Maison Blanche

There is an amazing camaraderie in the Maison Blanche campsite, where the canniest Brits stay for the Le Mans 24-hours motor race. The site, right beside the race track, is crammed with caravans, campervans and tents, but it is all very well organised and convivial. The place is awash with flags on long poles, as everyone competes to create the liveliest visual scene over their camping plots. This was the view over our zone as the sun went down.

We are with a wonderful bunch of chums who call themselves 'Geordies on Tour'. Most, as the name implies, are from the Newcastle area, but there is also an Essex contingent and we interlopers from Kent are made very welcome.

There is plenty of light-hearted fun and frolics before the race, including mega barbeques and water-bombing contests, as everyone relaxes and enjoys themselves.
3 pm (French time) on Saturday is the focal point though, when the 2014 edition of the greatest motor race on earth begins, to continue without pause until 3 pm on Sunday.