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CDG Airport - Le Mans
We offer a chauffered car service upon arrival to Charles de Gaulles to Le Mans. If you want to visit the race track or the city of Plantaganet, the easiest and most convenient way to get there is choosing our private transfer service
Le Mans is a city that has an interesting past with considerable wealth. Throughout history, it has been subject to conflicts of interest. The city has therefore been the scene of several battles that have marked forever this region of France.
Vindinum at the first light of our era
From the first century of our history, it has been proved the existence of a local population and a village called Vindinum instead of the current Le Mans. This city was part by turn of the tribe of the Cenonams Aulacs, of Gaul and finally of the Roman Empire.
The city during Antiquity
In ancient times, the environs of the town of Vindinum were attacked many times by barbarians. The hill of Vindinum was then the only possible bulwark for the inhabitants. In the 4th century, the city changed its name to Cinomannis. She was coveted by the Romans and the Vandals.
The city of Le Mans in the Middle Ages
In this part of France, the beginning of the Middle Ages was marked by a strong Christianization. It even became a stronghold of this religion in the fifth century. The bishopric of Le Mans has become one of the most important in the whole region. Being a real stronghold, it was the subject of regular attacks from the Vikings. Moreover, internal wars have appeared for the mastery of the city. In the eleventh century, the lords of Le Mans fully engage in the Crusades. But the most significant conflict during this period of history is most certainly the Hundred Years of war.
Le Mans at the Renaissance
During the Renaissance, Mans became a great city of culture and religion. Writers and artists have made their home there. The religious buildings have regained their splendor thanks to the help of the Cardinal of Luxembourg. Despite a few quarrels with Protestants, the city remained a great fief of Catholicism in France.
An actor of the French Revolution
The city was the subject of one of the most violent civil wars during this period. In the famous Galbert Ride, the battle of Le Mans is considered one of the most decisive and deadly battles.
Le Mans in modern times After a major industrial turn to reboost its economy in terms of rail infrastructure, the city has had to face two major contemporary wars. As a reminder, she was released from German rule in August 1944 after the famous Battle of Normandy. It is still possible to trace all these stories while enjoying tours guided by your driver guide.
Le Mans is a city with many assets that have made it one of the most attractive regions of France today. It is an active city that has diversified its economy.
The largest population in the department of Sarthe
Its population has been around 150,000 people since the 1970s. Le Mans is thus the most populated city of Sarthe. Its urban space is even one of the most important in the Pays de la Loire region. Its active population represents 57.3% but it is aging. Indeed, the manceaux who are over 60 years old are two percentage points above the national average (22.6%).
An industrial and commercial economy
The administrators of the city of Le Mans have bet on the variation of the local economy. The city has three economic zones. This is the Novaxis neighborhood, the Technoparc and the West University. These areas include industries, shopping centers and new technology companies. The areas most in vogue in these technopoles include electronics, automotive and agribusiness.
The place of tourism in the region
Tourism professionals often recall the importance of this area in the region. Indeed, Le Mans ranks very well behind large cities like Angers or Nantes. Its cultural heritages are among the most visited of the Pays de la Loire. These include the famous Le Mans cathedral or the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre-la-cour.
Le Mans gastronomy Gastronomy has a special place for the manceaux. The chefs of the region have been able to preserve and return traditional dishes to the tastes of the day. The city is known for its meat and for the quality of its breeding. Historians point out that even the French monarchy has supplied it. Local dishes highlight local products through cooked dishes such as rillette or game preparations.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans the big event of the region
If there is an event that has made the reputation of this city, it is certainly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This race organized by the Western Automobile Club is one of the best known in the world. Taking place every second weekend of June and before nearly 300,000 spectators, it brings together the best drivers in the world for the most famous endurance races. A car service always on time is advisable to be able to go around the city during your stay.
The city is multicultural and rich in terms of history. It therefore has several sites unavoidable in their content and their cultural interest.
The Roman wall of the old town
Having been an essential city during the period of the Roman Empire, it has remains of this glorious past. These include the belt that surrounds the old city. This vestige is very well preserved. Thus, the Ministry of Culture and Communication has awarded the label of city and country of art and history to Le Mans for its conservation work.
The cathedral of Le Mans
The Saint-Julien cathedral of Le Mans is the most imposing symbol of the place held by the archbishop of Le Mans during the Middle Ages. It was built in the eleventh century under the leadership of Bishop Vulgrin and was completed in 1430. In the countries of the Loire, this cathedral is one of the most visited cultural monuments with at least 300,000 visitors each year.
Saint-Pierre-la-Cour Collegiate Church
This church has an interesting history. It was built in the Xth century following the Norman invasion which made ravages extra muros. In the 12th century, it was rebuilt by Henry II. Then in the thirteenth century, the church was enlarged under the leadership of Charles III of Anjou. It should be noted that currently in addition to visits, exhibitions are often offered in the college.
The Palace of the Grabatoire
This palace has a history strongly related to royalty and the Catholic religion. It was built in the 16th century by Bishop Courthardy. This building has received kings of France including Louis XIII. He also served to heal Queen Marie de Medici.
The chapel of the Visitation
The style of the Regency is not well represented in the city of Le Mans. There is only the Chapel of the Visitation which serves as a souvenir for this period in the history of France. Fortunately, it is well located at the Place de la République. It was created in 1723 and was a time chosen to be a courthouse. Ask us a driver to take you to discover one by one the places of interest in the city.
It is an old cathedral, which was built during the 11th and 15th centuries. It has the specificity of having an unusual style. Indeed, the perfect blend of roussard, limestone and glass in its infrastructure makes it a unique building. It even became an archaeological cathedral from medieval times. Inside, you will find sensational decorations, such as the 47 musician angels, each of which has a very specific color and is in complete harmony. Each of them also has a different musical instrument, 24 of which in total. The most astonishing instrument is none other than the sketcher. It is then an ideal place for people who are attracted by the various instruments of the Middle Ages. You will also have the opportunity to admire the funeral arts. That is to say, the tomb of Guillaume Du Bellay which was created with his sculpture or the various buried bodies of bishops and great figures, such as Geoffrey Plantagenêt, the princes of Luxembourg and many others. In addition, you will find arts, sculptures and works of art made in terracotta, some of which date from the 17th century. Among these works you will see the Great Sepulcher, by Gervais Delabarre which evokes the suffering of the Virgin and the Apostles. But that's not all, you will also discover, the very beautiful organ which is one of the most beautiful French buildings of the Renaissance. It is a work that dates from the year 1519 and created by the famous architect Simon Hayneufvre. Other than all of the above, you will also see tapestries and stained glass windows, all equally magnificent and breathtaking. And when it comes to opening hours, they vary depending on the time of year.
Fans of cars, motorsports or even more precisely the 24 Hours of Le Mans ? Do not miss the automobile museum. This will be an opportunity to see the history of this competition and this sport.
Different themes at your fingertips
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is organized by theme. Enough to make you enjoy all year round different exhibitions, each as interesting as the other. You have the choice, for example, between the collection "the revolution by year by year".
Admire the most beautiful sports vehicles up close
Visiting the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum will be an opportunity to admire more closely the most beautiful sports vehicles from one year to another. Through the 300 m² of showroom, the biggest brands like Bentley, Ferrari and many others will be available.
Temporary exhibitions
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum also offers a few temporary exhibitions, the agenda of which will be available on its website. It can be fairs or exhibitions of specific brands. This exhibition will be a real treat for lovers of thrills.
Behind the scenes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
You've always wanted to see behind the scenes of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A visit to the museum will allow you to do this, for free. You will have the opportunity to see all the infrastructures of the circuit: the Dunlop footbridge, the village, and the 9 points of the site.
French Grand-West Town, Le Mans is 47.9 km from La Flèche Zoo and just 7 km from the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. However, the closest airports are 202.2 km from Orly Airport and 230.1 km from CDG Airport.