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Travel Guide 2   >   Europe   >   France   >   Towns and Cities   >   Le Mans

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Le Mans


Located on the Sarthe River, Le Mans is a city in the Sarthe département, in the Pays de la Loire region of France. As of the 1999 census, Le Mans had a population of 146,105.

Le Mans has a very ancient history, and is mentioned by Ptolemy (second century AD) as the Roman city of Vindinium. Traces of the Roman period include an amphitheater, built in the 3rd century AD, which is still visible to this day. Additionally, not quite as old, but definitely worth seeing are the well-perserved old town (known as "Cité Plantagenêt," or "Vieux Mans"), and the impressive cathedral ("Cathédrale St-Julien du Mans").

Le Mans is of course most famous for its connection to motorsports. There are in fact two separate racing tracks in the city, although they do share certain portions of their routes. The tracing tracks are:-
  • The Bugatti Circuit - This is the smaller of the two racing racing tracks, and is named after Ettore Bugatti, who founded the Bugatti motor company. The Bugatti Circuit is a relative short circuit, is permanent and used for racing all year round.

  • The Circuit de la Sarthe - This is a temporary circuit which is composed, in part, of public roads, which are closed to the public when racing is taking place. The Circuit de la Sarthe is used for the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (French: 24 Heures du Mans) often known as the "Grand Prix of Endurance", and has been since 1923. This race tests not only the car and driver's ability to drive speed, but also their endurance.
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24 Hour du le Mans Ferrari GP
32" X 44"
Giclee Print
24 Hour du le Mans Ferrari GP

 
 
24 Heures du Mans
44" X 60"
Giclee Print
Artist: George Ham.
24 Heures du Mans

 
 
Panhard, 24 Heures du Mans
26.75" X 39.25"
Art Print
Artist: G. Kow.
Panhard, 24 Heures du Mans

 
 
Panhard, 24 Heures Du Mans
27" X 39"
Art Print
Artist: G. Kow.
Panhard, 24 Heures Du Mans

 
 
24 Heures du Mans
24" X 32"
Giclee Print
Artist: George Ham.
24 Heures du Mans

 
 
24 Heures du Mans
24" X 32"
Giclee Print
Artist: George Ham.
24 Heures du Mans

 
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Michelin Le Mans/Chartres/Paris, France Map No. 60 (Michelin Maps & Atlases)

By Michelin Travel Publications

Michelin Travel Publications
Map

Michelin Le Mans/Chartres/Paris, France Map No. 60 (Michelin Maps & Atlases)
List Price: $6.95
(As of 10:34 Pacific 5 Jul 2008 More Info)


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Book Description:
An annually updated, detailed map of le Mans, Chartres, and Paris, showing primary and secondary road networks across the region, local services and many tourist attractions. Scale: 1/200,000 - 1cm=2km Legend/Key in French

Michelin City Plans Le Mans

By Michelin Travel Publications

Michelin Travel Publications
Hardcover

Michelin City Plans Le Mans
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Lowest New Price: $8.95
Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks
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Michelin Mayenne, Orne, Sarthe: Includes Plans for Laval, Alencon, Le Mans (Michelin Local France Maps)

By Michelin Travel Publications

Michelin Travel Publications
Paperback

Michelin Mayenne, Orne, Sarthe: Includes Plans for Laval, Alencon, Le Mans (Michelin Local France Maps)
List Price: $7.95
Lowest New Price: $7.49
Lowest Used Price: $12.49
(As of 10:34 Pacific 5 Jul 2008 More Info)


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Michelin Map No. 60: Le Mans - Chartres - Paris

French & European Publications Inc
Map
List Price: $14.95
(As of 10:34 Pacific 5 Jul 2008 More Info)


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Le Mans: Town Plan/Map (Blay Foldex French City/Town Plans/Maps)

Roger Lascelles
Map
 

Le Mans Et Ses Environs a Pied

Federation Francaise de la Randonnee Pedestre,France
Hardcover
 

Le Mans (IGN Plans De Ville)

Institut Geographique National
Map
 

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