Why nobody had anything good to say about Le Mans is beyond me. Before leaving for Le Mans I fielded questions why I would even go there. My answer about the historic importance of the Cité Plantagenêt didn’t satisfy anyone. But who cares what others think when you know better?
arriving in Le Mans @France
We reached Le Mans with the TGV from Gare Montparnasse in Paris in less than an hour. A leisurely walk brought us then from the train station, through a nice looking city, to the historic part of Le Mans, the Cité Plantagenêt. Already on this walk we realized that the naysayers were totally wrong.
walking through Le Mans @France
Our apartment L’Hallai du Roy was right in the middle of the historic center. From the outside the building didn’t look 300 years old, but getting up the narrow staircase proved that point. The houses around us were probably even older. A dream come true for any history fan.
L’Hallai du Roy on the left @Le Mans
We had an early dinner that evening, since traveling for a day does make me tired (although I don’t understand why, it’s not as if I am flying the plane myself). But after dinner we needed to walk off the meal. Sunset was later than 9:30pm, an added benefit of traveling west, and allowed us to already get a first impression of the medieval town.
cobbled streets and timbered houses @Le Mans
still sunny after 9pm in summer @Le Mans
more cobbled streets and timbered houses @Le Mans
empty streets @Le Mans
nice spot for a drink @Le Mans
sunset over the new part of the city @Le Mans
The evening walk was already spectacular. I couldn’t wait to see it all in bright sunlight. Eventually we made our way to the city wall. This Roman wall from the 4th century surrounds the medieval city and includes twelve towers. It’s wonderfully preserved and just amazing to see.
Roman wall @Le Mans
Climbing up the stairs we returned into the Cité Plantagenêt, right at the back of the Cathedral Saint Julian. Here we came face to face with a prehistoric menhir. To me it looked as if the standing stone had a face.
a prehistoric menhir @Le Mans
That was adventure enough for a day and left the visit of the cathedral for another day. Yours, Pollybert
Cathedral Saint Julian @Le Mans
