Where to stay for race week, circuit by circuit

Five big weekends: the 24 Hours Motos in April, the French MotoGP in May, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, Le Mans Classic in July and the 24 Hours Trucks in autumn. Each fills local accommodation, the June 24 Hours by far the most.

At the circuit (campsites, a few hotels) you walk to the gates but book earliest; the city centre has the most rooms, restaurants and the tram to the track. Our zone comparison weighs both on real numbers.

Most British fans take a ferry to Caen, Le Havre or St Malo and drive down (about 2h30 from Caen); others fly into Paris and take the one-hour TGV. Our getting-there page covers the routes and nearest airports.

Stay in Le Mans to be close, but book early and pay more; Tours and Angers are about an hour out with thousands of rooms at normal prices, the classic move when the city sells out.

For many it is the definitive way to do the race, cheapest and closest to the action, though basic and noisy. The campsites near and around the circuit book months ahead.

Prices spike near the circuit during race week and stay closer to normal the further out you base yourself. Budget chains and campsites are the value end; booking early with free cancellation locks in the best rate.

The MotoGP draws a huge crowd and books up fast too; Le Mans Classic and the Trucks are easier, with more choice and friendlier prices. All reward booking ahead.