— Great Escapes for Discerning drivers —

Le Mans Classic 2026

July 3, 2026

By day, immerse yourself in the spectacle of historic racing — witnessing legendary machines from motorsport’s golden eras return to the track. By evening, return to the tranquillity of château life: champagne receptions by the swimming pool, gourmet dining prepared by private chefs, exceptional wines from the Loire Valley, all in great company.

Our luxury Château, set in the rolling countryside of the Sarthe is just 45 minutes from the famous Le Mans motor racing circuit and promises a highly exclusive Le Mans experience.

Tour Highlights

Luxury Château just 45 minutes drive from the Le Mans Circuit
Highly exclusive experience
Gourmet dinners at the Château
Beautiful driving routes to and from the Circuit each day
Entry, Paddock & Grandstand tickets included
Heated swimming pool at the Château

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday 2nd July – Overnight Ferry Crossing (Optional Travel Option)

Your journey begins with a relaxed overnight ferry crossing from the UK to France.

Settle into your private cabin, enjoy dinner and drinks on board, and let the excitement build as you sail towards a weekend of historic motorsport and refined château living. Wake refreshed in France, ready for the scenic drive south.

Day 1: Friday 3rd July – Eurotunnel Option or Drive to the Château & Welcome Dinner

For guests choosing the Eurotunnel, depart Friday morning for a swift crossing to Calais before beginning the picturesque drive through the French countryside towards Le Mans.

Arrive at your exclusive château retreat in the Sarthe region during the afternoon. Check in, unwind by the pool or explore the grounds with a glass of chilled champagne in hand.

Evening:
A fabulous Welcome Dinner awaits. Enjoy a beautifully curated multi-course meal prepared by our private chef, paired with fine regional wines. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, meet fellow guests, and toast the weekend ahead.

Day 2: Saturday 4th July – Le Mans Classic at the Circuit

After breakfast at the château, transfer to the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe for a full day at the iconic Le Mans Classic.

Witness decades of endurance racing history brought back to life as vintage prototypes and GT cars thunder down the Mulsanne Straight. Explore the paddock, admire priceless classic machinery, and soak up the unique atmosphere that makes this event so special.

Optional Upgrade:
Enhance your experience with full hospitality access — premium viewing areas, gourmet catering, and exclusive lounge facilities available for one or both days.

Saturday Evening:
Stay trackside as dusk falls and engines roar into the night. The spectacle of classic race cars illuminated by headlights under the French sky is an unforgettable highlight of the weekend.

Return to the château late evening.

Day 3: Sunday 5th July – Final Races & Poolside BBQ

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before returning to the circuit for the final sessions and podium celebrations.

Take in the last moments of racing, revisit favourite vantage points, or upgrade again to full hospitality for an elevated Sunday experience.

Evening:
Back at the château, unwind with a wonderful BBQ dinner by the swimming pool. As the sun sets over the grounds, enjoy expertly grilled cuisine, fine wines, and the chance to relive the weekend’s highlights in a truly special setting.

Day 4: Monday 6th July – Return Journey Home

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to the château and begin your journey home.

Travel via Eurotunnel or ferry, arriving back in the UK with unforgettable memories of historic racing, refined hospitality, and a truly exceptional Le Mans Classic experience.

Where we'll stay

What's included

- 3 nights’ accommodation at the Château de La Barre
- Return Eurotunnel tickets
- Entry, paddock & grandstand tickets for two at Le Mans Classic
- Welcome gourmet dinner at the Château with wine on Friday
- BBQ dinner with drinks by the pool at the Château on Sunday
- Breakfast every morning
- Comprehensive Classic Travelling Tour Pack & Route Book
- Customer Experience Manager support throughout the event
OPTIONAL EXTRAS & UPGRADES*
- Brittany Ferries Crossing from Portsmouth or Plymouth
- Flexiplus Eurotunnel tickets
- Hospitality Packages & Le Mans
- Track Laps of the Le Mans Circuit
- Helicopter Flight over the Le Mans Circuit
*All extras and upgrades are subject to availability at the time of request.

Requirements

This tour is open to cars of any age. However, the most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, deserving of the vehicles we love, relish character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.

Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for France.
All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour. You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and an international insurance green card.
Please check with your travel and motor insurers that you are covered for travel in the required countries.
You are also required to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, two fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.

Gallery

Spaces available

Price from £2,495 per person based on double occupancy accommodation

Founded 2003

Since 2003 Classic Travelling has specialised in driving tours and motoring holidays for classic, vintage, and sports cars of all ages in the UK, Europe, USA and South Africa.