Le Mans Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France)



Picture of Le Mans's Municpal TheatreLe Mans has a rich heritage as a major Roman town and the birthplace of Henry II. It also has links with the Plantagenet royal family. Visitors to Le Mans can, therefore, expect to enjoy a variety of historic tourist attractions, which are open throughout the year.

During the spring and summer months, Le Mans also boasts a range of entertainment and attractions suitable for tourists and the whole family, including an amusement park and water adventure park.


View of the city's cathedral (Cathedrale St. Julien)

Cathédrale St. Julien

Address: 2 Place Saint-Michel, Le Mans, F-72000, France, FR
Le Man's cathedral is generally acknowledged to be one of France's finest, and biggest religious buildings of its kind. The oldest parts of the cathedral, dedicated to St. Julien, date from the 11th century. Like the nearby cathedral at Chartres, the city's Cathédrale St. Julien boasts some magnificent stained glass windows and a finely carved doorway at its southern entrance. The cathedral is also home to the tomb of the wife of Richard the Lionheart. Together with its beautiful tapestries and frescoes, the cathedral is one of the region's major tourist attractions.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Notre Dame du Pré

Address: 4 Rue Ducré, Le Mans, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 28 52 69
Notre Dame du Pré was originally built on the site of the tomb of St. Julian. It was completely rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries. Of particular note to visitors are the fine 20th-century stained glass windows, which replaced the originals damaged during the Second World War. The church also has an impressive crypt and a fine medieval garden.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Photo showing the Abbaye de l'Epau

Abbaye de l'Epau

Address: Rue de l'Estérel, Le Mans, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 81 44 44
Just outside Le Mans is one of the city's historical gems. The medieval Cistercian Abbey of l'Epau was founded by the wife of Richard the Lionheart. Restored in the 15th century, the abbey remains very much unchanged to this day. Its rural setting next to the Huisne River is particularly appealing to visitors, who come to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, as well as all that this historical attraction has to offer, including dormitories, an abbey church and the tomb of Queen Berengaria herself.
Open hours: daily, 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge

Notre Dame de la Couture

Address: 22 Rue Berthelot, Le Mans, F-72000, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 85 21 92
Notre Dame de la Couture is a gothic-style building that has much to attract visitors. Founded in the 6th century, the former abbey church has some impressive attractions, including splendid stained-glass windows, elaborate stone carvings, the 9th-century shroud of St Bernard, and an impressive crypt.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 12:00; 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Papea City

Address: Bener D314, Le Mans, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 89 61 05
One of Le Man's main family attractions is Papea City, a wild west-themed amusement park located on the outskirts of the city. As well as water attractions and amusement rides, Papea-City caters for Le Mans' younger visitors with a small animal farm, boat rides on the park's lake, and model train rides.
Open hours: daily, July to August - 10:30 to 18:30; April to June, September - reduced opening hours apply
Admission: charge

Centre Aquatique 'Les Atlantides'

Address: Avenue de Volos, Le Mans, France, FR
Tel: +33 0243 50 05 31
Three swimming pools, a long watery toboggan run, diving board, Jacuzzis, saunas, a wave pool and a beach area are just some of the attractions that draw in the crowds to this popular water adventure park during the sunny, summer months. Refreshments are available at the Centre Aquatique 'Les Atlantides', along with seating areas, found both indoors and outdoors.
Open hours: Monday - 10:00 to 19:00; Tuesday - 10:00 to 22:00; Wednesday and Thursday - 10:00 to 19:00; Friday - 10:00 to 22:00; Saturday - 10:00 to 19:00; Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge