an option for you during practice. You get some damned good shots of cars leaving the Mulsanne there.

(http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u216/lynxd67/Le%20Mans%202009/DSC_1673.jpg)

Write it like this for the Gendarmes:-

Cher Monsieur .......

Ca va nous faire plaisir de vous acceuillir pendant les 24 Heures. Le tarif est 10€ avec un boisson y compris.

Avec mes salutations les plus distinguées

Virginie

Acceuil
Hôtel Arbor

Cut and paste and that way the gendarmes will wave you through.

I've attached the acces plan they mailed me.

Just for interest's sake - the Frog version says it includes a drink a sani - not just a drink as per the translation into Brit.

And jolly nice both were too when we went there last year!

MG Mark

A few years ago, one of our gang booked a round of golf there (about 3 months in advance) for race day, thus assuring his place there for the race - not sure if this is still possible but may be worth a phone call and throwing your golf bats in the boot (if you're a golfer that is).

Does anyone know if the green screens to stop viewing through the catch fencing at the Hunaudieres Restaurants is in place for the Wednesday night free practice?

Cheers

Nice story, but can't be true unfortunately. All golf is banned during the race and the clubhouse closed except for the ACO VIPs. It's been that way in the thirteen years I've been a club member. Not a funny thought - a golf ball in the windscreen (or helmet) at 300kph. There is a golf competition on the Thursday (Pro-am) and on the Friday it's the ACO's own competition by invitation only. Oh, and the big chicken wire is already in place on the Mulsanne.

Did you get any time @ Hotel Arbor? IIRC when I drove down Hunaudieres there are catch fences all around that area?

Managed to spend a bit of time trackside (well, behind the armco, unlike the guy @ Arnage!) between Mulsanne & Indianapolis around 2am Sunday. Awesome experience - amazing how much action there is going into the dip then right bend. Can realise why some French folk had a protest banner up on the fence "give us back our Indianapolis". The cars are travelling so fast could only identify from engine notes and rear lights (looking at headlights is counter-productive!) Plenty of marshalls about - needed a fair amount of stealth and figure impossible in daylight - for sure near the chicanes is probably preferable for photography as the cars are slower.

Didn't make it to the hotel.  Got unexpected track acces on Thursday evening on Sunday morning (5-9 am), so had to skip some plans.  Didn't even make it to Mulsanne this year, but the hours I got "acces" made this year's LM unforgettable  ;D.   

Can we see the results Dottore? :)

I made it to Hotel Arbor on Wed evening. Didn't even have to pay the 10 euros since they hadn't set up the little tent where you have to pay. Posted the pictures in another thread, here they are again. Best bit is at the entry to the chicane. The catch fencing ends and with a bit of effort you can get high enough to shoot over the armco.

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Le%20Mans%20Gallery/images/DSC_0053.jpg)

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Le%20Mans%20Gallery/images/DSC_0061.jpg)

(http://www.racetours.co.uk/Le%20Mans%20Gallery/images/DSC_0065.jpg)

give us back indi is because the inside is now a vip area on the inside of track.once on infield access is easy.they didnt even look at tickets this year.there is a bit on the first turn in where the cars come straight at you with no fence.bloody scary at fist.this part of circuit was once public area like under the trees at ford.now robbed by courtesy twats.

Viewed a chunk of the race from behind the barrier on the second chicane. Had no trouble just showed them my room key!! >:D