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La Nuit des Chimeres, Le Mans City

4.2
#3 of 29 in Historic Sites in Sarthe
Historic Walking Area · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
In an effort to attract tourists to Le Mans, the city organized La Nuit des Chimeres. This ingenious idea has been a success, attracting over 150,000 people every summer. The event is only visible after sundown--that’s when the ghosts of Le Mans' past come out to play. Images of the city’s ancient architecture are projected onto the edifices of current buildings, so you get an idea of how the city has changed over the centuries. Tour all the projections and see the story of the Plantagenet city unfold before you in striking imagery designed by award-winning graphic artists. This event also combines ghosts of the past with the music of bygone days at the Saint-Julien Cathedral. For La Nuit des Chimeres and beyond, use our Le Mans City trip itinerary builder app to get the most from your Le Mans City vacation.
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La Nuit des Chimeres reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
747 reviews
Google
4.1
TripAdvisor
  • By BELMONTIpswich
    The free light show started about 9.30pm, very impressive and very worthwhile waiting to see. There is a light show on both sides of the cathedral  more »
  • By Iweinvanaalst
    Every evening in july and august between dusk (21h30) and midnight the historic center of Le Mans is the background for a free walk along a number of projections on edifices and in trees. Some are...  more »
  • By sonjaw784
    We were so pleased this was still on during Covid19 restrictions. It was absolutely beautiful to see. Thank you  more »
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Google
  • By Ahmed abed
    Try jolie
  • By Allen Childs
    Excellent afternoon.
  • By Patrizia Rojas
    Amazing show, worth the visit!!
  • By pascal gousse
    Super deccord well realized
    See original
  • By DP de la BAROLLIERE
    We saw it once BOF really not terrible, there is no scoop itself.. !!!
    See original
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Hidden gems in Le Mans City

Entre Cours et Jardins - Cite Plantagenet ©
Historic Walking Area
Entre Cours et Jardins - Cite Plantagenet
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Chapelle de la Visitation ©
Church
Chapelle de la Visitation
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
24 Hours of Le Mans Museum ©
History Museum
24 Hours of Le Mans Museum
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Arche de la Nature ©
Wildlife Area
Arche de la Nature
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min

Side trips from Le Mans City

Futuroscope ©
Theme Park
Futuroscope
Chasseneuil-du-Poitou
3.7
Duration: 8 hours
Puy du Fou ©
Theme Park
Puy du Fou
Les Epesses
4.7
Duration: 8 hours
ZooParc de Beauval ©
Zoo
ZooParc de Beauval
Saint-Aignan
4.3
Duration: 8 hours
Le Tasting Room Wine - Day Tours ©
Wine Tour / Tasting
Le Tasting Room Wine - Day Tours
Noizay
4.9
Duration: 4 hours

Popular things to do in Le Mans City

See all ›
Cathedrale de Saint-Julien de Mans ©
Church
Cathedrale de Saint-Julien de Mans
4.7
Duration: 30 minutes
Circuit permanent des 24 Heures du Mans ©
Auto Race Track
Circuit permanent des 24 Heures du Mans
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Le Spot ©
Playground
Le Spot
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Carre Plantagenet ©
History Museum
Carre Plantagenet
4.6
Duration: 1h 30 min

Historic Sites in Le Mans City

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Enceinte Gallo-Romaine du Mans ©
Ruin
Enceinte Gallo-Romaine du Mans
4.7
Duration: 30 minutes
Notre Dame du Pre ©
Church
Notre Dame du Pre
4.7
Duration: 30 minutes
Eglise Notre-Dame de la Couture ©
Church
Eglise Notre-Dame de la Couture
4.6
Duration: 30 minutes
Eglise Saint-Benoit ©
Church
Eglise Saint-Benoit
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Le Mans City

Escape Yourself ©
Room Escape Game
Escape Yourself
4.9
Duration: 1h 30 min
Abbaye Royale de L'Epau ©
Historic Site
Abbaye Royale de L'Epau
4.3
Duration: 1h 30 min
Mojito Royal ©
Nightlife
Mojito Royal
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
LU6D
Room Escape Game
LU6D
5.0
Duration: 1h 30 min

Museums in Le Mans City

Musee de Tesse ©
Specialty Museum
Musee de Tesse
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min
Musee Vert ©
Specialty Museum
Musee Vert
4.0
Duration: 1h 30 min
Musee de la Reine Berengere ©
Specialty Museum
Musee de la Reine Berengere
3.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

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