The Merguez Warning — Essential Reading Before Le Mans

There is a spicy red sausage at Le Mans. It is called merguez. It is grilled on open braziers at every campsite, every food van and every corner of the circuit from Wednesday morning until Sunday night.

It smells incredible. It tastes incredible. It costs about three euros. At 2am, standing near the Porsche Curves with a beer in your hand and the sound of prototypes in the distance, it is the greatest food on earth.

It will also, if you are not careful, completely ruin your Saturday.

We have written a full guide. It covers:

• What merguez actually is and why it catches people out
• The Merguez Américaine — the baguette stuffed with sausages and frites, which is peak Le Mans cuisine and should be on every bucket list
• The vegetarian merguez option available in French supermarkets (genuinely good)
• The Beermountain Merguez Protocol — a set of simple rules that will protect you
• The checklist (print it out)
• And a link to the Socks Story — the greatest piece of Le Mans writing on the internet, describing a 1998 debut that did not go entirely to plan

⚠️ Official Beermountain Advice

Read the guide before you go. Ideally before your first encounter with the merguez van. The Socks Story is funnier when it hasn't happened to you.

Read the Full Merguez Warning →

Filed under: things we wish someone had told us before our first Le Mans.

Read More

Drivers Parade info:

 

https://www.grande-parade-des-pilotes.com/

Read More

Then and Now - Do it right!

(updated May 2026 by Chris Ring aka Bingo)

---

Le Mans Then vs Now — And How to Do It Right in 2026

If you’ve been before, you’ll already feel it.

If you haven’t… you’ll notice it anyway.

Le Mans has changed. Not overnight—but not slowly either. The shift since COVID has been real, and it’s not going back.

This isn’t a bad thing, but some might say it is!.

But it does mean you need to approach the week a bit differently.

---

🕰️ Then vs Now — What’s Actually Changed?

Then (The Old Days)

• Camp where you liked (more or less)

• Buy tickets at the gate

• Huge open viewing areas

• Minimal facilities

• Cheap food (mostly terrible)

• Organised chaos everywhere

Now (Modern Le Mans)

• Allocated pitches — stay inside your box

• More restricted viewing areas

• Proper fan zones with big screens

• Clean, organised, well-run campsites

• Better food… but you’ll pay for it

And yes—it feels more “corporate”.

But here’s the trade-off:

• Showers that actually work

• Toilets you don’t fear

• Transport that functions

• A circuit that can handle massive crowds

It’s different—but in many ways, better.

---

⚠️ The Big Shift: You Can’t Just Wing It Anymore

This is the key takeaway.

Old Le Mans rewarded turning up and figuring it out.

Modern Le Mans rewards having a plan.

If you don’t adapt, you’ll spend half the week:

• Stuck in queues

• Missing good stuff

• Wondering why it feels hard work

---

✅ How to Do Le Mans Right in 2026
(also see other posts about this)

1. Use the Early Week Properly

Don’t save everything for the weekend.

• Explore the circuit

• Visit the village

• Do exhibitions and displays

• Get your bearings

By Saturday, it’s busy. By Sunday, it’s chaos.

---

2. Treat Friday Like a Main Event

Friday isn’t a filler day anymore—it’s one of the best days of the week.

Do it properly:

• Pit lane walk

• Track walk / cycle

• Drivers parade in town

• Displays and events around the circuit

Skip Friday, and you’ve missed a huge part of Le Mans.

---

3. Use the Fan Zones

You might not want to—but you should.

They’re:

• Well placed

• Easy to follow the race from

• Good for food and drink

Perfect for:

• Night stints

• Meeting points

• Taking a break without missing the race

---

4. Get Off-Site At Least Once

Le Mans isn’t just the circuit.

Use the tram and go into town:

• Old town (Cité Plantagenêt), SEE MORE HERE

• Bars and restaurants

• Drivers parade atmosphere

It’s part of the experience—not an optional extra.

---

5. Socialise at the Campsite

The circuit is for the race.

The campsite is for everything else.

• Chat to neighbours

• Share a beer

• Wander a bit

That’s where Le Mans still feels like Le Mans.

---

🚧 Arrival Day — What Actually Happens

No matter how well you plan… expect a bit of chaos.

Typical experience:

• Traffic building near Arnage and Beauséjour

• Confusing routing near campsites

• Slow-moving entry queues

• Ticket checks that vary wildly

Early in the week:

You may end up explaining your own ticket to the steward.

Later in the week:

They’ve seen it all before and wave you through.

Just go with it.

---

🎟️ The Steward / Security Rule (Important)

There is one universal truth at Le Mans:

No two stewards  (Security at gates)  will react the same way.

The rules about bringing alcohol and bottles in are complex and not consistant ! 

You might find:

• One lets you through without looking

• Another checks everything twice

• Another invents a rule on the spot

Don’t argue.

Smile, nod, adjust, move on.

---

⛺ Campsite Reality

Modern camping is more structured than it used to be.

Key rules:

• Stay inside your marked pitch

• Keep your car and gear within your space

• Talk to neighbours before spreading out

Encroaching = arguments
Talking = usually fine

Private sites are more relaxed—but still organised.

---

🍺 Campsite Etiquette (Unwritten Rules)

• Say hello to your neighbours

• Bring beer (this helps… a lot)

• Don’t take over shared space without asking

• Respect that some people really care about their setup

Do this right, and you’ll make friends quickly.

---

🛒 The Supermarket Run (Do This Right)

Almost everyone makes the same mistake:

👉 Trying to shop before setting up camp

Don’t.

Instead:

1. Get into your pitch

2. Set up your base

3. Then go shopping

Also worth knowing:

• Parts of the circuit close during race week

• Some supermarkets become awkward to reach

• Beer deals are often handed out at the entrance—take the vouchers

---

🚗 The Drive Down — Where It Really Starts

Le Mans doesn’t start at the circuit.

It starts somewhere between the ferry and the first green sign.

You’ll notice:

• Cars that look “like yours”

• Subtle nods between drivers

• Convoys forming naturally

By the time you’re close:

• Everyone’s smiling

• Everyone’s ready

It’s part of the ritual.

Don't forget your Stickers! CLICK HERE

---

🚫 Leaving Early? Plan It Now

This catches people out every year.

Recent changes mean:

• Movement from campsites may be restricted before the end

• Traffic builds heavily just after the finish

If you need a quick exit:

• Park smart (edge of circuit if possible)

• Plan your route in advance

• Don’t assume you can just leave when you want

Get it right and you’re gone in 15 minutes
Get it wrong and you’re stuck for hours

---

❤️ Le Mans Is Still About People

For all the changes, this hasn’t shifted.

Le Mans is still:

• Groups of friends returning every year

• New people joining in

• Campsite conversations that last hours

You can turn up knowing no one…

…and leave with plans for next year.

---

🔁 The Cycle Never Really Ends

You leave on Sunday.

By Monday:

• You’re replaying moments

• Talking about what you’d do differently

• Half-planning next year

That’s just how it works.

---

🧭 Final Thought

Yes, it’s more organised.
Yes, it’s more expensive.
Yes, it’s less chaotic than it used to be.

But if you approach it the right way…

It’s still one of the best events you’ll ever experience.

---

See you there.

Read More

How to Prepare for a Great 24 Hours of Le Mans Experience

WANT TO PREPARE FOR THE LE MANS 24 HOURS?

There's nothing quite like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's not just a race — it's a full-throttle, sleep-deprived, fuel-scented adventure that runs for an entire day and night. Whether it's your first time or you're a returning pilgrim, preparation is the difference between "survived it" and "that was one of the best weekends of my life."

Here's how to get it right.

Created by Chris Ring aka Bingo May 2026

---

🎟️ 1. Sort Your Tickets Early

Le Mans sells out — especially the good stuff.

• General admission gets you access to most viewing areas.
• Grandstands are worth it if you want a guaranteed seat at the start/finish.
• Camping passes are essential unless you're staying off-site.

If you're going with friends, book everything together. Campsites get fragmented quickly, and "we'll just find space" is how you end up a mile apart.

---

⛺ 2. Choose the Right Camping Style

Where you stay shapes your entire experience.

• Trackside camping (e.g. Houx, Tertre Rouge): loud, chaotic, brilliant.
• Quieter sites (e.g. Hippodrome): more sleep, less madness.
• Private campsites: easier, cleaner, more expensive.

If it's your first time, balance matters — you want atmosphere, but also at least some sleep.

👉 See our full Campsite Guide for reviews, ratings and practical info on every site.

---

🚗 3. Plan Your Journey (and Expect Chaos)

Most people travel via ferry (Portsmouth or Dover), Eurotunnel, or driving down through France.

Arrive early if you can — many arrive the weekend before for the test weekend. By Thursday–Friday of race week, traffic builds and queues into campsites can get painful.

---

🧭 4. Learn the Circuit Layout

The Circuit de la Sarthe is huge — over 13km. Key spots to explore:

• Start/Finish straight — pure spectacle
• Tertre Rouge — cars launching onto the Mulsanne
• Mulsanne Straight — insane top speeds
• Arnage — heavy braking and great photography
• Porsche Curves — fast, flowing, unforgettable at night

Don't stay in one place — move around. Each corner feels like a different race.

---

🧳 5. Pack Like You Mean It

This isn't a normal camping trip.

Essentials:

• Tent, chair, sleeping gear
• Earplugs (non-negotiable)
• Power banks and battery packs
• Torch or headlamp
• Wet wipes (trust us)
• Toilet paper — in your bag, every single day (see our Merguez Warning)

Clothing:

• Layers — hot by day, cold at night
• Waterproofs — it will rain eventually
• Comfortable shoes — you'll walk miles

Food & drink:

• Bring more than you think
• A cool box is a game changer
• Reusable cups (beer tastes better trackside)

👉 See our full Packing Guide for the complete list.

---

🌶️ 6. The Merguez Warning

There is a spicy red sausage at Le Mans. It is called merguez. It is everywhere. It smells incredible. It tastes incredible.

⚠️ Do not eat six of them at 3am.

One Imodium per merguez. Always carry toilet paper. Always. This is not a joke. Read the full warning — and the Socks Story →

---

🍺 7. Embrace the Atmosphere

Le Mans isn't just about racing.

• BBQs, beers and campsite culture
• Random conversations with fans from across the world
• Late-night wandering while prototypes scream past in the dark

It's part endurance race, part festival. Lean into it.

---

🕒 8. Pace Yourself (It's 24 Hours…)

You don't need to be awake the whole time. A good rhythm:

• Watch the start (obviously)
• Explore during the afternoon
• Nap early evening
• Wake up for the night racing — the best bit
• Catch sunrise — magical
• Push through to the finish

Trying to do it all without rest usually ends in missing the best moments.

---

📻 9. Stay Informed During the Race

It's hard to follow everything trackside.

• Bring a radio or use an app for commentary
• Check live timing apps
• Screens are scattered around, but not everywhere

Knowing what's happening adds massively to the experience. Radio Le Mans is essential.

---

🌅 10. Don't Miss the Big Moments

Plan around these:

• Race start — electric atmosphere
• Sunset — cars glowing in golden light
• Night racing — pure Le Mans magic
• Sunrise — surprisingly emotional
• Final hour — tension ramps up again

---

🧠 11. Accept That Things Will Go Wrong

• Traffic will be worse than expected
• Something will break or get forgotten
• Weather will do its thing

That's part of it. The best Le Mans trips are the ones where you roll with it.

---

🏁 Final Thought

The 24 Hours of Le Mans isn't a polished, easy weekend — it's messy, loud, exhausting, and completely unforgettable.

Prepare well, stay flexible, and lean into the chaos. That's how you turn a long race into a great one.

Read More

Le Mans Classic film

Read More

WEC led lights

Read More

Chat !

It is the Le Mans 24 hour 2026 and Le Mans Classic 2026 soon.

Want to chat about Le Mans and the Le Mans Classic?

Pistonheads has a great chat room
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&f=25

or try the Beermountain Social facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/45932538624

Read More

The Bentley Boy "Lap" - A Whirlwind Adventure with Andy G

 The Bentley Boy "Lap" - A Whirlwind Adventure with Andy G

 

The Bentley Boy “Lap” – many thanks for your support

So the idea was that I do a lap of the Le Mans Circuit, on a scooter, sponsored by you for Mission Motorsport while dressed in 1923 Bentley gear. In theory that was simple. But this was France…..

The day before our camping team – the “School for Scoundrels” – scooted to the “Beermountain” web forum annual meeting dressed like this. I scooted 6 miles plus on open roads - very hot indeed.  Got some good comments from passing cars but boy was it scary…

We then raised about £3500 from an auction of stuff men only buy when Kronenbourg has been consumed; many thanks to those who donated items. Here’s a before and after – the flat cap is Graham tartan and cravat Oxfam.  We didn’t win “best fancy dress” as the judges said we couldn’t take the trophy as it was too big for a scooter ( it is the 10 kg Mercedes truck “Piston Broke” trophy).

My scooter also had an inflatable Vulcan bomber for aerodynamics (in memory of my good friend “Sqn Ldr Fluffy”, who is much missed at Le Mans). And a see.sense tracker and headlight too. And Martini stripes - so it can go anytime, anyplace, anywhere….

 

The next day the organisers of the race said the track would be open from 3-8pm for green travel laps.  So come 3pm I set off to access the famous Mulsanne straight, a mere 200m from our campsite.  I could even see people cycling past but the French security wouldn’t let me join, they said I would instead have to go to the start end of the straight, another 3 miles away.  Typical…

At this point the Heaven’s opened with stair rods of rain. So I went back to camp soaked like Jacques Cousteau and with wheels slipping all over (the scooter only has dry tyres) and decided to dry everything out and wait (just like F1 cars 😉).

 

I was just heading out back to the track when I got tweets on my connected scooter that they had unexpectedly closed the track (thanks Dave Monks). Lots of people fuming. So I went back to the tent and had a beer…. 

So here’s the thing, I was never able to do the lap due to a) the French and b) weather. So I feel a bit bad re the sponsorship – if anyone wants a refund please do shout – but propose to you that 6 miles on the day before (on highly trafficked roads in the heat) was a good substitute for the 8 miles promised.

With your help, and the auction, we raised £4617.87 for Mission Motorsport. If anyone now wants to chip in who didn’t know about my effort please goto here.  Every penny will be used well.

Oh, and there was a magnificent race too, with Ferrari winning with style after 50 years, albeit with a new safety car system designed by the French that caused mayhem, and with great times and laughs aplenty between new friends and old mates. 

Bonnet de douche Rodney, as they say. Mange toute!

Read More