[LM24] First Time

[Mal]

Originally Posted by tdm74

I decided in the past few days to make my first trip to Le Mans this year, this next week I need to make sure I can still get tickets for everything that I would like to do, as well as try to figure out my flights from the States and the train from Paris.

Trains from Paris are pretty easy from Montparnesse station. If flights to Paris were an issue you could also go to London and get the train or connecting flight from there via Paris.

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by Mal

Trains from Paris are pretty easy from Montparnesse station. If flights to Paris were an issue you could also go to London and get the train or connecting flight from there via Paris.

There are also direct trains from CDG to Le Mans, I suggest you consult this website better than trying to travel via Heathrow and St Pancras involving multiple changes via taxi or tube/metro

[GT6]

Tickets are still available for some camping sites and grandstands if you want them, general entry ones can be purchased on the gate (never sell out) There are several other visitors from the states who come every year and they will be in a better position to offer travel advice.

[isynge]

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

There are also direct trains from CDG to Le Mans, I suggest you consult this website better than trying to travel via Heathrow and St Pancras involving multiple changes via taxi or tube/metro

Seat61 is pretty much a goldmine of rail information and can make life a lot easier.

If taking the train from London it's worth doing it via Lille rather than changing in Paris - as there it's essentially a case of walking across the platform than having to change stations in Paris.

[GT6]

It might be a little more expensive than the train but hiring a car at the airport will be a whole load more fun and much more convenient than taking the train, also if you wish to explore bit of france whilst there.

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by GT6

It might be a little more expensive than the train but hiring a car at the airport will be a whole load more fun and much more convenient than taking the train, also if you wish to explore bit of france whilst there.

Or a car can be hired at Le Mans Station, avoiding the fun of CDG Car Hire (worst rip off artists I have yet encountered) and Paris traffic - it can take up to two hours to get round the place even using La Francilienne, the train takes 100 minutes. If you have just crossed the Atlantic it may be better to get the train............most drivers do.

[ATLFalconsFAN]

I've had great success renting cars through Auto Europe, have used them several times now, always inexpensive and always comes through with what is promised. Only potential issue is that you have to pay in advance. As a fellow American I can assure you that driving in France is not an issue, I'd just recommend staying out of Paris if possible. Drivers are better, no one hogs the left lane, gas is expensive and so are tolls.

http://www.autoeurope.com

[tdm74]

Originally Posted by Mal

Trains from Paris are pretty easy from Montparnesse station. If flights to Paris were an issue you could also go to London and get the train or connecting flight from there via Paris.

I will probably leave directly from CDG, thanks for the info

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

There are also direct trains from CDG to Le Mans, I suggest you consult this website better than trying to travel via Heathrow and St Pancras involving multiple changes via taxi or tube/metro

what a great site thank you

Originally Posted by GT6

Tickets are still available for some camping sites and grandstands if you want them, general entry ones can be purchased on the gate (never sell out) There are several other visitors from the states who come every year and they will be in a better position to offer travel advice.

Originally Posted by isynge

Seat61 is pretty much a goldmine of rail information and can make life a lot easier.

If taking the train from London it's worth doing it via Lille rather than changing in Paris - as there it's essentially a case of walking across the platform than having to change stations in Paris.

Originally Posted by GT6

It might be a little more expensive than the train but hiring a car at the airport will be a whole load more fun and much more convenient than taking the train, also if you wish to explore bit of france whilst there.

maybe the next time, as I am trying to make the trip as idiot proof a possible

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

Or a car can be hired at Le Mans Station, avoiding the fun of CDG Car Hire (worst rip off artists I have yet encountered) and Paris traffic - it can take up to two hours to get round the place even using La Francilienne, the train takes 100 minutes. If you have just crossed the Atlantic it may be better to get the train............most drivers do.

Originally Posted by ATLFalconsFAN

I've had great success renting cars through Auto Europe, have used them several times now, always inexpensive and always comes through with what is promised. Only potential issue is that you have to pay in advance. As a fellow American I can assure you that driving in France is not an issue, I'd just recommend staying out of Paris if possible. Drivers are better, no one hogs the left lane, gas is expensive and so are tolls.

http://www.autoeurope.com

I am glad to have posted in this thread as there is an amazing amount of experience and knowledge here for Le Mans noobs like myself.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by tdm74

I will probably leave directly from CDG, thanks for the info

what a great site thank you





maybe the next time, as I am trying to make the trip as idiot proof a possible



I am glad to have posted in this thread as there is an amazing amount of experience and knowledge here for Le Mans noobs like myself.

Check the FAQ, even more knowledge there
Le Mans FAQ

[tdm74]

Originally Posted by CTD

Check the FAQ, even more knowledge there
Le Mans FAQ

I have been looking at that thread the past few weeks, thank you for creating it.

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by tdm74

I am glad to have posted in this thread as there is an amazing amount of experience and knowledge here for Le Mans noobs like myself.

Well, we're pleased to have you 'on board' - there is always someone here to answer pretty much any question. Make sure you get along to the Saturday Tenthers meet too!

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

Well, we're pleased to have you 'on board' - there is always someone here to answer pretty much any question. Make sure you get along to the Saturday Tenthers meet too!

Get your affairs up to date if you do...........

[Victor_RO]

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

Get your affairs up to date if you do...........

... because if you as much as get a whiff of the drinks some of us brought last year, your memory of the race itself will be a complete blank.

[GT6]

Do not worry, there is always bread, biscuits, pate, various sweets(easier to bring from further afield) and of course cheese to soak up the numerous local beverages that appear like magic

[brico]

Originally Posted by ATLFalconsFAN

I've had great success renting cars through Auto Europe, have used them several times now, always inexpensive and always comes through with what is promised. Only potential issue is that you have to pay in advance. As a fellow American I can assure you that driving in France is not an issue, I'd just recommend staying out of Paris if possible. Drivers are better, no one hogs the left lane, gas is expensive and so are tolls.

http://www.autoeurope.com

ATLFalconsFAN:

Thanks for the rental car recommendation. We used EuropeCar last year, big mistake and wouldn't wish them on anybody. Auto Europe appears to be a broker (much like EuropeCar). Do you obtain the car from them or go directly to the Avis/Hertz/etc. counters at CDG? Also, how well do they honor the requested size? I ask because EuropeCar was trying to unload a Fiat Panda on a group of five rather tall folks in line ahead of me last June - which did not go over well (as you can imagine).

Thanks,
Brian

[brico]

Originally Posted by tdm74

I have been looking at that thread the past few weeks, thank you for creating it.

tdm24:

I did my first Le Mans last year and found the posts and threads on this site extremely informative. I'm sure I pressed my luck with 'noob-style' questions - everything from earmuffs to vendors - and the responses from them folks here were great.

One recommendation I would give you is to realize that the event is huge and it's best to have a prioritized mental list of what you want to do and see before, during and after the race - because you will not get to all of it (as we discovered last year).

It's all good - it gives you reason(s) to go back (which we are this year.)

Regards,
Brian

[ATLFalconsFAN]

Originally Posted by brico

ATLFalconsFAN:

Thanks for the rental car recommendation. We used EuropeCar last year, big mistake and wouldn't wish them on anybody. Auto Europe appears to be a broker (much like EuropeCar). Do you obtain the car from them or go directly to the Avis/Hertz/etc. counters at CDG? Also, how well do they honor the requested size? I ask because EuropeCar was trying to unload a Fiat Panda on a group of five rather tall folks in line ahead of me last June - which did not go over well (as you can imagine).

Thanks,
Brian

Once you reserve with AutoEurope you know exactly who your rental company is, it does not change. Upon arrival you go directly to the counter of that company at CDG (or wherever you choose for your rental location). I have never had them try to change my rental type, only doing the usual of offering a better car for more money if I wanted to.

[bella]

you can bet that the group of 5 tall people booked the smallest car and wanted to try and blag an upgrade

[brico]

Originally Posted by bella

you can bet that the group of 5 tall people booked the smallest car and wanted to try and blag an upgrade

No doubt