Le Mans, << luh MAHN >> (pop. 142,991; met. area pop. 347,397), is a city in northwestern France. It lies along the Sarthe River.
Le Mans is famous as the site of an annual 24-hour sports car race. The Cathedral of St. Julien is located in the old central section of Le Mans. The cathedral, which was built between the 1000’s and 1200’s, is noted for its Gothic architecture and its large stained-glass windows. The outskirts of the city have much industry and modern housing.
Le Mans serves as the capital of the Sarthe department (administrative district). It is an important grain market and the commercial and railroad center of its region. The city’s factories produce agricultural machinery, automobiles, electrical equipment, motors, paper, plastics, textiles, and tobacco products.
Le Mans dates from ancient times. Julius Caesar conquered the area about 50 B.C. A major battle of the French Revolution took place in the city in 1793. In 1871, Prussian armies defeated the French at Le Mans during the Franco-Prussian War.
