• Le Mans is a capital city when it comes to motorsport

The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race has taken place here each year since 1923 (apart from a break during WW2) and in 2012 it was ranked the number one sporting event in the world by National Geographic. In 2016, the race attracted a 263,000-strong crowd.

• Le Mans is the birthplace of a royal dynasty

The city is the cradle of one of the most powerful European dynasties, the Plantagenets, who also reigned over England and Jerusalem. The Plantagenets were dukes of Normandy and Aquitaine, counts of Poitou and Nantes, lords of Ireland and kings of Germany.

• Le Mans boasts a beautiful cathedral

A landmark of the city, the 60-metre spire of the cathedral of Saint Julien towers over the city. Don’t miss its famous stained-glass windows that date from the Middle Ages – the largest collection from that era in Europe.

• The unique Roman wall

Having stood with Vercingetorix against the Romans, the Cenomans were finally defeated by Cesar’s army. The city became romanised and a large fortress wall was built as a defence against barbarian incursions. The wall and its towers are among the best-preserved in Europe.

• The Château du Lude, one of the few Loire valley châteaux still inhabited

One of the northernmost Loire valley châteaux, located on the borders of Maine, Anjou and Touraine, the medieval fortress was designed to protect its occupants from barbarian invasion. It fell to the English during the 100 years war but later passed back to French ownership. The building has been transformed over the years and sports both Renaissance and neo-Gothic façades. It is one of the rare châteaux in the area to be inhabited and to offer accommodation.

• The forest of Bercé, one of the most beautiful wooded areas in France

To the south of Le Mans, the forest of Bercé was planted by Colbert, minister of Louis XIV, to produce wood with which to build ships. The forest harbours several 100-year-old oaks and bears the national distinction of “exceptional forest”.

Already here? We’ll suggest what to see in the vicinity

Already in La Sarthe? Go to the Already Here? section of our website for suggestions about what to do and see in your immediate vicinity. Just say what sort of activity you would prefer, when you want to do it and where you are and we’ll tell you what’s on offer.

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Photo - Gilles Moussé: The wall and its towers are among the best-preserved in Europe.

Text: Tourisme en Sarthe / Sarthe Développement