Mulsanne camping

[Dobbo]

Did anyone stay at the Mulsanne campsite this year? IIRC there has always been camping there amongst the trees but this was the first year that it was listed as an official site. I’ve applied for some tickets there for 2008 but remains to be seen if I get any. It looks like a nice atmosphere; predominantly French from what I could make out when I visited the Mulsanne enclosure for one of the practice sessions. I thought it might make a nice change as Mulsanne corner can see a fair amount of action. Wondered if anyone had any further opinions?

[mgmark]

I've not stayed there myself, but a good mate has stayed there for years - it suits him and he enjoys it. 

On the plus side you are very close to Mulsanne (the track and the village for food shopping and bars/restaurants) and to the diversion routes around Le Mans.  Relatively easy to get to Indianapolis too. 

Downside is that you are a long way from the rest of the world and need to be sober enough to get in a car and drive to go anywhere (I'm not sure but I have heard about a shuttle bus service to Mulsanne/Indianapolis, but I have no idea if it exists or what times it runs?). 

MG Mark 

[Dobbo]

Yeah, there is a shuttle bus when the track is open but it gets very crowded and as the Europeans don't tend to buy in to queuing, it's a bit of a free for all!
I've seen a lot of the crowded General Enclosure and I'm beginning to come round to the thought of a nice chilled out campsite in close proximity of the track!

[BigH]

Careful Dobbo,
I found myself wandering through there last year, a low mist hugged the ground and gave the place a very unsettling atmosphere.
I left when I heard a very accented voice from a nearby tent saying "can I kill him now Paw?".
There was some nice frites on the go, though.
H

[mgmark]

I've seen a lot of the crowded General Enclosure and I'm beginning to come round to the thought of a nice chilled out campsite in close proximity of the track!

If the thought of woods, mist, and Big H's experience of Mulsanne puts you off that, then this one comes (at a price, but not a bad one all things considered).   It doesn't tick your "close proximity to the track" box as it is 5kms from the circuit, but with telly, radio and breakfast/dinner sorted, plus a bar and decent showers and bogs it is a good deal, and the shuttle, GE and other add-ons are not at rip-off prices.  Used it one year and it is excellent.  http://www.clubmotorsport.org.uk/24carpackage.html

Now this should really set us thinking - with the CA contacts that we have who live around La Sarthe, surely there is scope to lease/rent/hire a large garden/field adjoining the circuit to have a private CA campsite.....that could sort out a number of issues....

MG Mark

[rcutler]

Now this should really set us thinking - with the CA contacts that we have who live around La Sarthe, surely there is scope to lease/rent/hire a large garden/field adjoining the circuit to have a private CA campsite.....that could sort out a number of issues....

MG Mark

I think we are calling it Maison Blanche this year as the ACO accepted Termie's handfull of bookings a day before everyone else!

[Dobbo]

On the plus side you are very close to Mulsanne (the track and the village for food shopping and bars/restaurants) and to the diversion routes around Le Mans.  Relatively easy to get to Indianapolis too. 

Is it possible to walk from the viewing enclosure at Mulsanne to the Champion Supermarket and rest of Mulsanne Village? I.e. is there an entrance/exit at the west end of the enclosure or do you have to walk all the way round via the car park/bus pick up point.

[Steve Pyro]

Dobbo, I've walked out of the Mulsanne enclosure (behind the rasied mound) at the Classic (but never tried it at the 24).
There is a gate in the fence that leads to a smallish industrial block and then, I assume, access to the village.
I didn't go much further as my primary objective was the hot food stand parked just beyond the fence.

[Bob U]

I didn't go much further as my primary objective was the hot food stand parked just beyond the fence.

So that's what happened to Felix. He moved out to Mulsanne

[Dobbo]

Thanks guys. It sounds promising then. Just a case of will the gate be open, but I can't see why not.

[BryanC]

Dobbo

Yes its great - especially when the Corvettes accelerate into the nether in the direction of Indianapolis. I can guarantee that you will not get a wink of sleep.

I camp off circuit, but always park near Mulsanne village / bars and walk down to the track via the industrial estate ( 10 mins ).

The downside is when it rains - it gets very waterlogged so avoid the depressions when setting up site. However the regular guys can always throw you a blow up doll or two from their flagpoles if you are at risk of drowning.

The navette bus is a good 10 mins trek through the woods from Mulsanne corner, I fought the queues without any bother. Check out the 'It happened to me section' also. I discovered the free bus a 2 - 3 of years ago, and would never drive to the top of the circuit if I could help it. I use it to go from Mulsanne, upto the main gate / circuit to buy my t-shirts and have some champers, then hop onto the bus for a spell at Arnage before going back to Mulsanne for Saturday evening snap.

Regards

BryanC

[Dobbo]

Good news then! I’ll have the circuit, bars and shops all within very easy reach. No problem sleeping, I find the Vette rumble quite soothing! Do you know at what time the free bus runs from and to on the Saturday. I have only ever been on it on Sat evening but seem to remember the service only ran till about midnight?

[Rich - Team Gulp Racing]

The bus runs till midnight on Saturday and I think starts again at about 7am on Sunday. About 8 years ago we missed the last bus home from Mulsanne to the grandstands - it's a loooooooong walk due to the gendarmes closing the usual direct road route to the grandstands - something to do with some cars driving a little quickly I believe. 

[termietermite]

Many's the time we've kipped under the trees in bivvies at Mulsanne (before we got all civilised and went on an official site.)  To my mind it's one of the best places to spend the night.

[Dobbo]

nice pictures Catchpole! It looks like a short walk through the industrial estate to the bar (La Boule D'Or?)  Really looking forward to June now. Thanks for helping me kick start my plans everyone. Always flag a bit over winter