Getting There

Planning your drive to Le Mans -

• Driving to Le Mans can be great part of the race experience - French roads are generally excellent - its your choice if you want to take the scenic route through the villages, or get down quickly on the Autoroute
• Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you set off. Try to avoid the last minute delays due to breakdowns
• Make sure your paperwork is in order and you have the right kind of European cover and roadside recovery.
• Be aware of French road laws, especially those around drink driving and speed limits. Ignore this advice at your peril
• Plan a good route considering stops along the way
• Be aware that if you arriving on a Sunday or a Bank Holiday Monday, many petrol stations will be closed. Plan accordingly and take advantage of a fuel stop when you can

Things to consider when booking your ferry crossing -

• Take into account the journey times both ends of the crossing - there are some interesting alternatives now, especially if you are travelling from the North of the UK
• The prices can vary wildly depending on the day and time you travel - try more than one quote
• Think about how vital rest is going to be - if you are on a longer crossing, a cabin can be a really sensible choice
• Bear in mind that you will pay extra for anything non standard (things on the roof or being towed)
• Some operators offer discounts to car clubs, overseas property owners and their shareholders - if in doubt ask!
• Some travel agents claim to have special ferry fares - they don't - they just get a commission from your booking

Here is our list of the current Channel options. Just click the links to check out prices and sailings. Some of the start points make more sense of course from the North of the UK.
       

• aferry.co.uk Ferry price comparison website.
• Brittany Ferries Much loved cruise style crossings from several ports.
• Condor Ferries Poole to St. Malo via the Channel Islands
• DFDS Consolidated ferry operator offering a choice of several crossings.
• Direct Ferries Ferry comparison and booking site.
• Eurostar Trains from St Pancras to le Mans with just one change.
• Eurotunnel Fast travel between Folkestone and Calais.
• P&O Ferries Dover to Calais several times each day.

Here is a list of travel times, distance and toll charges form the various ports to the circuit.
(all approx times and distances. Prices as of 2019. Assuming taking the fastest route, one way)

• Calais.         4.5 hours.         430km.         €37.80
• St Malo.      2.5 hours.         230km.         €11.50
• Roscoff.      4.0 hours.         370km.         €11.50
• Caen.         2.0 hours.         170km.         €16.60
• Cherbourg  3.5 hours.         290km.         €16.60
• Le Havre.   3.0 hours.         220km.         €25.80

REALTIME TRAFFIC NEWS FOR FRANCE