The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a motorsport spectacle like no other, drawing fans from around the globe to witness high-speed endurance racing at its finest. For anyone planning their trip, understanding the Le Mans 24hr spectator areas is essential – the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has introduced several new zones in recent years, meaning even long-time attendees may not be aware of everything that’s now on offer.
These additions feature prime viewing spots, family-friendly sections, and immersive fan experiences, all designed to bring you closer to the action and atmosphere that make Le Mans legendary.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best trackside vantage points that provide exceptional views of the race. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable year, these viewing locations promise unbeatable sights, electric energy, and a true taste of endurance racing history.
New Le Mans 24hr Spectator Areas
Karting
The introduction of a viewing bank in the Karting area of the track is an exciting addition for Le Mans racegoers, providing you with a fantastic vantage point of the long right-hand turn which is a favourite amongst drivers.
Karting is situated just after Porsche Curves, meaning it is easily accessible on foot for those staying at either of our Bronze or Silver sites. For those who are staying further away, you can also hop on the visitor train to access this area. You will need your General Admission ticket to access the viewing bank.
What you will find at Karting:
- 👥 Fan Zone
- 🖥️ Giant TV race coverage
- 🥤 Refreshments
- 🚾 Toilets
Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche has seen the introduction of new covered grandstands, namely the Maison Blanche, Hill and Shelby grandstands.
These grandstands provide a brilliant view of the fast, banked turn that pushes the cars towards the barriers. To access this area, you will need a General Admission ticket and a grandstand ticket for any of the three aforementioned stands.
What you will find at Maison Blanche:
- 🖥️ Giant TV race coverage
- 🥤 Refreshments
- 🚾 Toilets
Tertre Rouge
One of the most famous areas of the track – Tertre Rouge – now has a Fan Zone! Set in a leafy, relaxed spot, it’s the perfect place to unwind while still being right on top of the action.
From here you can watch the cars sweep through the fast right-hander and launch onto the legendary Mulsanne Straight, engines roaring as they disappear into the trees. Open to all General Admission ticket holders, it’s a superb blend of atmosphere, comfort and pure racing spectacle.
What you will find at the Tertre Rouge Fan Zone:
- 🖥️ Giant TV race coverage
- 🥤 Refreshments
- 🚾 Toilets
Other Le Mans 24hr Spectator Areas
Though there have been a few new additions and alterations in recent years, the original Le Mans 24hr spectator areas are some of the most famous spots on the Circuit de la Sarthe.
All of these are accessible with a General Admission ticket, though if you want to travel by car and park nearby you may need a parking pass for some of the viewing points.
Start/Finish Straight
The Start/Finish Straight is the heartbeat of Le Mans, and the General Admission areas here put you right in the middle of the atmosphere. This is where the race begins with a surge of anticipation and ends in emotional celebration. From these trackside viewing zones you can watch teams perform lightning-fast pit stops, feel the roar of the cars as they charge past, and soak in the energy from the main grandstand opposite.
It’s also one of the best places to experience the unique spirit of Le Mans – fans gathering at sunrise, national flags waving, and the countdown clock ticking toward glory. Whether you drop by during the night or return for the chequered flag, the Start/Finish Straight is essential viewing for any race fan.
TOP TIP: Fans in these areas always invade the track at the end of the race as they rush to see the winning presentation. If you want a chance to see the final lap up close, as well as step foot on the track, the Start/Finish Straight is the place to be!
Dunlop Curve and Bridge
Just after the start line, cars sweep into the fast Dunlop Curve and climb beneath the iconic Dunlop Bridge – one of the most famous sights at Le Mans. Always buzzing with atmosphere, it’s a place where you can feel the race build in intensity as the field stretches out.
Cross the footbridge for access to the viewing banks, where you’ll find excellent angles of the curve and the run up the hill. It’s also a great spot for photography, especially during golden hour or at night when the bridge is lit and headlights blaze through the darkness. A classic Le Mans viewing point you won’t want to miss.
Forest Esses
Many fans describe the Forest Esses as one of the most atmospheric viewing spots at Le Mans. Set deep among the trees between the Dunlop Bridge and Tertre Rouge, it delivers a raw, close-up experience as cars dive downhill and weave through the fast left–right sequence with total commitment. The setting feels ‘uniquely Le Mans’ – motorsport surrounded by nature, with the sound of engines echoing through the forest.
As day turns to night, the spectacle becomes even more dramatic, with headlights slicing through the darkness and speed laid bare in every change of direction. For those willing to walk a little further, the exit of the Esses offers superb, unobstructed views – perfect for photography or simply soaking up the intensity.
Mulsanne Corner
The Mulsanne Corner is one of the most legendary spots on the circuit and provides an excellent vantage point for racegoers. Here, you watch the drivers slow right down as they negotiate the right-angle corner. With very little run-off space, there is basically no margin for error.
Many like to go here at night when you can witness the cars’ brake discs glow in the dark as they rise to extremely hot temperatures.
Located at the furthest tip of the circuit, it can take a while to reach Mulsanne due to traffic in the area. It is advised that you travel via Arnage or Indianapolis and then continue down the D139. If you are unsure on an exact end point, you can put ‘Rue de Stade, Mulsanne’ into your Sat Nav and parking is located down the turn for the Mulsanne Sports Centre at the end of a dusty track. Note: it is a five-minute walk from the car park to the Mulsanne Corner viewing point and you will need a Mulsanne/Arnage Car Park sticker to access it.
This corner is also accessible via the Shuttle Bus (Route 5) from the area by the Tram Terminus, but this too can get very busy.
Arnage/Indianapolis
Many describe the Arnage and Indianapolis corners as a must-visit for any fan going to Le Mans. It is particularly good at night, but it provides a fantastic spectacle at any point during the race – so fit it in when you can!
Here, the cars speed though the trees into the challenging Indianapolis turn before quickly arriving at the Arnage corner. Refreshments are available from the temporary cafes at the bottom of the banking, while there is also a giant TV screen to be able to keep up with the rest of the race at all times.
For parking, you’ll require a Mulsanne/Arnage parking sticker, and it can be either a two-minute or six-minute walking depending on what parking spot the stewards put you in.
Porsche Curves
The best viewing point for Porsche Curves can be found at the private viewing bank located at our Bronze campsite. This viewing bank is exclusive to Motorsport Travel Destinations customers, meaning even if you are staying at our Silver site or in our Pop-up Village, you have access.
This is a fantastic point to watch the race as the cars come belting up from Arnage Corner and travel past the viewing bank at real speed. Porsche Curves is also close by to the new spectator area at Karting.
Chapelle
Though technically classed as an official viewpoint, the area at Chapelle is mainly accessible for members of the ACO Club and aims to provide a privileged and comfortable spot for people to watch the action from.
Packages here usually include private track access, terraces, a lounge area, and refreshment services.
Ford Chicane
The Ford Chicane is where the drama of Le Mans often reaches its peak. This tight, technical sequence is the final challenge before the start–finish line, and it has seen everything from last-lap heartbreak to heroic defensive drives.
From the viewing areas here you can watch cars attack the kerbs, dancing on the edge of control as drivers push to the limit – especially during wheel-to-wheel battles in traffic. Whether it’s the build-up to nightfall or the final minutes of the race, the Ford Chicane delivers pure tension and unforgettable moments.
Book now for 2026!
If you’re planning to experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans, now is the time to secure your place. Several of our packages have already sold out, and availability is now limited to Public Camping, Silver, and Gold options.
These remaining packages put you close to some of the best viewing areas featured in this guide and offer a stress-free Le Mans experience with great locations and facilities. Spaces are going fast – once they’re gone, they’re gone.
🎟️ Official Le Mans 24hr 2026 packages