A near-mythical event in the racing world, the Le Mans 24-hour race (“24 Heures du Mans”) tests the drivers' skill, the cars' performance and the endurance of both.

Le Mans can trace its history back to the invention of the automobile, when Amédée Bollée made a drive from Paris to Le Mans. The new vehicle caught on to such an extent that within 30 years, (in 1923) the local automobile club had set up the first 24-hour race as a one-off challenge.

Today, the event is massively popular, attracting owners and drivers from the most prestigious companies. Spectators can follow every hour of the race, whether from the comfort of the hospitality room or the more spartan (and much noisier) confines of their own tent. Whether you last the distance or not, your glimpse of this extreme race is sure to be one to remember. This year the roar of race engines will fill the air at the later start time of 5 in the afternoon (local time) due to World Cup fixtures.

If you’re visiting France for Le Mans, why not hire a mobile phone for just £1 per day, including insurance?