Anyone interested in flying to LM24 in 2009

[Buddha]

Hi All

I am discussing with some contacts in the airline business the chance of a scheduled flight or two there and back next year.  What would help is some idea of how popular this might be (i.e. the difference between a 5 seater death trap and a larger plane with very attractive cabin crew).

Let me know your thoughts and if you are interested.

Cheers

Buddha

[Lord Steve]

I was thinking about this only today. Can you keep me informed?
Many thanks
Steve

[Barry]

I believe that similar enquiries were made a few years ago.
Landing charges were found to be very expensive LM week, as was plane parking for the week

[Lord Steve]

What about flying to Paris CDG (plenty of cheapish flights) and then getting the TGV to LM?
We could all rendezvous in Paris for a mass train ride to LM.
Thinking seriously about this for next year.
Steve

[Barry]

Trayboy and another of the Brethern did it this year, then caught the tram. As they were staying on HAN, it apparently worked excellently.

But who takes the kit down?

[mgmark]

Trayboy and another of the Brethern did it this year, then caught the tram. As they were staying on HAN, it apparently worked excellently.

But who takes the kit down?

One of our crew arrived by TGV and tram this year - worked very well.  The only solution for kit is for them to cart it with them, or someone else to bring it/some of it (e.g. tent etc) for them by other means

MG Mark

[AdamH]

It's quite cheap to fly to Paris CDG then get the TGV to Le Mans.

This year I flew from East Midlands to Paris for about fifty odd pounds return (inc taxes etc) on BMI Baby, then got the TGV first class to LM for £35 and came back on a slower "Ten" service for £25 (no TGVs at 4am!)

Due to none of my friends being able to make to full trip this year, I went down for qualifying on Wednesday and Thursday and came bakc on Friday.
I got the tram from Le Mans station to the circuit on wednesday, camped in my small tent in an unmarked corner of KN wednesday night and headed back to Le Mans train station on foot after Thursday qualifying (the trams had finished running by then) for my 4am train back to Paris.

It was well worth it for my annual fix of Le Mans, especially down at the awesome Arnage (although no fun walking back from there in the dark) and I watched the race at home on a TV projector I borrowed.

Hope to be back for the full week+weekend next year.

[Lazy B'stard]

Would be interested. Planning shorter trip next year due to lessening love of tents, pikey thefts, missing my 2 kids, not missing my dragon wife, busy worklife etc.
 Like the plane and train idea too. Problem with charter plan is it will prob be from soft southern airport which doesn't help us northern monkeys.
 Want to stay in a hotel too next year so gear not a problem for me. Has anyone stayed at the Hotel de Paris in Eccommoy? Looks nice from the outside and is only 15mins away.

[BigH]

Dr S,
I rendezvoused at Blue Nord with a mate, and although our two journeys were very different, our journey times were almost identical,  as I think you're based in the NE somewhere it's a good comparison.
I left London at about 6am on Friday morning, driving to Calais for the tunnel and arriving at LM just in time to pick him up at the tram stop at Tetre Rouge at 3 in the afternoon. He'd left Edinburgh, also at 6am, with a flight to Paris CDG, transfer to the TGV to Le Mans and finally the tram.
And I'll admit, he was in much better shape than me.
H

[redstu]

My first 2 trips to LM were via the CDG and the TGV and I "freecamped" in Houx, what you can bring is obviously limited, but if you are only staying a few nights then its not a problem.

I've twice hired a car and whilst more expensive makes the trip more enjoyable.
Personally I'd rather fly to Orly or Rennes as the journey will be quicker.

Stu

[Buddha]

If i get anywhere with this vain attempt I will post something on CA for all.  For us soft southerners, there is a great flight from Newquay (excellent for us surfers) to St. Briec with a TGV straight to LM - a source at the airline suggested they might consider extending this flight to include a drop off and pick up from LM - thus taking away the parking problem.

Kit is the problem, but hopefully the rest of my group who hire a van can accommodate - maybe if this takes off (do excuse me on that one), then we can consider sharring the camel resource.

Do like the idea of CDG and train - could be just like the old ski train to the mountains.

Keep your ideas flowing.

Buddha

[nickliv]

I looked into this a couple of years ago, and I'm afraid to say, the cost was pretty prohibitive. The Arnage runway is fairly small, and the best you can hope for (Size wise) is a largish twin turboprop - ATR 72, Dash 8, Saab 2000 sort of size.

The price I got came in at about £350 PP for a Saab 2000, assuming a full plane both ways.

Pieanair and TGV will be much cheaper, and you can still do the 'group' thing. And you won't get left holding the chequebook when the music stops.

Best of luck.

[Barry]

I'm sure we have seen bigger stuff than that taking off, Nick, but I'm no expert.
And I was probably over refreshed.

[Robbo SPS]

Dr S,
I rendezvoused at Blue Nord with a mate, and although our two journeys were very different, our journey times were almost identical,  as I think you're based in the NE somewhere it's a good comparison.
I left London at about 6am on Friday morning, driving to Calais for the tunnel and arriving at LM just in time to pick him up at the tram stop at Tetre Rouge at 3 in the afternoon. He'd left Edinburgh, also at 6am, with a flight to Paris CDG, transfer to the TGV to Le Mans and finally the tram.
And I'll admit, he was in much better shape than me.
H

The bottle of grouse on the way down probably didnt help you h.

[Chris (Liverpool Boys)]

There is definitely bigger stuff than that taking off and landing we had our resident aviation oracle with us this year!!!!