Le Mans, traditionally the capital of the province of Maine, is a city located on the Sarthe River, in France.

Le Mans has a well-preserved old town and a cathedral, Cathedrale St-Julien, dedicated to St Julian of Le Mans, who is honoured as the city's first bishop. There are remnants of a Roman wall in the old town and Roman baths by the river.

Le Mans, the gateway to the Loire Valley France a lovely old French city with a very famous 24 hour motor race where all the big manufactures have been there or are there Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes plus many many more. 

Le Mans is a beautiful city besides the fact that once a year it holds its 24 hour motor race. Le Mans is 80km northwest of tours in the departement of Sarthe, some way from the Loire valley but included here as a good, relatively untouristy base between the latter and Normandy, with swift transport connections down to Angers and Tours. The city is taken over by car fanatics in the middle of June for the famous 24-hour race, but for the rest of the year it's still lively enough, with one of the most beautiful old quarters of any city in France, overlooked by the remarkable cathedral.

There is far more to Le Mans than just its legendary motor sports past. The Old Town area of Le Mans is especially appealing and features ancient Roman walls, a true labyrinth of winding alleyways, and many old buildings, which are full of character, both inside and out. Close to this part of the city you will find the Sarthe River and the centrally located Place de la Republique.