Le Mans is a small town known for Circuit de la Sarthe, Musée de l'Automobile de la Sarthe, and Old Town of Le Mans. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Le Mans?
You should plan to spend around $112 (€103) per day on your vacation in Le Mans. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (€47) on meals
- $33 (€30) on local transportation
- $81 (€74) on hotels
A one week trip to Le Mans for two people costs, on average, $1,571 (€1,442). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$786
€721
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,571
€1,442
-
One Month
Per person
$3,367
€3,090
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,571
€1,442
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,143
€2,884
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,735
€6,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Le Mans cost?
A one week trip to Le Mans usually costs around $786 (€721) for one person and $1,571 (€1,442) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Le Mans on average costs around $1,571 (€1,442) for one person and $3,143 (€2,884) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Le Mans will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Le Mans on average costs around $3,367 (€3,090) for one person and $6,735 (€6,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Le Mans expensive to visit?
Le Mans is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You may find Le Mans to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like taking public transit and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $49 (€45) per day, mid-range travelers spend $112 (€103) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $214 (€197) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Le Mans.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Le Mans is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Le Mans Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Le Mans?
The average Le Mans trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Le Mans travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Le Mans cost?
Le Mans on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$18
(€16)
|
$40
(€37)
|
$77
(€71)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$14
(€13)
|
$33
(€30)
|
$62
(€57)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(€21)
|
$51
(€47)
|
$98
(€90)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(€6.56)
|
$16
(€15)
|
$31
(€29)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(€3-8)
|
$7-20
(€6-18)
|
$12-37
(€11-34)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Le Mans cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $49 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Le Mans, you'll want to see Circuit de la Sarthe, Musée de l'Automobile de la Sarthe, or Old Town of Le Mans. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $112 per person, per day.
Le Mans offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. La Mancelle - Chambre d'hotes is an excellent choice, while La Demeure de Laclais is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Le Mans.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $214. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing.
Accommodation Budget in Le Mans
In Le Mans, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $77 and peak summer season rising to an average of $144. Prices typically range from $50 to $265, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Le Mans for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $81 (€74). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $40 (€37) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Le Mans? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Le Mans include:
- La Demeure de Laclais starting at $122
- Mercure Le Mans Centre starting at $89
- Hotel Concordia Le Mans Centre Gare starting at $57
- Kyriad Le Mans Est starting at $48
- Hotel De La Pommeraie starting at $78
If you want to save on accommodation in Le Mans, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.
If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Le Mans
Le Mans's public transit system connects to several major sights. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance). To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Le Mans is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. Parts of the town are walkable.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $33 (€30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Le Mans. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Le Mans is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$33
€30
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
How much does it cost to go to Le Mans? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Le Mans will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Le Mans
The available food options in Le Mans are not extensive, and the quality could be better. It's best to limit your spending on meals in favor of more rewarding experiences. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Le Mans can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Le Mans is $51 (€47) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
€47
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Le Mans is around $51 (€47) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $98. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Le Mans are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
A culinary specialty to watch for in Le Mans is Rillettes, a kind of boiled pork pate. It actually tastes much better than it sounds. You can buy some rillettes in almost every meat shop in town, and it makes for the perfect sandwich pasted on some fresh baguette.
A great variety of restaurants can be found in the town center and in or around the old city. For a very good sample of French cuisine, give Le Grenier A Sel, La Ciboulette, or Le Nez Rouge a try, all of them close to or inside the old city. Le Baobab, on the same street as La Ciboulette, offers some African cuisine at the very heart of the old city. The area closer to Place de la Republique, popular with young people on weekends, offers cheaper eats, with several kebab shops that will help you stay fueled for your adventures.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Le Mans
It's not a shock that Le Mans draws crowds, as it is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Le Mans typically cost an average of $16 (€15) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$16
€15
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Circuit de la Sarthe for €12
- Musée de l'Automobile de la Sarthe for €12
- Old Town of Le Mans (Free)
- Abbaye Royale of L'Epau for €5.50
- Le Mans Cathedral (Free)
- Jardin des Plantes du Mans (Free)
- Musée de Tessé (Free)
The highlight is the St Julien Cathedral, which was built between the 11th and 15th centuries. It is a mixture of styles because of the time taken to build it and is one of the largest in France. At the main entrance of the cathedral is a stone menhir, which was raised by the prehistoric people who lived here in 4000-5000 BC. The menhir, which became a pagan symbol for fertility was saved from destruction by Saint Julien who came to Le Mans in the 4th century.
Opposite Le Mans cathedral on the Place du Cardinal Grente is the Bishop's house, a lovely 16th century building and next to it the Pilgrim's house, also 16th century. Encircling the town much remains of the Roman wall which is one of the best preserved in Europe. Four of its existing five towers still remain. At one of these a lovely little medieval style garden has been created and within it are some of the stone balls hurled against the town by the Count of Salisbury in his assault of 1425.
The Royal Palace (now the Town hall) is an impressive ensemble of buildings in part dating back to the 11th-12th centuries, next to the little Isaac river. You can descend by steep stairways that pass through the roman walls to the river below and the Roman baths.
Every night in July and August Le Mans features an incredible light show put on in the streets of the old town. Various facades of the Plantaganet City are lit up with scenes created by Skertzo. A free spectacle not to be missed.
Down below in the modern town of Le Mans there is the Tesse museum which is in the Bishop's Palace on the edge of Tesse park. This museum contains the city's fine art collection and has added a large space dedicated to ancient Egypt and includes two full scale models of Egyptian tombs.
And of course there is the Le Mans race, more correctly known as the 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race or The Le Mans 24 Hours, which takes place on public roads, which are closed for the day, and has been held since 1923. This takes place in mid-June each year. There is a drivers parade on the eve of the race allowing you to meet the competitors and their cars. Enthusiasts can also visit the Automobile museum which houses the cars of 15 winners of the le Mans 24 hours. For vintage car fans there is the Le Mans Classic in July every second year. This is one of the leading vintage car events worldwide and includes 5000 vintage club cars.
A nice way to explore destinations in Le Mans is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Le Mans gourmet food walking tour Discover Sarthe's flavors for $37 details
Nightlife Budget in Le Mans
Le Mans does have some nightlife activities, but it doesn't compare to the excitement found in more popular destinations. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (€12) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Le Mans per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
€12
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Traveling in Le Mans
Le Mans, France
Le Mans is a city in France, on the Sarthe River. Le Mans is found about 80 kilometers north of Tours, and south of Alencon. To many of course, Le Mans is famous only for a 24 hour racing event once a year. If you are not interested in cars and car racing, it is best to avoid visiting Le Mans in the middle of June. However, Le Mans also has a fantastic old town and is well worth the visit. Known as the Cite Plantagenet, this is where in 1129 Geoffrey Plantagenet married Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England and gave birth to Henry II.
Neighborhoods & Around
The modern city center is the Place de la Republique, and the old town or medieval quarter is separate from the modern city center. Various shops, including the Center Jacobins shopping center, bars and restaurants dot the 20 min walk between the two areas.
The modern city center is home to a large pedestrian square with many shops and restaurants and is also where the trams and busses run to. The city center does have a few monuments and sights, but is most popular for its 24 hour racing spectacle held in June every year.
Unlike the medieval quarters of most towns and cities in France that of Le Mans is completely separate to the modern day town. It lies high above the town and is very quiet compared to the noise of the thriving city below. The magnificent St Julien Cathedral can be seen from below and can be reached by walking up the steps from the car park in the Place des Jacobins. The old town has lovely narrow streets, stone houses, many with intricate details, timbered buildings, and the lovely slate roofs common to this area of France. There are numerous half-timbered medieval houses in Le Mans dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. The best known is the Maison du Pilier rouge on Grand Rue, with its easily recognizable red-painted wooden structure.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.