Le Mans is a city that is known primarily for the racetrack, where the famous 24-hour car and motorcycle race are held. It also has a very well-preserved medieval town.
The city has existed since the Roman times, and the remains of the city walls have been preserved from this period. In the 4th century, Bishop Julian led the Christianization of the area around Le Mans. According to the legend, he miraculously restored drinking water in the city and resurrected one of the inhabitants. In the 9th century, the construction of the monumental St. Juliana, which is currently one of the main attractions of Le Mans.
The Old Town of Le Mans has a well-preserved medieval urban layout. In addition to the cathedral, you can see the collegiate church of St. Peter from the 13th century, the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Pre and the former Palace of Governors. There are also picturesque half-timbered houses in the center, and a former Cistercian monastery on the outskirts of the city.
You can also visit several interesting museums in Le Mans, such as the Carré Plantagenêt - Le Mans Archaeological and History Museum, the Tesse Museum, the Palace of the Counts of Maine and the Queen Berengaria Museum. Alongside the off-center motor racing circuit, there is the Automobile Museum, which also presents the history of racing at Le Mans.
