For the second year running this venue exclusively reserved for women will bathe in a glamorous, modern, muted ambiance. A relaxation zone, an exhibition focused on the motor car, entertainment and exchanges with well-known figures will be at the heart of this 650 m2 haven of peace in the centre of the Village: it will really grab the spectators’ attention with its new restyled setting. Elysia Dumas-Morel and Gaëlle Duval-Exposito will be the ‘grandmothers’ of this pavilion and car collector, Julia Baldenza, its guest of honour.

For the past few years the ACO has made a point of providing a personalised approach to all its visitors, and to female fans in particular. In 2015, all the women who came to discover this venue for the first time were unstinting in their praise whether they were ordinary spectators, drivers’ wives, doctors at the circuit, track marshals, actresses, etc. A quick look at the queue, which was sometimes up to 30 metres long, leaves no doubt that this year women will be in a hurry to access this new oasis in its 2016 guise to enjoy what it has to offer.

For the second year the ACO is providing both interior and exterior venues over an area of more than 650m2. As Marie Alvaraz-Garzon, ACO vice president and treasurer, says: “Women have their place at the heart of the Le Mans 24 Hours. From the racing aspect we’re always very happy to see young women joining the world of endurance, whatever position they occupy, as they can talk about their adventure with real humility and they have the gift of being able to pass on strong values. Being a woman is neither an advantage nor an inconvenience; what really counts is involvement! And there’s an essential lever to attract women to this exciting world – dreams! So if the Women’s Pavilion can help to develop vocations and make them dream, this will add an extra touch of magic to its purpose!”

The pavilion will consist of several spaces:

• A big 150 m2 garden with a lawn, plants, flowers, shrubs and palm trees, deckchairs and tables as well as a photo call. The big innovation in 2016 will be the Jacuzzi for six people in the very heart of this green paradise.
• Discovering the motor car: an exhibition of photos of women in the world of the motor car will punctuate the visit of the venue.
• Driving and following the race: a race simulator will give everybody the chance to test themselves on the track in a virtual environment. The event will be shown live on different screens. Each driver can stop at the Tattoo pit and restart with an exclusive ephemeral tattoo!
• Self care: A cocoon to freshen up including relaxation and professional care put in place in partnership with Sarthe Esthétique will be available. Hair dressing, relooking, blow drying - the trainees will make every woman look her best in addition to the makeup, manicure and hydro jet workshops. This year women can come and test the latest innovation, facial cryotheraphy, in addition to the traditional massages.
• Refreshments: a bar open at all hours will provide non-alcoholic cocktails thanks to Jonjon’s Coconut, which will transport them to the islands.
• Workshops and entertainment will be provided by the Galeries Lafayette bloggers who will be partners of the Pavillion.
• A special Pavilion boutique to do some shopping.

Other surprises and entertainment will mark the five days when the Women’s Pavilion is open in the heart of the 24-Hours Village. The aim of this venue is to play down the glamour of the Le Mans 24 Hours, and to show through all the activities on hand and the well-known figures expected to visit the Pavilion, the involvement of women in the world of the motor car, technology and motor sport.

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