Le Mans

Le Mans (pop. 148,400), city in northwestern France on the Sarthe and Huisne rivers, dating from pre-Roman times. A diocese from the 3rd century, LeMans was invaded by the English in the Hundred Years War (1337–1453) and was the site of important battles in the French Revolution (1793). It is a marketing and industrial center, and is best known for its 24-hour annual sports car competition on 8 mi (13 km) of winding road.

See also: France.