Attractions
Le Mans has a well-preserved old town and a cathedral dedicated to St Julian of Le Mans, honored as the city’s first bishop. There are remnants of a Roman wall in the old town and Roman baths by the river.
Tourist attractions
- Le Mans Cathedral
Features: Roman Catholic cathedral; seat of the Bishop of Le Mans. The cathedral is architecturally distinguished by the striking contrast between the Romanesque nave and the Flamboyant Gothic choir. Every Sunday morning, there is a traditional market outside the cathedral.
Location: 2 place St Michel
- Abbaye de l’Épau
Features: Founded in the 13th century, it was burned during the Hundred Years’ War so that it wouldn’t fall in English hands. It hosts the famous Festival de l’Épau.
Location: 5 km from Le Mans, in Yvré-l’Évêque
Historic landmarks
- Gallo Roman Walls
Features: Built at the end of the 3rd century, it is quite well preserved for about 500 m. Meant to withstand barbarian invasions, it proved its utility during the Middle Ages. It used to have 26 fortified towers, of which 11 are still visible today.
Location: around the old city
- Le Menhir
Features: A sandstone menhir in one of the corners of the cathedral, dating from prehistoric times. It has 4.55m.
Location: Le Mans Cathedral, 2 place St Michel
Museums
- Musée Vert
Features: Natural history museum
Open hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – noon and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: 2.80€
Location: 204 avenue de Jean Jaurès
- Musée Automobile de la Sarthe
Features: Car history museum (115 cars)
Open hours: June – September 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; October – May 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: 8€
Location: 442 rue de Laigné
- Musée de Tessé
Features: Fine arts collections (paintings, sculptures and various art objects)
Open hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – noon and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – noon and 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.; July – August Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
Admission: 4€
Location: 2 avenue de Pardeborn