Sightseeing in Le Mans - what to see. Complete travel guide

Le Mans is a town in France that is also the center of the Sarthe administrative department. The population of the city estimated 141.4 thousand in 2005.

Once this city has been the capital of Man earldom. It was founded on the place of the Gaelic-Roman settlement. The walls of this settlement have survived until now and they surround the historical center of Le Mans.

The city was ambushed by the Normans in 1063. After the death of Wilhelm II Le Mans was conquered by the Plantagenets. Starting from that period the history of Le Mans was tightly connected with the history of the British dynasty that ruled this place until 1399. The king of France John II Kind was born here.

The local cathedral is also the location of the relics of the Count of Anjou Geoffrey V the Handsome, the father of the king of England Henry II Plantagenet and Queen Verengaria – the wife of Richard the Lion Heart. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

As soon as Man earldom joined the territory of France, it had to cope with numerous troubles. First Le Mans was damaged by religious wars, and then it became the arena for bloody battles between the revolutionists and counter-revolutionaries. It was conquered by the Germans in French-Prussian war. Later German troops took Le Mans once again during World War II.

After the war the city was renovated for many years to bring back its traditional architecture. The city features several architectural sights that reflect various epochs. Here you can see half-timbered houses and mansions made of stone and built in the Renaissance style. Saint-Julien Cathedral built in the 12th century features mostly gothic look. However, the architects of the building made the portal in the Roman style, while the arches of the church that cross nave have the Anjou type of building. A large stained-glass window that features the Holy Mother of God is also very interesting.

Starting from 1923 Le Mans has become home to a famous race named “24 hours of Le Mans”. Near the route of the race is built the Automobile Museum.

In the historical area is located the abbey Lepo, which was founded in 1229. Currently, it represents a great architectural value. This abbey was the last house of Queen Berengaria, who moved here after the death of her spouse. The historic building is located in a vast garden, a walk along which will be a wonderful addition to the excursion.

In the historic area, you can see the castle of the counts of Maine, which also has many interesting historical facts. In the walls of this castle, the future famous King Henry II was born. During the years of his existence, he received many noble persons. Throughout its existence, this castle has been constantly rebuilt and expanded. It has remained unchanged the last 150 years.

One of the oldest buildings in the city is the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, which was founded in the 11th century. Now this monastery is the largest and one of the oldest in the country. Today, there are state institutions in the grand historical building, which has preserved unique elements of decoration in the style of the past.

In the south-western part of the historic district is the original Church of Saint-Pierre-la-Cours that was built on this site in the 10th century. Over a thousand years of its existence, the construction has changed a lot. However, it still continues to be one of the most unusual historical buildings in the city. The facade of the church is decorated with windows of various shapes and sizes, which, in combination with the old stone facade, creates a very unusual impression.

A notable Gothic-style monument is the Church of Notre-Dame du Pre, which was built in the 11th century. The church is located in one of the most picturesque areas of the city, on the bank of the Sart River. Almost a thousand years ago, it was erected on the wrecks of a ruined old chapel. Now the high tower of the church crowned with a cross, can be seen from many streets of the historic district.

Even an ordinary walk through the city streets can turn into an exciting excursion. In Le Mans, are preserved buildings of various epochs; among them are very beautiful medieval buildings. Of particular interest are historic hotels, with each of which is bound to be a fascinating story. Some guest houses were founded in the 15th century and hosted royalty. Now, everyone can live in them.