The Best Hotels to Book in Le Mans For Every Traveller

Enjoy a glass of wine on the veranda of the Grape Bar in full view of the flowing Sarthe at this well-located hotel on the banks of the river. Visitors are only a short walk from the cathedral and the old town, while the Lafayette tram stop next door ensures an easy journey to the racing circuit without needing to worry about traffic.

An airy, colourful reception area and snazzily-patterned pillows are the memorable takeaways from this relaxed six-storey Campanile hotel in Le Mans. Hugging the city’s central train station, it’s ideal for visitors on business or tourists passing through. All will be treated to the welcome smell of freshly baked baguettes and croissants served each morning alongside a selection of ham, cheese, yoghurt and fresh fruit.

This budget hotel is found just east of the city centre, but its location by the motorway means visitors remain only a 10-minute drive to the Circuit de la Sarthe. The good news for kids is that the city’s popular theme park, Papea Parc, is even closer. There are plenty of nice touches including memory-foam pillows, a small library and a quirky bicycle table in the bar that hints at another of France’s sporting passions.

The cocktails at this hotel in Le Mans are as colourful as the pop art canvases of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe that stare out from the stylish bar walls. However, the showstoppers at this 19th-century listed building are the stained-glass windows that illuminate the red-carpeted spiral staircase and the ground floor Marcel Proust inscription. Arty touches aside, you can enjoy a mean steak-frites at its Le Shalimar restaurant as well as a generous buffet breakfast including options for children and vegetarians.

Sporty visitors will adore Aline and Vincent’s 23-room hotel in the leafier eastern suburbs of Le Mans. With a big park on the doorstep, it features equipment for football, table tennis, badminton and even darts. A swing set and henhouse provide further diversion for children and the indoor fitness room continues the active theme with treadmills, steppers, rowing machines and a weights bench. For a change of pace, the hotel also offers a range of massages and therapies.

A three-minute walk from the central train station is all it takes to be transported back to the 1920s. Admire Le Charleston’s Great Gatsby theme which extends to the black and white striped wallpaper in the lounge, vintage desks in its 31 air-conditioned rooms, and the extravagant floral patio. If the weather’s kind, it’s here that you’ll be welcomed for breakfast and heartily encouraged to try the local favourite: rillettes de porc on toasted French bread.

This family-run B&B in the historic centre finds itself so close to the gothic Cathédrale Saint-Julien that they appear to share a water fountain. Featuring seven rooms housed in a faithfully-restored 19th-century mansion, the property can be rented in its entirety during the weekend of the Le Mans race. Directly below, the Café Du Jet D’eau offers the perfect spot for an espresso while people-watching across the square.

Arrive here on Le Mans race weekend and you’ll see a chequered flag above a grand entrance that takes every opportunity to demonstrate its four-star credentials. Dating back to 1906, the building wouldn’t look out of place in a Parisian arrondissement, especially the crystal chandeliers and mirror-panelling in its Brasserie l’Amphitryon. Nespresso machines in the rooms add a contemporary touch, as does the bar’s partnership with a local independent brewer, whose organic craft ales are served with Le Mans’ favourite bar snacks including saucisson, sardines and rillettes.

The giant canvas of vintage race cars hanging in reception leaves no doubt as to the likely topic of discussion should you get chatting to Christine and Laurent, the smiling hosts of this city-centre hotel in Le Mans. The Chantecler has 40 rooms and three family suites, including two accessible rooms for those with reduced mobility, and the suites come with useful sliding doors that allow guests more privacy within families. Although situated a quiet area between the main train station and the Palais de Congres, you’re still in the city centre – so the hotel’s free parking is a welcome bonus.