You may not be familiar with Sarthe, our region of the month, but you will certainly know of Le Mans, its capital. The city is famous as home to the annual Le Mans 24 hour motor race, which dates back to 1923, when it must have been an elegant occasion.

The cars may have changed since then but the excitement is as strong as ever. The race takes place partly on track and partly on closed roads and its prestige attracts thousands of fans from around the world every year. The 2015 race is on 13th and 14th June, so now’s the time to book great value self-catering or B&B accommodation in the surrounding countryside and head into the city for the big event, thus avoiding the crush and expensive hotels.

Be sure to make time to explore the captivating old town of Le Mans, which has been beautifully preserved. You’ll find cobbled streets lined by 15th and 16th century houses with quirky shops and excellent restaurants – and all dominated by the magnificent Le Mans Cathedral, constructed from the 6th through to the 14th Century and a jaw-dropping architectural achievement.

The area is part of the Pays de la Loire, so there are rivers, immaculate villages, historical towns, fairytale chateaux and wine tasting to enjoy, as well as lush countryside. Our accommodation includes gites, farmhouses and a village house, all in beautiful countryside location. You can even stay in a gite that is part of a fabulous chateau in either Sarthe or the neighbouring region of Loir-et-Cher, which is also accessible to Le Mans.