Le Mans - Paris - Le Mans trains

[jpchenet]

This one is aimed particularly at our "local" members.

Can anyone tell me roughly how long it takes from Le Mans to Paris. I would be travelling up to Paris on Wednesday morning (11th) returning that same evening. I'd also appreciate it of someone could tell me how far the station is from the track. Also, can you just turn up and buy a ticket or do you need to reserve a seat in advance.

Thanks in advance, all help is greatly appreciated.

[Stu]

If you click on here, there is a large map (look at both of Gilles maps and you can work it out) which shows you the location of the station. It takes about 50 mins to Paris and you arrive at Montparnasse rail station. I think you can just arrive and go but I also think its cheaper if you book in advance (Comment please Gilles). You can book them in the uk through Rail Europe who I think are based in Piccadilly. You can also book on-line at TGV.
Hope this is off some help


Regards

Stu

[jpchenet]

Thanks Stu, that's really helpful  

[Werner]

The TGV takes about one hour. I once took it on the Thursday prior to the race and just bought the ticket at the railway-station in Paris, had no reservation, but may be I was just lucky. In LM it takes about 15 mins by taxi from the train station to the track.
There are also direct TGVs from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Le Mans.

[Kpy]

http://www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage?_TMS=1034069704060&_DLG=SvHomePage&_LANG=FR&_AGENCY=VSC&WebGLSession=PaKmyJeupoWTtSkxRQzIT4J96JExCDhlUIU2ewaiXiWvL2J6pIYl|2822410533909342065/170395434/6/7251/7251/50443/50443/7251/-1

[Gilles]

What Can I add

A less than 1 hour trip...

... no need to book your ticket by advance... because the only early-booking reduce is eligible to booking who book more than 30 days before !!!

Take the shuttle from the railway station to the speedway to gain the fastest access to the race. Bus stop is in front of the North railway station (just see our map)

other point to enlight?

[Ruptured Duck Motorsport]

I had some air miles one year and thought "that would be a great way to travel"

Made the mistake of not finding out about the TGV and booking, cant remember the details, but it was 12 years ago, but got the TGV to LM, and ended up on the "stop every station on the route" on the way back to Paris.  Eventually got to Charles de Gaulle airport the minute the flight was due to leave to find banners saying "air traffic control dispute - flight cancelled" everywhere.  God bless the socialists    We ended up getting a flight home to Birmingham International via Glasgow.....!