Club Arnage

Hello all.....

I'm posting in hopes of getting advice from some of you more experienced LeMans attendees...

I will be attending my first LeMans this year, a life long desire. I am currently planning on flying direct from Calgary to one of the London airports, but that is as far as I have gotten with plans. I understand there are many activities in LeMans the week prior to the race, so I would like to be there for those.

Where I would really appreciate tapping the collective experience is in regards to best way to travel to LeMans (the Sunday before??), suggestions on accommodations, general suggestions that will help me get the most out of this trip.

I recall seeing packages advertised in Autosport last year, is this a good way to go? Are there tour operators to be avoided or highly recommended? If I make my own arrangements, what hotels/motels (and remember I'm a Canadian, so there may be differences in how hotels/motels operate). Should I arrange my own car and ferry? Or take the channel tunnel train ?? I just don't know what would be the best approach.

Thanks for any insights, suggestions, recommendations you can make....

Trevor
Calgary, Alberta Canada

Trevor.  Welcome to CA.  Have a good look at Werner's excellent CA guide first
http://www.lemanszone.de/caguide2007/caguide2006-full.pdf
there are lots of experiences from others on there - many well seasoned campaigners. 
Camping's a good option as you'll really get to soak up the atmosphere and won't need to worry about your booze intake as you'll be on site!  Equipment is cheap and easy to buy here and many just leave it behind when they go.  I have several spare tents (as do others) and would be happy to lend you one - easy for me as I live here.
 Mr Termite and I use the train a lot to travel back and forth to the UK.  If you want transport, there are hire car firms here but whether you'll be able to book one at this stage I don't know.  You could try taking the Eurostar from Waterloo to Lille and hiring a car there - they may be less well subscribed than in Le Mans itself.  Another alternative is to fly Ryanair from Stanstead to Tours and hire a car there - very cheap but not as relaxing as the train.
Our own Canada Phil makes the trip every year - I'm sure he'll have some good advice for you.

Hi Trevor,
              Termie has already covered a lot. If travelling alone I suggest the Eurostar train. Vist Paris and train to Le Mans .
If renting a car pick it up in France as ferries are expensive.
PM me for more details.
Canada Phil

Hi Trevor, I'm glad you made it over to here  ;D

Take a look at the guide, the Le Mans week starts on Monday with scruitineering in the town centre and goes on from there.  The drivers parade on the Friday is worth seeing, although the campsites are pretty active on the Friday as well!

It's well worth the trip!

This site is pretty quiet at the moment, things will start to pick up as we get nearer to the event, pitch in with the rest of us though, most of the natives are friendly!

Last week I had a quick look at a couple of sites for large groups of hotels, and could find nothing available within 50 miles.  There was some space at Formule 1 at Alencon, but its basic and the wrong side of town.

Don't be put off by camping, as equipment tends to be very cheap and the weather is usually warm to hot.  The facilities are not great, but adequate and improving.

I've flown from the Uk to a number of regional airports in France and its very easy, with Hertz and Avis at every one, even if they do have only 2 planes a day, and I pay about £150 a week for a small minivan (if thats what you call them - a 7 seater)

Back to step 1.  You know you've got to go

Step 2  Have you booked any tickets?

Trevor have a look at this link which fagey found
http://www.lemans.org/sport/sport/calendrier/pdf/billet24h_2007.pdf
The new campsite at Tertre Rouge has tents provided in the price!  It's not that cheap but you might be able to flog the tent when you leave as it's got the logo on it!

Thanks...   :-)    I'm really excited about it.  Feeling like a school boy all over again. Not a 50+ old guy...    grin

Most of us feel the same way. ;D School girl in my case but...

When you get there you can act like a schoolboy and no-one cares.

How are your plans coming together trevor?  I've got a couple of spare tents and *should* have some space to take some gear over to LM although if Mrs Termie can supply some kit it might be easier as she's closer to hand.

five months time and we'll be there!  ;D

Yup, Trevor, please let us know what you want.  I currently have 3 spare tents but I can see them getting used up so get your order in quick! :)

Still you're doing something near impossible, planning to go to LeMans 06. ;)

LOL Lang Tall, well spotted, are you completely obsessed with people getting this year's race and next year's race correct.  I think you made the same point on another thread  ;D

so....let's breathe....it is now this year's race and last year is gone  ;D

I can tell you're a good deal younger than me piglet, or you would not be grinning about the fact that last year is gone!

I've been offline for a couple weeks due to work commitments, but thanks for the comments, altho I'm not sure of the value of the 006 vs 007 one... 

Anyway, in a somewhat related query, is it possible to rent a camper van ??  ie: something like a Westie?  Or alternatively, are rental cars available in LeMans during the period (or is it necessary to book months in advance)?

I posed this question to Canada Phil already, but in interest of anyone who searches this thread in the future, do I need a Visa to enter France, or will my Canadian passport be enough ?

Once again, thanks for any advice..

Thanks for the info termietermite  !!    I am inclined to take the train and I am leaning towards the camping idea as it seems like a fun way to experience LeMans.    Obvious question I suppose, but the camper grounds have shower and associated facilities ??  Are some better than others ?? 

Anyone know if it is safe to take film through airport security thesee days??  Perhaps best if I purchased film in the UK or France and find an E6 lab before flying back here.

Basically (and when I say basic, I mean it!) yes, these facilities are available.  A detailed description of these is available in Werner's excellent guide
http://www.clubarnage.com/caguide
However, you will find that by now you are pretty much stuck with either Bleu Nord our Beausejour for camping as the others are sold out (there may be some returns for others still to come but you can't rely on them.)
You can buy the tickets on line now (there's a link about this somewhere in the General Discussion board) - I'll find it.
Ah.. http://www.lemans.org/24heuresdumans/live/pages/billetterie_gb.html
Film : Buy in the UK NOT France - it's horribly expensive here.

Hi Trevor, we are one short for this year so will have room if you want to come and pitch a tent with us on Maison Blanche.  I have got a spare tent but space in the car being what it is if Termietermite can sort you out with something that would be easier.   I'm sure there will be others who have some space as well.  We'll be there from Monday to Monday. 

My OH KeithK is a photographer and is happy to chat to you about film etc., he's planning to shoot more on film again this year.

I'll drop you a pm as well. 

Sorry missed this TT, I struggle to remember what day it is most of the time let alone the year!!   ;D

Trevor/Piglet I can get the tent to Piglet and then she can provide the bit of grass!  How's that for a deal?  You'll need a general entrance ticket to get into MB because it's inside the circuit but those you can buy on line (see above). You'll be able to get a bus from the station to the circuit - details will be in the guide once the (bus) timetable is published.  See you in June.

You guys are all marvellous !!   

Despite being Canadian, not much of a drinker anymore here either !!

I pretty sure that I'm going to take the train all the way from Waterloo then....  If I have this figured out right, EuroStar to Paris, then TGV to LeMans.

TC

What is your travelling schedule, Trevor??

I will have space in my car for 1 - if the timings are right, could get you all the way to LM and back again to the UK without the need for further public transport.  You wouldn't need a camping ticket either.

Del

Trevor, that sort of depends!  At some times of day you can get a train to Lille and change there for a direct connection to LM.  Easier than crossing Paris from the Gare du Nord to Monparnasse.  If DelBoy's offer doesn't suit (and why wouldn't it?) - I'll try to find the times. 

Trevor, don't listen to any of them! All they want to do is lure you to the camp site then cook you and eat you.  ;)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f7/Cannibals.23232.jpg/300px-Cannibals.23232.jpg)

LOL!!  Shhh don't tell him that, it's difficult to keep enough food over the race weekend  ;D

BTW Andy, your avatar has really put me off my lunch!! 

Make a nice change from merguez!   There is a limit to how much sausage you can handle in a week....  ;)

F

Trevor,

           Aside from the latent cannibalistic tendencies of some, worry not - the advice you have had is all good and the offers of assistance reflect a genuine spirit of CA and its members to help those of like mind who are travelling from afar.   By and large, whatever you need to survive the week is either available on loan from others, or is cheap enough from the supermarkets to be able to leave it behind without much angst.  The key is getting yourself to Le Mans by whatever means, as there are plenty who are willing to pitch in and help by picking you up from the railway station and generally welcoming you to the fold and including you in the proceedings.  The circuit campsites are undoubtedly the places to be - what they may lack in facilities (or have in queues for them) is more than compensated for by the proximity to the track, the atmosphere and the social life.  Don't bank on sleep or sobriety being priorities though!  Good luck with the trip and we'll see you in June,

MG Mark

I take it you don't mean the man on the piano?

The etching of the Maison Blanche BBQ is similar to the annual Poo Bar photo. You can make out some of the CA regulars on there eating that poor Texan who showed up in 2005, i think he was called John Evans. Anyway, he wasn't there in 06, so I'm kinda assuming that's him right there on the grill. Obviously it's Termie on the right gnawing at an arm and Fran at the rear right waving a whole leg being helped by Canada Phil. Steve Brown seems to be poking the fire, assisted by Raoul, BigH's Brazilian dwarf. BobU seems to be holding what appears to be a foot , whatever it is it seems to be bigger than six inches long, but perhaps it's something more unpalatable. I think he might be making a salad out of it. Gibberish looks impressed anyway. Oh and that's Lorry at the back waving his arms so as not to be left out of the horrid banquet. I can't help thinking somehow The Gimp's behind all this...

Not this time :o

Nope I'm obviously familiar with the cannibals...it's piano bloke that scared me  ;D ;D

Hi Trevor,
              You know you are IN when they start taking the Piss :o Lille is faster and purely functional. Termie is right if you go via Paris you have to cross the city..and a wonderful city it is too. For no extra charge you get to spend a few hours in Paris.
Take lots of Film it's cheaper here in Canada.
Phil

Sorry for the slooooooooooooooow replies...  been a hectic two weeks and just catching up again...    whew...  such slowness just shouldn't be tolerated  !! 

Thanks for the offer, but there will be two of us traveling to LM (my adult son & I)..   :)

Sounds good to me...  I'll pass it by Sean (my adult son who's decided he wants to come along) to make sure.  We can bring camping gear also, although I suspect probably not a stove (backpacker style) due to the paranoia of the security bozo's at airports.

I was VERY disappointed to hear that the Porsche RS Spyders will not be at LM.  One of the compelling reasons to go this year was (despite they being in different classes) was Audi, Pug and Porsche prototypes all racing...   Especially as it is the 75th anniversary race and given Porsche's heritage with the big race you'd think they'd be there....   Steve McQueen must be crying from heaven ... LOL

Hi again Trevor
Just a little word of warning - the railway station is a complete mess at present because of tramway works just in front of it.  Keep an eye on the site and the guide as the race approaches and we'll keep you updated as to what the arrangements will be for catching the bus to the circuit.  One of my tents is earmarked for you and will be with Piglet in time for your arrival.

Hi Trevor

Glad to see you've roped your son in.   We have space for Termie's tent.  Work out nearer the time what you can take and what you can't.  We've got a couple of spare sleeping mats and they take up very little room in the car so we could take those.   There is lots of kit floating around you just need to say what you need.   Don't worry about bringing stoves, plates etc., we take a full kitchen set up and you can make use of our gear (Keith cooks with unleaded fuel though so those of a nervous disposition might want to be a bit careful!)

4 months to go by my fingers  ;D

Oh, and do you want pillows or are you hardy types?

We're pretty hardy...   camping in the Rockies does that to you !   Besides Sean is young enough that he has probably slept on the floor after too many wobbly pops in the past !  lol

I'm booking airline tickets tomorrow (wednesday)...  This evening I'll try and get online and surf for schedules and info on trains from london to lille to lemans. 

Trevor
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Update: 

1)  tickets from Canada to London purchased !   Hooray !!!!!   ;D

2)  trying to figure out the SNCF website, there are several Lille's and several LeMans listed.  Which ones do I want to use ??  Question:  is it TGV service from Lille to LeMans ?

3)  we are going to Fly from Nantes to Dublin on the Monday following (visit some cousins in Ireland that I haven't seen in 10+ years).  The Dummies Guide from last year indicates that there is train service, same question as above, which "stations" do I want to pick ?? 

4)  as we are on Red-Eye from Calgary to Heathrow, we are going to try and get a hotel somewhere convienent to Heathrow--Vic Station to crash a grab some sleep on the Sunday    Suggestions  ??? 

As Always... THANKS for all the Help and Suggestions !!  This is going to be a great trip !!!!!!!!!!

Trevor

Hi Trevor, glad to see it's all coming together.

I can't help with the transport details, my car knows its own way to Le Mans from the Ferry at Dover!

Not much help now if you've booked your tickets but we are running DTM (German Touring Cars = very loud) at Brands Hatch the weekend before LM - they were fab last year!!

We'll be off to LM on the Sunday afternoon/evening from Brands but we'd struggle to get two of you and bags into the car.  We will be at LM from Monday though, you might want to do a couple of days in London before you get to LM perhaps? 

Hi TrevorC,

I'm most likely going from Reading (40 miles West of London) Tuesday earley evening arriving in Le Mans in the early hours of Wednesday Morning. 

Rather like Delboy I only have one place in the car.  So may be that would be a plan.

t.

No problem... we are looking forward to the train thing... just need to figure it out...    We will likely be in LM later monday night or tuesday am... depending again on trains !   

I'm starting to excited about this trip !   this is going to be fun   :-)

Lawnmover Man.........   thx for the offer!  But will be two of us travelling, and actually the tunnel and train is part of the "adventure" hee hee...    But very much appreciate the offer !!!   :-)

The SNCF website is well known over here as one of the most cr*p on the planet!  I'll study it a bit and see what I come up with.  Can you give me your proposed dates/times of travel?  It may in the end prove easier to book with Eurostar UK but I'll have a look.
Right.  If you leave Waterloo at 08.39, you arrive in Lille at 11.26 (having lost an hour).  Leave Lille at 12.33, direct train to LM arrives at 15.10.  The best way to book this on line is by using the "Voyage SNCF" link on the opening page of their site.

hi,
long time lurker (well, long time ABSENT lurker..), checking in -

I agree, the SNCF web site is crap.  May I suggest, as a possible alternative, the Rail Europe web site:
http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fares_schedules/index.htm
Note, the above link is for US-based travel bookings.  If you're booking from another country see "other country" links below the top right of that page. 

At the very least, you can use that site to narrow down your route, connections, and departure/arrival times, which might then speed up booking via the SNCF site.

Also, something I used a long time ago, is the book Thomas Cook European (Rail) Timetables.  It's not worth buying just for one trip, but if you can get your hands on a copy at a bookstore or library it might be worth looking through.  In it you will find complete schedules for pretty much every rail connection throughout Europe & the UK.  It requires a bit of "manual" searching through some maps and tables, but once you sort out how it works it's very useful (hint: start with the "cities" index near the front).  I like it in that you can look at multiple connections, times, etc. quickly and often on the same page without having to do repeated schedule inquiries via the web sites. 

anyway I hope this helps!
- mike
p.s.  FYI I too am looking for some assistance with camping at the circuit, etc., via a thread I just posted (didn’t want to hijack this one): 
http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=6743.0
 

Mike...

thx for the info !!   Very helpful as I try to sort out trains...   LOL     

Trevor
Calgary, Alberta

Thx Termietermite...        I'll have another go at the site on Wed or Thurs    hee hee

This is starting to get exciting...  how many days ??  must be less than a 100 now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TC

Hi Trevor,
 Are you coming to Sebring? Nice little test run ;D Break in the liver make some friends. Oh and watch a race.
Phil

would love to, but having some dental surgery next week and not going to be able to make it..........  i'm sure it would be a lot of fun tho !!!!

T

Hi Trevor

I've just started a new thread on the general discussion section about what kit people need for this year.  If you want to let us know what you're bringing (not much I imagine?) and what you need we can start assembling kit. 

I will check out the list !!   

Question for anyone......    What station does the EuroStar use in Lille ?? 

Less than 60 days...  Getting Excited !!!!!!!

Lille Europe.

I have all my travel booked and even some of the tickets printed !!!!!!!!!!!    Hooray..   lol @ self

LOL @ Trevor  ;D

It's exciting isn't it!!   The best bit is that - when you get there it really is as fab as you hoped it might be.   ;D   Well it always is for me anyway. 

When and where are you due in to LM?  Presumably the main train station?   

Hi Trevor - not long to go now!

Have you worked out when you are hitting Le Mans? 

Hi Trevor, 
             We are waiting for your answer ::) Some get there as early as monday ;D
Phil

Just 7 days and 17 hrs til I fly out of Calgary and start making my way to the mecca of endurance racing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sat Jun 9  fly from calgary to london  arriving sunday morning
Sun Jun10  staying in london hotel to sleep off jet lag
Mon Jun 11 early start !!  tube to Vic Station, EuroStar to Lille FR, TGV to LeMans
Tues to Sun .....   on location   ;D  soaking in the experience of LeMans, new friends, endurance sports car racing and the THE RACE   WOW !!!!  waited 20+ years for this...   
Monday Jun 18  TGV to Paris..  EasyJet to Ireland

Is there Mosquitos in France ?? Do I need bug dope ..........

Sunscreen for sure !

TC

Hi Trevor

Good to see you're not too excited  ;D

I'll respond to your pm this evening or tomorrow.

Not sure about bugs, I was badly bitten one year but I think that was something to do with a very long lunch, than ran into evening, next to a river.  I think it was rose wine in my veins rather than blood they were after  ;D  I'd forgotten how I react to bites and spent the rest of the weekend looking like spotty dog  ;D

I've not had a problem other than that year and never bother with sprays etc.  although I do now carry piriton to deal with the reaction in case I do get bitten!

LOL   ... me excited...   not one bit...           :D

Hi Trevor,
             Remember to pack a Red Shirt for Friday.
Canada Phil

I have a pair of fantastic reserved grandstand seats available if you require seats. I also have reserved parking passes avaialble, all due to members ofm y usual group cancelling at the last minute.

Commander

a redshirt for Friday??   what's happening on Friday ....    ;)

Patriotic Canadians wear RED on Fridays to support our troops in Afghanistan. The true North strong and Free!
Phil

 :) :) :) :)

I'll pack a red t-shirt !

TC