[LM24] The Drivers' Parade

[Kpy]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Of course! I wasn't thinking it was for any other reason, but I highlighted the word because this year there are other considerations.

Mistranslation.
Sécurité means safety.

[Adam43]

How dare they change the route from when I took part

That's it I'm not watching this year!

[GT6]

i have been to the drivers parade many times but the volume of people desperately trying to get a better view has made it less enjoyable in recent years so that i know prefer to spend friday evening relaxing in the campsite, but would say that if you have never been then make the effort this year the experience is well worth the effort

[batmobile]

Originally Posted by Kpy

Mistranslation.
Sécurité means safety.

OUPS! Many thanks christopher!

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by claude2cv

Same here. Friday now consists of St Saturnin in the morning, shopping on the way back to the camp site, pit walk after lunch, wander down to Del Arte for a pleasant meal, then "night cap" back at camp. Expect to do the same this year.

Sean

I did the parade several times in my last few years with the Tourists, ending with the infamous 'landlocked' evening in '09 when we didn't get to dinner until about 11 pm. If you haven't ever done it, you should, but I found it far more entertaining to watch from the point at which the drivers arrive, often on foot from the car park, rather than out on the packed streets. Not something I plan to do again. Like you, I think we'll be in Del Arte for the obligatory pre-race Pizza Marocco on Friday evening and then an early night in preparation for no sleep until Sunday night.....

[Adam43]

[mod note]I've merged a few recent posts with an older Parade thread. Perhaps a place to share parade experiences and to pass on tips for newbies to the Parade[/mod note]

[GT6]

For all those going for the first time to le mans the drivers parade is well worth going, the best way to get there is on the tram from the circuit, trying to get parked in the town will be very difficult, get there early and have a few beers before it starts, also try and find a place close to the start as further on the whole process starts to grid to a halt. After the parade you can find places to eat but better to book a table earlier if you want something nice. Tram works for a few hours after the parade but we used to walk back stopping off at a few bars on the way.

[ATLFalconsFAN]

Originally Posted by GT6

For all those going for the first time to le mans the drivers parade is well worth going, the best way to get there is on the tram from the circuit, trying to get parked in the town will be very difficult, get there early and have a few beers before it starts, also try and find a place close to the start as further on the whole process starts to grid to a halt. After the parade you can find places to eat but better to book a table earlier if you want something nice. Tram works for a few hours after the parade but we used to walk back stopping off at a few bars on the way.

You walked back to the circuit from the city center?! That's a pretty darn long walk! How long is it, how long would it take if you weren't stopping at bars? I've only ever taken the tram or driven in.

[GT6]

yes it is quite a walk it took us quite a few hours but involved a few stops,

[batmobile]

Originally Posted by GT6

yes it is quite a walk it took us quite a few hours but involved a few stops,

And it is also a quiet walk! About 4,5 miles.

[wewantourdarbyback]

Don't make the mistake we made in our first attempt at going to the parade, staying in Place De La Republique and being stuck being a huge crowd for hours. This last couple of years myself Simmi and CTD have been for a meal in the square and waited until just before they close the roads completely, sauntered down to a spot near the newspaper offices and settled in. Definitely worth going, just make sure you get a good spot and bring some sustenance.

[CTD]

Originally Posted by wewantourdarbyback

Don't make the mistake we made in our first attempt at going to the parade, staying in Place De La Republique and being stuck being a huge crowd for hours. This last couple of years myself Simmi and CTD have been for a meal in the square and waited until just before they close the roads completely, sauntered down to a spot near the newspaper offices and settled in. Definitely worth going, just make sure you get a good spot and bring some sustenance.

But not too much, finding a toilet is difficult .
But a real good spot.

[Badlands99]

With regards to the change of route, I can understand why.

We were watching from the steps leading to the 'tunnel' area and whilst we had a pretty good view, there were a fair few late comers pushing to get a better position. generally the area was very crowded and with some of the metal railings that line the upper the walkways and steps being fairly old I don't think that it would have taken too much to for there to be a serious incident.

For once, I can see why they have felt the need to do this and have to agree that it's a sensible decision.

With regards to is the parade worth attending? .............. As last year was my first Le Mans, I thought that it was. Would I go every year? Probably not - once you have seen one ............

On the subject of restaurants - we made the mistake of not booking and therefore stuggled initially to find somewhere but were very fortunate to stumble on a lovely, small place in the old town above the tunnel that had a table free - they did not appear to accept bookings ........ if you are prepared to look you will find something!

[claude2cv]

The bits before the drivers start going around can be interesting - the sound of the Mazda 787 reverberating off the high buildings in 2011 was worth the trip into town

Sean

[batmobile]

The new route : https://www.francebleu.fr/cruiser-pr...QNeXb98qTH.jpg

[Adam43]

That's quite a bit shorter (probably good for the drivers) and misses out the place I've normally watched.

[Brake dust]

Do you think with the shorter route distance - the overall length of time will be alot shorter too? The one year I attended - it felt like it was too drawn out - with alot of time in between each team,

[GT6]

the problem with the parade is the further on you are on the course the more the gaps increase, so towards the end the gaps get bigger it will never changeand is the same for all parades

[Adam43]

Here are some photos from last year.

1-3: Drivers (past and present) on the parade
4: Some vantage points are better than others
5: The crowds
6: Standing tall

Another tip. Don't stand too close to a PA, it can be very loud or eventually very tiring.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by GT6

For all those going for the first time to le mans the drivers parade is well worth going, the best way to get there is on the tram from the circuit, trying to get parked in the town will be very difficult, get there early and have a few beers before it starts, also try and find a place close to the start as further on the whole process starts to grid to a halt. After the parade you can find places to eat but better to book a table earlier if you want something nice. Tram works for a few hours after the parade but we used to walk back stopping off at a few bars on the way.

Some people prefer to get the tram rather than walking back.
I suppose it depends when you have to get up in the morning.

[GT6]

i would get the tram back now but when i was younger the tought of stopping for several beers on the way back was part of reason, and there was no tram in those days. However this year i will be in the camp cooking, eating, chatting to people and i might partake of a few refreshing beverages

[Adam43]

Just to be sociable?

[Aysedasi]

Simon is nothing if not sociable.......

[GT6]

I try to be sociable but sometimes Helen drags me back to my tent saying i am being too sociable, still this year she will not be getting there until late thursday so plenty of time to be sociable

[whitemr2]

Drivers parade is an absolute must do for firsttimers. Great atmosphere but very busy. That is why I have not attended for several years. This year however we bring some LM virgens, so driversparade here we come.