Le Jardin Privé 24 – A Weekend to Remember at Le Mans

Every Le Mans weekend creates memories, but Le Jardin Privé 24 delivered something truly special. The journey began on Thursday with the collection of the PLN Photographers at Nantes Airport from the UK.. before heading to our home for the weekend – a breathtaking monastery just 30 minutes north of Le Mans.

Surrounded by immaculate ornamental gardens and centuries of French history, the venue provided an unforgettable setting for an extraordinary gathering of motorsport enthusiasts.

Luxury glamping tents, complete with solar-powered technology, comfortable beds and high-quality linen, blended seamlessly into the beautiful grounds, offering guests a unique way to experience one of motorsport's greatest events. Welcome drinks soon brought everyone together, with familiar faces and new friendships forming among a passionate community united by a love of racing.

Even before the engines fired at Le Mans, the monastery car park had become a spectacle in its own right. Ferraris, Porsches and an incredible stretched Mercedes drift car – complete with twin superchargers protruding proudly through the bonnet – ensured there was plenty to admire before anyone even reached the circuit.

Away from the track, Le Jardin Privé had curated an exceptional programme of activities. Freddie Hunt joined us across the weekend, adding to a celebration that carried extra significance for Pitlane, marking 50 years since first meeting his father, James Hunt. It was a fitting opportunity to celebrate one of Formula One's most charismatic champions with fellow enthusiasts in such remarkable surroundings.

One of the standout moments was the creation of a live artwork by talented Formula One artist Tom Glover. Rather than simply watching, guests, staff and even security were invited to pick up a brush and contribute to the canvas. The result is a unique collaborative piece celebrating James and Freddie Hunt, Formula One, Le Mans and the monastery itself. The artwork will be auctioned in the coming weeks, with proceeds helping to raise awareness and funds for We Are Motionkind, the motorsport mental health charity proudly supported by Pitlane.

It was also wonderful to see Tom share his father's very first Le Mans experience, enjoying both the racing and the renowned Le Jardin Privé hospitality.

Speaking of hospitality, the catering team delivered throughout the weekend. From relaxed evening dinners to hearty breakfasts before heading to the circuit, the quality and presentation of the food received universal praise from guests.

Regular shuttle services ensured everyone could enjoy the famous Friday Drivers' Parade and Saturday's 24-hour classic at their own pace, while Pitlane's accredited photographers captured the atmosphere both at Le Mans and around Le Jardin Privé itself.

After a slightly cloudy start, the sunshine arrived and transformed the already stunning venue into the perfect backdrop for evenings of great food, drinks and live music. A fantastic acoustic duo kept the atmosphere alive as guests shared stories from the circuit and celebrated endurance racing in the company of fellow fans.

Spending time with Freddie Hunt across Saturday evening and Sunday brought plenty of laughter and memorable conversations, reminding everyone why motorsport has always been about the people as much as the cars.

Looking back, it's remarkable to think that 50 years have passed since James Hunt famously told us to "F🏁ck Off" while heading back to the pits after that unforgettable first-lap incident at Brands Hatch. We've been McLaren supporters ever since and, over the years, have had the privilege of working alongside many former McLaren team members.

And what an event, what a venue to celebrate these 50 Golden Years... Now the countdown begins for 2027, when McLaren's Hypercar programme joins the world's greatest endurance race, promising another chapter in what is already a very special story.

As the final guests departed, one thing was clear: Le Jardin Privé 24 had delivered everything you could hope for. A spectacular venue. Wonderful guests. Fantastic hospitality. Outstanding food. Brilliant entertainment and, of course, an unforgettable weekend celebrating the spirit of Le Mans. Its a "no-brainer" .

With plans for 2027 already being put into motion, and memorable moments of 2026, set to linger for many months, Le Jardin Prive24 will become a stable part of the Pitlane News Motorsports diet.....