What’s On During this Year’s Le Mans 24H Race? 

Celebrating its 100th edition, ‘les 24H du Mans’ is much more than the exhilirating race taking place on June 10-11. Find out what to do and see in Le Mans with these highlights happening on the fringe of the main weekend event! 

The centenary exhibition 

A big exhibition celebrating the centenary of the race is held within the Musée des 24H du Mans. Open from June 1st to July 2nd, the exhibition is putting 80 cars on show, including about 60 winning vehicles from the last 100 years. In partnership with Peter Auto, creator of the Le Mans Classic race, the exhibition traces back a century of automotive history in and around Le Mans’ major event. Around 40 of the cars on display will parade on the track just before the race. 

Concerts 

From June 7th to 10th, 4 concerts will rock the city every night. The shows are free for Le Mans ticket holders who will be lucky enough to boogie to Zazie, Razorlight, Bob Sinclar and Mika. 

Karting on the legendary racetrack 

In the run-up for the event, ticketholders can slip into a driver’s suit and try their hand at negotiating the winding bends of the legendary Le Mans track. Drive simulators are also available! 

Visit the manufacturers’ village 

Discover the latest trends and creations of the race’s biggest names such as Toyota, BMW, Ford, Audi, Cadillac, IMSA & Nascar and Porsche. 

Chill out in the fan zones 

There are no fewer than 9 zones for fans to enjoy: 6 on the track and 3 in the welcome area. A host of fun activities are available within them including an open-air cinema, a retro arcade, restaurants, karaoke, even bike rental! Families are particularly catered for with a special kids’ zone too. 

See some beautiful cars 

As well as during the race, there will be plenty of opportunities to go and admire some fine cars: the car exhibition in the centre of Le Mans on June 7th, Arnage dans la Course on June 8th, the Classic British Welcome parade in St Saturnin, the gathering of the Virage de Mulsanne association and, of course, the not-to-be missed drivers’ parade in Le Mans city centre on June 9th 

Don’t forget to look up 

It’s not just down on the track that the excitement is happening. The French Air Force and a Navy Rafale will be performing two fly pasts on June 9th. The centenary festivities come to a head on the nights of June 9th and 10th with a breathtaking show involving fireworks and 400 drones!

Take the chance to visit Le Mans  

A tour of this historic, Plantagenet city is a must with highlights including the magnificent Saint Julien cathedral, Renaissance architecture and Roman heritage but you’ll probably want to find a café lining the Sarthe riverbanks or a spot in the Planches park set on an island to chill out and people-watch after the buzz of the race track. 

Check out the full program of events held for the 24H du Mans here