Best Things to do in Le Mans | Must-see attractions 2025

Papea Parc

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theme Park

Parc de Papea Lieu Dit Neptune

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Papea Parc is an amusement park in Yvré-l'Évêque, near Le Mans, France, designed specifically for younger children with diverse attractions and activities.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

€12 for adults, €10 for children (ages 2-12). Discounts available for groups.

Royal Abbey of Epau

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Route de Change

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The Royal Abbey of Epau, founded in 1229 by Berengaria of Navarre, exemplifies Cistercian architecture and houses significant cultural history near Le Mans, France.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Musee de Tesse

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

2 avenue de Paderborn

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Musee de Tesse in Le Mans, France features Italian, Flemish, Dutch, and French paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries, alongside sculptures and an Egyptian gallery.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a fee.

Carre Plantagenet

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

2 Rue Claude Blondeau

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Carre Plantagenet is a museum in Le Mans, France, dedicated to the region's heritage, showcasing historical artifacts and architectural features relevant to local history.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Notre-Dame de la Couture

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Place Aristide Briand

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Notre-Dame de la Couture is a historic Catholic church located in Le Mans, France, known for its architectural features and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Musee Vert

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

204 avenue Jean Jaures

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The Musée Vert in Le Mans, France, is a natural history museum showcasing nearly 300,000 specimens spanning flora, fauna, minerals, and fossils since 1995.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Arche de la Nature

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

National Park

16 avenue Francois Mitterrand

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Arche de la Nature is a scenic park in Le Mans, France, featuring diverse forests, nature trails, and educational exhibitions focused on ecology and conservation.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a ticket fee.

Collegiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour du Mans

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

15 avenue de Rostov-sur-le-Don

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Collegiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour du Mans is a notable collegiate church located in Le Mans, France, recognized for its architectural features and historical significance.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Le Jardin des Plantes

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

1 Rue de Sinault

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Le Jardin des Plantes is an 8-hectare botanical garden in Le Mans, France, featuring distinct French and English landscaping styles and rich historical significance.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free.

Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Pre du Mans

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Place du Pré

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Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Pre du Mans is a Catholic church located in Le Mans, France, known for its historical significance and architectural features.

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Chapelle de la Visitation

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Place de la Republique

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Chapelle de la Visitation in Le Mans, France, features 17th-century architecture, historical significance, and serves as a tranquil space for worship and reflection.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Church

Place du Cardinal Grente (Place Saint-Michel)

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The Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, features remarkable stained glass and historical significance in Le Mans, France.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Ile aux Planches

Open 24 hours

Park

rue Ampere

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Ile aux Planches is a serene park located in Le Mans, France, featuring lush greenery, walking paths, and scenic views of the Sarthe River.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the park.

Jardin des Tanneries

Open all day

Garden

Quai Louis Blanc

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Jardin des Tanneries in Le Mans, France, offers a peaceful garden space featuring pathways, greenery, and historic elements for relaxation and leisure.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free.

Jardins Pierre-de-Ronsard

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Garden

Avenue de Rostov-sur-le-Don

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Jardins Pierre-de-Ronsard in Le Mans, France, features diverse floral displays and serene pathways, ideal for nature lovers and leisurely strolls.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Maison de l'Eau

Mar-Oct We,Su 14:00-17:30; SH Tu-Su 14:00-17:30; May 01 off

Museum

51 rue de l'Estérel

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Maison de l'Eau in Le Mans, France, is a museum dedicated to the history, use, and conservation of water resources. It offers exhibitions, educational programs and outdoor areas.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Museum of the Queen Berengere

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

Rue de la Reine Berangere

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Museum of the Queen Berengere in Le Mans, France features historical exhibits showcasing the legacy of Queen Berengere and the city's rich heritage.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

eglise Saint-Lazare du Mans

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Rue de l'Eglise Saint-Lazare

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Église Saint-Lazare du Mans dates back to the 11th century, featuring Romanesque architecture and unique historical significance in the Sarthe region.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special guided tours may charge a fee.

Eglise Saint-Bertrand du Mans

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

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Eglise Saint-Bertrand du Mans is a historic church located in Le Mans, France, known for its remarkable architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations appreciated for maintenance.

La Peniche Excelsior

11:00 AM–12:00 AM

Event hall

Allonnes

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La Peniche Excelsior in Le Mans is a historic barge offering unique dining experiences on the Sarthe River with a focus on local cuisine and culture.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free entry. Meals and events may have associated costs.

Salle Jean Carmet

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Theater

Boulevard d'Anjou

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Salle Jean Carmet in Le Mans, France, is a renowned theater known for its diverse cultural offerings and modern architectural design.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General admission: €20. Discounts available for students and seniors.

Chateau de la Foreterie

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Castle

Avenue du 19 Mars 1962

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Chateau de la Foreterie, located in Le Mans, France, is a historic castle known for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore its rich history dating back to the 16th century.

Duration: 2 hours.

€8 for adults, €5 for children. Free for toddlers and special events may require a fee.

Eglise Saint-Paul de Bellevue

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Rue du Luxembourg

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Eglise Saint-Paul de Bellevue in Le Mans, France, features a modern architecture style and is a site of cultural significance for the local community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry for all visitors.

College des Oratoriens du Mans

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Rue Montesquieu

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College des Oratoriens du Mans, founded in 1685, is an educational and historical institution known for its remarkable architecture and cultural significance in Le Mans, France.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some specific events may involve a paid entry.

Eglise du Christ-Sauveur du Mans

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

73 Rue des biguareau

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Eglise du Christ-Sauveur du Mans is a church located in Sarthe, France, notable for its unique architecture and historical significance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may incur a ticket fee.

Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

6 rue Notre-Dame

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Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Sainte-Croix, located in Le Mans, France, is a historic church known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Eglise Saint-Nicolas de Coulaines

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

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Eglise Saint-Nicolas de Coulaines, Le Mans, France, features 19th-century Neo-Gothic architecture and rich local history, making it a noteworthy stop for visitors.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free entry. Special events may require tickets.

MMArena

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Stadium

Chemin aux Boeufs

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MMArena is a modern stadium in Le Mans, France, primarily used for football and motorsport events, with a seating capacity of over 25,000 spectators.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Prices vary by event. General admission for football matches typically starts at €10.

Gue de Maulny

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

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Gue de Maulny is an archeological site in Le Mans, France, notable for its ancient Roman ruins and rich historical context, attracting researchers and visitors alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special guided tours may have a fee.

House of the Prairie

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

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House of the Prairie is an animal park in Le Mans, France, showcasing diverse wildlife, interactive exhibits, and educational programs for all ages.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Adults: €12, Children (4-12): €8, Family ticket available (2 adults + 2 children): €35.

Escalier de la Grande Poterne

All day open

Mall

Escalier de la Grande Poterne

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Escalier de la Grande Poterne in Le Mans, France, is a historic staircase dating back to the 14th century, connecting the upper and lower parts of the city with captivating architecture and rich history.

Duration: About 30 minutes.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Stade Beaulieu

10:00 AM–12:00 AM

Stadium

Rue de Beaulieu

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Stade Beaulieu is a multi-purpose venue in Le Mans, France, hosting sports events, concerts, and community gatherings since its inauguration in 1971.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Entry prices vary by event; some community events may be free.

Passerelle Dunlop

Open all day

Bridge

Circuit des 24 Heures

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Passerelle Dunlop in Le Mans, France, is a pedestrian bridge completed in 2014, connecting the city center to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race circuit, offering scenic views and a unique architectural design.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. Special events may have additional costs.

place Saint-Michel

Open all day

Mall

Place Saint-Michel

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Place Saint-Michel is a vibrant square in Le Mans, France, offering historical architecture and a lively atmosphere ideal for relaxation and social events.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free. No entry fee required to visit the square.

Campus Universite du Maine

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Avenue Olivier Messiaen

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Campus Université du Maine in Le Mans, France offers a comprehensive educational experience as part of the public University of Le Mans under the Academy of Nantes.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free for most areas; check for specific events that may require admission.

Chapelle Du Centre Hospitalier

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

72100 Le Mans

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Chapelle Du Centre Hospitalier in Le Mans, France, offers comprehensive medical services in a historic setting with unique architectural features.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are encouraged for maintenance.

Square Wilbur Wright

Open 24 hours

Garden

Place du Jet d'Eau

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Square Wilbur Wright in Le Mans, France, celebrates aviation history with a tribute to Wilbur Wright, featuring green spaces and a playground.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.