Does Le Mans' hospitality industry reach full capacity during the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Just like Roland Garros, the 2025 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans sets a new attendance record, welcoming 332,000 spectators, compared to 329,000 the previous year. Tickets for the legendary car race also sold in “record time,” according to the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), despite a price increase of nearly €20 in just two years.

While Le Mans' hospitality industry performed remarkably during the previous edition, what about this year?

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Although event attendance has risen this year, hotel occupancy in the city is following an opposite trend. The overall weekend occupancy rate stands at 85.5%, a decline of -6.9 points compared to 2024. 

This shift can be attributed to the growing popularity of short-term rentals, which continue to take market share from traditional hotels, as we discussed in a previous analysis. “Private accommodations are the option that develops on occasion for the 24 Hours, as well as tourist rentals,” says Jean-Jacques Foignet, General Manager of Sarthe Tourism. 

Alongside this growing demand for short-term rentals, it is likely that some spectators were hosted by family or friends living near the circuit. Jean-Jacques Foignet also highlights “an extension of stay durations,” with “one in two foreigners staying at least five days in the department.” The 24 Hours of Le Mans thus serve as an entry point for the region, benefiting from its economic impact over an extended period. 

For the General Manager of Sarthe Tourism, there is no doubt that the event is “a powerful driver of tourist attendance and economic returns.” 

Another explanation for the drop in occupancy rates is the origin of the race spectators. According to a 2023 study by ACO, nearly 45% of spectators are locals. After the Pays de la Loire region, Île-de-France...