Hotel de France (Le Mans / La Chartre sur le Loir)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Headquarters | La Chartre-sur-le-Loir , France |
| Products | Hotel accommodation |
| Website | www |
The Hotel de France is a historic establishment featuring 22 guest rooms, situated in the heart of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, France, approximately 27 miles south of Le Mans. It is renowned for its unique Art Deco exterior and its deep connection with the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.
History
Since its opening in 1905, the Pasteau family managed the hotel across four generations until it changed hands in 2013. From 1953 onward, it became a pivotal location for Le Mans racing teams, especially those under the leadership of John Wyer. Wyer directed successful squads including Aston Martin and Gulf Oil from this venue, marking his initial Le Mans victory here in 1959. This association has cemented the hotel's importance within motorsport heritage.
Mechanics utilized nearby garage spaces and a rear parking area to maintain race cars, which were driven along public roads to the racetrack until the early 1970s. The hotel's bar is adorned with walls covered in autographed photographs of both historical and contemporary racing figures, highlighting its reputation as a motorsport icon.
A major renovation completed in early 2014 carefully restored and enhanced the hotel’s rich racing legacy.
Notable residents
The hotel has welcomed an array of distinguished guests including celebrated racing drivers, film celebrities, political dignitaries, and members of royalty.
Motor racing drivers and team principals
Among those who have stayed are multiple Le Mans champions such as six-time victor Jacky Ickx, five-time winner Derek Bell, 1954 champion Maurice Trintignant driving a Ferrari 375 Plus, 1958 winners Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien in a Ferrari 250 TR58, 1959 winners Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori piloting an Aston Martin DBR1, 1960 winner Paul Frere in a Ferrari 250 TR59/60, 1965 winner Jochen Rindt in a Ferrari 275P, 1966 winner Bruce McLaren with a Ford GT40, 1968 victors Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi in a Gulf Ford GT40, 1969 winner Jackie Oliver also in a Gulf Ford GT40, 1970 winner and first British Porsche victor Richard Attwood, 1972 winner Graham Hill driving a Matra, 1978 winner Jean-Pierre Jaussaud in a Renault Alpine A442, and 1983 winner Vern Schuppan. Esteemed racers such as Stirling Moss, Jo Siffert, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Brian Redman, current Aston Martin Racing driver Darren Turner, constructor Guy Ligier, IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, team manager John Wyer, Formula One team principal and owner Frank Williams, as well as Prodrive chairman David Richards have also been guests.
Actors and film directors
The actor Steve McQueen resided at the hotel during preparations for his iconic role in the 1971 film Le Mans.
Leaders of state and royalty
Distinguished visitors include French President Rene Coty, Swedish Prince Bertil of Halland, John F. Kennedy’s press secretary Pierre Salinger, along with the children of both John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.