Favourite monument in France: which won the 2024 contest?

The iconic Le Mans race track has won the title of the 2024 France’s Favourite Monument, beating other nominees including three chateaux, a Rothschild villa, and a botanical garden.

The winning monument was announced on the France 3 TV show of the same name, presented by Stéphane Bern, on September 18. The show is part of a series that also includes France’s Favourite Village.

Read also: Collioure: France's Favourite Village 2024
Read also: PHOTOS: Villages selected for new ‘favourite in France’ title 

Le Mans circuit (Pays de la Loire) is home to one of the most famous races in the world: the motorsport endurance event 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

The circuit (and race) is so iconic that even the intricacies of the track are well-known, including the Mulsanne and Dunlop Chicanes, the Hanaudières straight, and the Tertre Rouge peak. The track also has a museum on site.

Read also: 24 Hours of Le Mans: a century-old tradition for British motorsport fans 
Read more: 100 years of Le Mans: what makes this French car race so special?

‘Anything but surprising’

Presenter Mr Bern has hit back at any suggestions that awarding a monument award to a race track is an unusual move.

“[This result is] anything but surprising. Everyone has a story to tell about the circuit,” he said.

The shortlist featured 13 other monuments, comprising: 

• Site Le Corbusier Firminy-Vert (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

• The Saline Royale d'Arc-et-Senans (Burgundy-Franche-Comté)

• The Domaine de Trévarez (Brittany)

• The Prieuré Saint-Cosme - Demeure de Ronsard (Centre-Val de Loire)

• The Parc de Saleccia (Corsica).

• The Sanctuary of Mont Sainte-Odile (Grand Est)

• The Belfry of Douai (Hauts-de-France)

• The Château de Fontainebleau (Île-de-France) 

• The Château d'Eu - Musée Louis-Philippe (Normandy)

• Fort Louvois (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

• Château Laurens (Occitanie)

• Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur).

The Lazaret de la Grande Chaloupe in La Réunion (overseas territories) was also shortlisted. 

The full list, including photos and details about each site, can be seen on the programme’s official website here.