I cannot recommend too highly the Chateau de Montaupin at Oizé, about ten miles south of the circuit. It is officially a bed and breakfast, but serves excellent meals most evenings. The owners have close relationships with the circuit, and the husband had a lot to do with Sebastien Bourdais’s career development. The rooms are, in effect, suites, beautifully decorated. The garden has a swimming pool, and the welcome is excellent. If you have dinner there, they tend to give you too much in the way in the of drink before dinner, let alone during the meal! They also have a separate gite in the grounds. Rates are very reasonable. – tel: (0033) (0) 243 87 81 70.
The Hotel de France, at la Chartre sur le Loir, a little further south, has very strong connections with the race – hence the bar with its walls lined with signed photographs of drivers and their cars over many years. Christophe, the barman is a mine of racing information. The restaurant is excellent, although some of the rooms are on the small side. Tel 02 43 44 40 16
Not a hotel, but a “must” restaurant is la Petite Auberge at Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, with a “to die for” terrace overlooking the river Sarthe. Magic on a summer’s evening – must book. Tel 02 43 94 80 52.
Finally, do not miss a meal in Le Mans old town, at Le Flambadoux – as long as you like copious southwestern French food and wine. Tel 02 43 24 88 38.
Happy hunting!
