History

Welcome to Le Mans, a city with more than two thousand years of history, where every era has left its mark, from ancient ramparts to the cobblestones of the old town, from medieval spires to major events of the modern day. It all began with the Aulerci Cenomani, a Gallic tribe settled on the heights above the Sarthe. In the Gallo-Roman period, the city took the name Vindunum and grew into a prosperous settlement. To protect itself from barbarian invasions, it built a massive stone wall in the 3rd century. These ramparts, still standing today, are among the best-preserved in Europe, encircling the heart of the historic centre, what we now call the Cité Plantagenêt. In the Middle Ages, Le Mans rose in importance. Saint-Julien Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, dominates the skyline with its spectacular Gothic apse. But the turning point came in the 12th century: in 1128, Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Maine and Anjou, married Empress Matilda, heir to the English throne. Their son, Henry II Plantagenet, was born here in Le Mans and would go on to become King of England, founding a dynasty that ruled over a vast empire stretching from the Scottish borders to the Pyrenees. Le Mans became a key stronghold in this Anglo-Angevin realm. Over the centuries, the city continued to grow around its old core. In the 19th century, it embraced the industrial age: the railway arrived, factories were built, and the suburbs expanded. This was also a time of major urban transformation, with new avenues cut through the city, public buildings constructed, and a flourishing of local craftsmanship, particularly in leather and textiles. But what would put Le Mans on the world stage was speed. In 1906, the first-ever Grand Prix motor race was held on the roads of the Sarthe. A few years later, in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was born, the most famous endurance race in the world. Since then, the city has become known across the globe for its circuit, its records, and its motorsport legends. Today, Le Mans is a vibrant city that blends past and present, where ancient walls stand alongside medieval houses and modern architecture, and where students, history lovers, and racing fans all cross paths. It’s a city full of surprises, best discovered step by step, and one that’s still writing the next chapter of its story.