Re: Le Mans - who\'s going?
Hi Julian
I am going to Le Mans and here is the letter from Ken Saunders that gives times and places, that you may find usefull.
GT40 Enthusiasts Club - Le Mans 2002
We will be staying with my friend Patrick de Saevsky at his private residence, the Chateau de la Fontaine. 49430 Montigne-les-Rairies. Which is located approximately 30 miles south of the Le Mans circuit. I shall be at the Chateau as from Saturday 8th June until Monday 17th June. Whilst at the Chateau and during Le Mans week I can be contacted on my mobile telephone. Please note if you are calling any of my telephone numbers from outside of France you will have to dial the international code first (00 33) and then leave off the leading zero of the number. The telephone number of the Chateau should you require it is 02 41 32 52 39.
The 24 hours circuit at Le Mans is best reached from the Chateau by going via Durtal and then north along the N23 via La Fleche to Le Mans, as you approach Le Mans remain on the N23 and the road will take you past the airfield on your right hand side, the 24 hours circuit can be seen across the airfield and the sign posts will direct you to the garage rouge (reserved) which is located at the left hand of the traffic lights directly opposite the Museum at the main entrance to the Le Mans circuit.
Consequently to find the Chateau from Le Mans, take the N23 towards Angers and Saumur, when you reach Durtal you pass over a bridge over the river and take the next turning to the left along the D18 to Montigne-les-Rairies. At the church in the centre of town turn left as if you were visiting the church and then immediately right in front of the church and first left, this brings you to the gates of the Chateau.
On Friday 14th June we traditionally visit the 24 hours circuit in the morning and take advantage of the access to the pits area to view the cars and teams competing in this years events. Later at 12 noon we meet up at the Chinese Café on the Mulsanne straight where traditionally all the interesting cars are paraded, much to the discontent of the local police as this invariably bring traffic on this main road N138 (E 502) between Le Mans and Tours to a near stand still. Following on from this we usually go to Arnage village to get a lunch time snack prior to assembling to participate in the Grande Parade des Pilotes.
On Friday 14th June we will be taking part in the Grande Parade des Pilotes in the city centre of Le Mans. The parade starts off at 6pm, however you are requested to be at the assembly point at least one hour before and I would recommend at least two hours before as the traffic can be very difficult and roads around the area will be closed to allow the parade to take place. The assembly point for the parade is the car park opposite the Cathedral and on the right hand side of the car park marked Jacobins on the map below.
Ken Saunders
Forty Towers.
http://www.forty-towers.claranet.fr
[email protected]
And
GT40 Enthusiasts Club
http://www.gt40club.clara.net
[email protected]
See you there
Chris Melia
My Mobile No is 07775880657
[ June 08, 2002: Message edited by: Chris Melia ]