Le Mans

Le Mans, the prefecture of the Sarthe department in the Pays de la Loire region, is renowned for its Cité Plantagenêt, the historic heart of the city where some of Europe's best-preserved Gallo-Roman ramparts still stand. Saint-Julien Cathedral, blending Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is the centrepiece well worth visiting, surrounded by cobbled lanes and timber-framed houses that reflect centuries of urban history. Exploring the old town works equally well during the day, when architectural details and lively squares can be admired, or in the evening, when illuminated façades create a different atmosphere. Beyond the historic centre, Le Mans is internationally known for its motor racing circuit, home to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. The city, crossed by the River Sarthe, also offers green spaces and pleasant riverside walks. Easily reachable from Paris by high-speed train, Le Mans makes for a destination combining medieval heritage, motorsport culture and a relaxed regional way of life.