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Hertz car rental in Le Mans

Reserve Le Mans car rental with Hertz to experience the world’s oldest endurance car race, 24 Hours of Le Mans. Once a year this sleepy French city comes alive as up to 62 cars battle for first place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, just outside the city. 

With your rental car, you can experience the adrenaline rush of 24 Hours of Le Mans. When the motorsport circus isn’t in town, use your rental car to explore the city of Le Mans itself – with its historic quarter and a variety of museums – as well as the wider Pays de la Loire region.

Renting a car in Le Mans puts you in a prime location for exploring the rest of France. Nantes to the south-west, the historic coastal city of Saint Malo, and Paris to the north-east are all within two to two and a half hours away by rental car.

We have a number of rental cars available in Le Mans for your journey. Those wanting to experience life in the fast lane can reserve one of our convertible models, while families will enjoy our spacious people carriers.

Make the most of Pays de la Loire’s motorsport, history and natural beauty with a Hertz Le Mans rental car.

Pickup Locations Le Mans

  • 168 Rue d'Arnage

    Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0900-1200 1400-1700, Sa-Su closed

    Address: 168 Rue d'Arnage, Somelac, Le Mans, 72000, France

    Phone: +33 (0) 2 43 75 95 05

  • Le Mans Railway Station

    Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0800-1200 1330-1800, Sa 0900-1200 1400-1700, Su closed

    Address: 140 Rue du Bourg Bele, Le Mans, 72000, France

    Phone: +33 (0) 2 43 24 37 28

Driving in and around Le Mans

Parking in Le Mans

If you’re going to the Le Mans 24 Hours, your ticket will tell you which parking lot to use. If not, there’s plenty of parking lots in and around the centre:

  •        Filles Dieu car park is located in the center of Le Mans
  •        Parking Blanc car park is the Circuit de la Sarthe main parking lot
  •        Parking Gare Nord is located beside the train station and has all day rates

Traffic in Le Mans

Traffic in Le Mans is fairly light throughout the year, except when the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place. During this weekend, expect heavy congestion leading in and out of the city.

How to get fromTours Val de Loire Airport to Circuit de la Sarthe

Circuit de la Sarthe address is: Place Luigi Chinetti, 72019 Le Mans, France

Tours Val de Loire is the nearest airport to Le Mans. To get to the racetrack from the airport:

  1.      Leave the rental car parking lot and take the fourth exit onto Boulevard Abel Gance.
  2.      Continue ahead then turn left to merge onto the A10.
  3.      Exit onto the A28 road towards Le Mans.
  4.      Take exit 25 and follow the D338 road to Le Mans.
  5.      Turn left onto Le Champ de la Croix then join the D139 to the racecourse. 

Roads and freeways

Main route in Le Mans

Le Mans has several main autoroutes and departmental roads.

  •        A11 goes from Nantes to Paris, running though Le Mans in the north.
  •        A28 starts near Rouen, heading south to Tours, circling Le Mans.
  •        D338 forms part of Le Mans’ ring road, from Aleçon to Tours. 

Le Mans to Paris  

The bright lights of the capital are just over 200km away from Le Mans. To get there, head north of the city to join the A11 and A6B straight into Paris. 

Le Mans to Nantes

Nantes is roughly two and a half hours away from Le Mans, via the A11 toll road. Other routes are available if you want to avoid being charged, but this will add to your overall journey time.

A quick guide to Le Mans

What to see and do in Le Mans

Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans

A beacon of the city, Le Mans Cathedral is an impressive fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles. If you’re around in the summer, head to the cathedral at night to see the breathtaking La Nuit des Chimères – a light and sound show.

Circuit de la Sarthe

This is the famed venue for the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. There are events hosted here throughout the year, including several car races during May through to September. Parking can be found both at the circuit and in the museum parking lot.

Cité Plantagenêt

Away from the modern racetrack, Le Mans is a city filled with history. Head to Cité Plantagenêt, the historic quarter, to take in cobbled streets, Roman walls and Renaissance houses.

Arche de la Nature

This bustling park just outside the city centre has all the making for a fun-filled day out. Wander the gardens, explore the activities happening in the three themed houses or join a nature tour.

Le Mans’ best hotels

Hôtel Concordia

A four-star hotel in the center of Le Mans,Hôtel Concordia has been welcoming guests into its luxury lodgings since 1906. Dine on classic French food in the hotel’s restaurant or relax on an evening in the bar. Private parking is available.

Mercure Le Mans Batignolles Hotel

Just a 6km drive from the Circuit de la Sarthe, Hotel Batignolles is a hotspot for those hoping to catch a race. Parking is included and there’s a bar and restaurant on site.

Hotel de France

A 50-minute drive from Le Mans, Hotel de France is an iconic spot for motor racing fans – it’s were many drivers and their teams have stayed over the decades. Spaces fill up quickly during 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it’s worth staying in if you’re visiting outside of this event.

Best places to eat in Le Mans

Le Beaulieu

Those wanting a luxury dining experience should look no further than Le Beaulieu, a Michelin-stared restaurant in central Le Mans. The menu is constantly changing, as the chef takes inspiration from seasonal produce and local flavours. 

La Brochette du Boucher

Sit out on the terrace and admire the city’s charms at La Brochette du Boucher, in Le Mans center. This restaurant specialises in traditional French cuisine and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Le Nez Rouge

With fresh dishes served up everyday, you never know what to expect at Le Nez Rouge. Sat in the centre of Le Mans, dine on fresh mussels, beef filet and Foie Gras. With a menu which changes daily, whatever is on offer, it’s always full of flavour and flair.

Top museums in Le Mans

Musée des 24 Heures du Mans

Fans of motorsport must check out Musée des 24 Heures du Mans, next to the Circuit de la Sarthe. With 140 vehicles, from names such as Ferrari, Porsche and Bentley, car enthusiasts can wander the exhibition to uncover the exciting history of car racing. Back in Le Mans, look out for the handprints of past Le Mans 24 winners around Place St Nicolas.

Musée De Tessé

Standing as Le Mans’ oldest museum, Musée de Tessé has a vast collection of French, Italian and Flemish paintings. The artworks date back from the 14th century to present day. There are also temporary exhibits on display, which circulate every few months.

Musée de la Reine Bérengère

Situated in Le Mans’ historic quarter, Musée de la Reine Bérengère tells the story of this region’s intriguing past through a collection of artefacts, artwork and engravings. There’s also an intricate model of the Cité Plantagenêt, the historic quarter.