If Le Mans immediately reminds you of rillettes and the 24 Hours, nothing could be more normal.
These common references have been viscerally linked to the city, which is as gourmet as it is sporty, for a long time (we have just celebrated the centenary of the world-famous car race).
However, recently, the Manceaux have shown a new pride in their painting: the sound.
Technological, spatialized, sequenced, sound is the subject of particular attention in the city and the region, which include an acoustics laboratory at the University of Le Mans (Laum) as well as a sound design school ( Talm-Le Mans).
To discover
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Jean-Michel Jarre is the godfather of the Le Mans sound festival Photo Press
An ecosystem conducive to a new major event, Le Mans Sonor, the third edition of which is being held this weekend (January 20 to 28), with the stainless steel Jean-Michel Jarre as its sponsor.
The International Sound Biennale, which enlivens the city center for a week, is equipped with a sound dome - a new wooden structure equipped with the latest generation speakers for cosmic acoustics.
The program also wants to resonate internationally with the presence of Jeff Mills, the techno star from Detroit, Christina Kubisch, German pioneer of sound art, and Thierry Balasse, sound director, specialist in electroacoustics.
We are therefore promised ultrafuturistic shows of exceptional quality.
On January 20, for the inauguration, some 600 spectators (this is the capacity of the dome) will attend Jean-Michel Jarre's master class.
The maestro of digital sounds himself pays homage, in his latest album Oxymore, to the pioneer of musique concrete, the brilliant Pierre Henry, who died in 2017: the circle is complete!
The Sound Dome, Place des Jacobins.
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What to do and what to visit in Le Mans?
JEAN-CLAUDE BOULARD-CARRÉ MUSEUM PLANTAGENÊT
The Jean-Claude Boulard-Carré Plantagenêt museum City of Le Mans/Press photo
Located exactly at the junction between the Plantagenêt city and the new town, the Museum of Archeology and History conceals a collection of treasures which allows you to discover the history of the Sarthois territory.
From prehistory to the Roman occupation, of which there remains a very beautiful enclosure with the glowing reflections of pink mortar and crushed brick, up to the medieval city.
Thanks to the temporary exhibition, “Mechanics of a city, suburbs of Le Mans” (until May 5), we understand the metamorphoses of the rural site which has become, in less than two hundred years, an important urban center just 54 minutes away. from Paris.
Thanks to the railway arriving in 1854, then the automobile industry, Le Mans, a crossroads for connections to the west, has nevertheless managed to preserve its individual houses with gardens, which today attract neo-rural residents.
Museum of Archeology and History
, 2, rue Claude-Blondeau.
Such.
: 02
43
47
46
45.
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THE PLANTAGENÊT CITY
The Roman walls of the Plantagenêt city, historical pride of Le Mans City of Le Mans/Press photo
The historical pride of Le Mans.
These are twelve hectares, timeless, of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, remarkably preserved.
Stroll with your nose in the air in the Plantagenêt city, named after a dynasty of French origin which governed England from 1151 to 1485. Stop at the Maison des Deux-Amis, dating from the 1430s, recently restored ( at 18-20, rue de la Reine-Bérengère).
So you won't miss any of the corbels and other sculpted details.
In the vast Saint-Julien cathedral, half Romanesque, half Gothic, you should not miss the stained glass window of the Ascension (11th-12th centuries), an authentic jewel.
THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS MUSEUM
The 24 Hours of Le Mans automobile museum 24 Hours Museum / Press photo
It's impossible to pass through Le Mans without admiring the approximately 140 vehicles displayed like trophies, having traveled the famous circuit for a century.
Through legendary models from Bentley to Porsche or Audi, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) tells the crazy epic of racers from Luigi Chinetti to Steve McQueen, whose motto was "
Racing is life
" !
We also don't miss the rotunda where hundreds of miniature models which have marked the history of the famous great automobile endurance race are brought together.
Finally, until March 31, enthusiasts will also enjoy returning to their childhood with “Circuit 24, story of a toy”, namely the authentic miniaturized 24 Hours circuit, on which mini-cars run.
Entrance: 12 euros;
free for children under 10.
The 24 Hours Museum.
9, place Luigi-Chinetti.
Tel.: 02 43 72 72 24.
A WORKSHOP AT 22: THE PASSION FOR FLOWERS
Nathalie Monnot, locaflore florist Press photo
In an alley in the Plantagenêt city, Nathalie Monnot has set up her cozy and colorful universe in a rental house, with old charm with beams and high ceilings.
This ex-Parisian, historian and teacher, made a career change in the floral field, particularly interested in “slow flower”, a movement respecting the seasons and eco-responsible commerce.
She sources plants, cut and dried flowers mainly in France and the region, to create her compositions.
Ranunculus, anemones, and soon Sarthe tulips, feature in his current compositions (approx. €45).
Every Saturday, Nathalie shares her passion during a 2-hour workshop with amateurs (€35, dried flowers) and (€45, cut flowers), by reservation.
We obviously leave with our bouquet!
A Workshop at 22, 22, rue des Chanoines.
Tel.: 06 17 76 01 41.
EXCURSION TO THE ROYAL ABBEY OF L’ÉPAU
The cloister of the royal abbey of Epau Press photo
Less than ten kilometers from Le Mans, the magnificent royal abbey, founded in 1230 by Bérengère de Navarre, wife of Richard the Lionheart, is an admirably restored architectural gem.
In the middle of the 13 hectares of garden, the heritage site formerly inhabited by Cistercian monks, houses the tomb of Queen Berengaria, and bears witness to monastic life in the 13th century with its different rooms, from the scriptorium (for the copyist monks) to the The abbey church, one of the few preserved in France.
The permaculture garden, designed in the shape of a rosette, serves as a vegetable garden for the restaurant of the neighboring Domaine de l'Épau.
Tip: bring back a jar of homemade green tomato jam (€5.90) from the abbey shop.
Royal Abbey of Épau, Route de Changé, 72530 Yvré-l'Évêque.
Tel.: 02 43 84 22 29.
DOMAIN OF EPAU
Unusual accommodation in the domaine de l’épau, in Yvré-l’Évêque Press photo
At the gates of the Ark of Nature, a green lung of more than 500 hectares, Arnaud Briant has set up a resort made up of a restaurant (local cuisine) and six eco-responsible accommodations which literally blend into nature.
Each ecologde, nicely equipped, can accommodate up to 6 people: €110 per night for 2 people.
with breakfast.
For a pleasant break.
Domaine de l'épau, Lieu-dit Arche de la nature, Le Verger, 72530 Yvré-l'Évêque.
Such.
02 43 27 20 00.
Where to sleep in Le Mans?
THE LEPRINCE HOTEL AND SPA
The Executive room at the Hôtel Leprince Hôtel Leprince/ Press photo
You must enter the courtyard of the former Visitation convent, built in the 18th century, a stone's throw from Place de la République, to reach the recently renovated 4-star hotel.
With 38 rooms including two suites, the hotel displays a contemporary style, full of contrasts, in black and golden beige colors.
Large portraits of the third type (a little curious!) line the walls of the bedrooms and living room.
Certain elements of the convent have nevertheless been preserved, such as the chapel with its polychrome ceiling, transformed into a bathroom in suite 111, a curiosity!
In the basement, a spa with various themes (Nordic, Oriental, Japanese, etc.) completes the offer.
From €107 for a double room, breakfast €17.
Hôtel Leprince et Spa, 5, allée Leprince-d’Ardenay.
Tel.: 02 72 16 81 77.
THE GUEST ROOMS AT MANOIR AUVRAY
The Manoir Auvray offers prestigious guest rooms in the ultra-center of Le Mans Press photo
Adolphe Besnard is one of those Parisians who fled the capital during confinement.
Returning to his native region after more than twenty years of experience in ready-to-wear clothing, he bought this large family house dating from 1802 and restored it to his taste with local craftsmen.
The result is stunning: baroque elegance, attention to detail, from fabrics to wallpapers and decorative objects often found at the Sunday morning flea market in Le Mans... The five rooms (Jaïpur, Trianon, Zanzibar...) are ultra-welcoming.
In barely a year, the very affable owner has already gained the loyalty of a circle of regulars.
Double room at €90, breakfast €15.
Bed and breakfast - Manoir Auvray.
15, rue Auvray.
Such.
: 06 23 79 59 20.
Where to sit?
L’ÉPI’CURIEUX
L'épi'curieux, a restaurant housed in a former bakery in the heart of the old town.
Press photo
In the heart of the old town with its cobbled streets, the young chef François Ricordeau, 36, has taken over an old bakery decorated with beautiful period earthenware to set up his bistro canteen.
The one who, after the Ferrandi school, cut his teeth with Michelin-starred restaurants, and tasted adventure during a year-long getaway to Montreal, offers a menu without arrogance.
On the slate as well as on the menu, the products are sourced in the region - Maine snail cromesquis served with chestnut velouté (€12.50);
supreme of guinea fowl stuffed with truffle accompanied by a creamy pearl barley risotto (€27.50).
The 5-course menu is €45.
Open Saturday lunchtime and evening.
Restaurant L'épi'curieux, 4, rue de la Vieille-Porte.
Tel.: 02 43 77 15 63.
RESERVE
La Réserve, a gourmet bistro with a warm setting.
Press photo
According to the numerous and very diverse crowds, this gourmet bistro, in the city center, is THE rallying point for Manceaux and other passing customers.
As a family, with friends, as a couple, we come here for the warm setting (wooden tables and floral wallpaper, velvet benches) and above all for the food.
Chef Olivier Boussard presents simple and tasty cuisine: butternut velouté (€8.50), pan-fried scallops and hake, shellfish juice with seasonal vegetables (€27.50), veggie burger with soy steak and fries house (€19.95).
Less successful and rather banal, the Belle-Hélène pear (€11.30).
The reserve, 34, Place de la République.
Tel.: 02 43 52 82 82.
Our gourmet addresses
CHEESE AND ITS FRIENDS
Fabien Degoulet has opened a pretty cheese shop on the quayside along the Sarthe Press photo
Fabien Degoulet, heir to a line of cheesemakers, spent ten years in Japan, before opening his beautiful boutique on the quayside along the Sarthe.
In addition to a wide variety of sourced cheeses, it offers tastings paired with wine (2 hours, €59, registration: tellmewine.fr).
Fromage et ses amis, 107, quai Ledru-Rollin.
Tel.: 02 43 52 37 45.
SONNER DISTILLERY
Plum, greengage, apple, pear, apricot, and… rillette brandy!
You had to dare to use THE star product of Le Mans to make yourself known.
People come from far and wide to taste this curiosity made from Cénomans pork, a local breed.
After visiting the still room, it's time to discover the products: the test of 2 eaux-de-vie (1 cl) lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, €7;
the test of 5 alcohols (1 cl) with snacking in pairing, from 1h30 to 2 hours, €20.
Saturday, by reservation.
The Sonneur distillery, 7, rue du Vert-Galant.
Tel.: 02 72 91 56 74.
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