When eating out, there is something for everyone and every budget.

From snacks and pizzas to traditional ‘plats’ such as ‘rillettes’, the popular shredded pork pate. There are many eateries tucked away in the Old Town. You can try the ‘Nez Rouge’ (the red nose) a small, intimate restaurant serving classic cuisine with a twist. In this charming restaurant, you are surrounded with clown pictures and paraphernalia that inspired its name. For a sophisticated contemporary dining experience try ‘La Reserve’, right in the centre of town where baroque meets French farmhouse. The cuisine is inspired and all the staff are easy on the eye.

For those who want to go shopping, there is a generous mix of contemporary international brands and classic French stores and boutiques. If you want to experiment with recreating some classic food dishes you should go to the market at the foot of the Cathedral (every Sunday morning) where you will discover an abundant choice of local produce.

In Le Mans time doesn’t stand still. A new cultural centre with a theatre and 840 seat cinema is being built near the old town.
Le Mans is another French city that is easy to navigate. If you are visiting for the day you can come in by train and use the superb tramway and bus system to get around – you can enjoy yourself whilst saving the environment.

Sam's Scoop

If you are South of Le Mans, park at Antares and for less than 5 Euros you can leave your car and pick-up tickets for 4 people to ride the tram all day – no need to wrestle with traffic!