Finding the Les Hunaudieres 24 Hour Restaurant

[Alistair_Ryder]

Does anyone know of a map showing directions to the Hunaudieres Restaurant area, we're going to try get there during 1st qualifying this year. PS whats the view like from there? If anyone can recommend somewhere more special for viewing round that area maybe PM me.

[aprescott]

You are still able to get to the restaurant but they have blocked all viewing access. They have built a brick wall surrounding the compound, and in front of the Chinese Restaurant that is there they now have metal fencing up with covers on to stop you seeing out of the window!

This was done about 2-3 years ago. I dont have a map as I know it just by seeing the lanes and knowing where to go.

Best directions I can give you are:

If you are looking at the main circuit entrance in front of you, turn left, go under the bridge past the bar on the right, take the right after the bar through the business park, when you get to the end turn right. As you go down the road you will see the Mulsanne in front of you (blocked off) and they Police will send you left. Go left then take the immediate right down a very step hill. Follow this road for about 2 miles and you need to take a turning on the right - this is where it gets hazy. Normally a very small triangular sign pointing down a lane to a restaurant, but best of all is to follow the GB cars - they will all be going there!

Good Luck.

[Alistair_Ryder]

hmmm oh dear, sounds like i've got more chance of seeing america on a clear day than the cars from that point...i suppose it might be good just to go for the sounds!
Oh well, maybe back to plan b involving a torch and a good sense of direction to get a better view

Well cheers anyway

[Aysedasi]

I'm not one to resurrect threads normally, but I just came across this one on a Google search for stuff about the Hunaudieres.... Although there is little or nothing that can be seen from the restaurant these days - unless you get very lucky (see below), there is still an atmosphere there that is very special. The sounds of the cars there are mesmerising - there is so little other noise, you can hear the cars coming from Tertre Rouge almost. On occasion I have managed to get quite close to the fencing through the fields (not a gendarme-friendly thing to do of course!) and the sensation of speed as the cars go by is staggering. For my money, it's worth just nipping out there for that alone.....


By the way, this is us, standing outside the neighbouring restaurant, the Shanghai des 24 Heures in 1994....... Not much chance of this now......


Mulsanne 1994

[ss_collins]

One of the best places I've watched at Le Mans is on the outside of Virage Du Pont during qualifying... the cars pass about 1 metre from you - but you have to be very very very lucky to get there

[Aysedasi]

Remind me Sam, Virage du Pont?

[Bodysnatcher]

Another name for (part of?) Porsche curves , specifically the bridge (with the track on it) near Beausejour. Presumably only accessable with the right pass.

[Aysedasi]

Ah, that explains it - cheers