Summer in the

Summer in the CityWhatever your taste in coast or countryside activities, a town tour will add an extradimension to your holiday, says Gillian Thornton.Every French town offers something differentin terms of history and heritage, culture andgastronomy. Big hitters like Lyon, Bordeauxand Nice are internationally famous as citybreak destinations, but smaller cities alsomerit a detour. Summer is the ideal time toexplore this historic trio.Le MansIn the early years of the 20 th century, thishistoric town in the Sarthe department wasthe cradle of motoring innovation, birthplacein 1906 of the Automobile Club de l’Ouestor ACO. In 1923, the club launched a 24-hour endurance race designed to test thecapabilities of different models and over acentury later, enthusiasts come from acrossthe world to enjoy the atmosphere of Les 24Heures du Mans in early June and tour therace museum throughout the year.Le Mans old townLe Mans – the teddy in the window in rue Saint Pavin de la Cité has been theresince 1962 when French photographer Robert Doisneau visited the town andtook a photo of this house with the bear in the window!Le MansLe Mans on market dayBut Le Mans offers more than just motoring.You never forget your first sight of the city’sspectacular Roman walls, built at the endof the 3 rd century AD with round towers and70 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 71