Circuit de Lohéac
Location
Lohéac, France
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit de Lohéac - Lohéac, France
Historic mixed-surface circuit in Brittany - birthplace of French rallycross and one of the sport's largest traditional events
When was the track built?
Rallycross arrived in Lohéac in 1976 after motorsport organiser Pierre Tollemer discussed the new discipline with automotive publisher Michel Hommell. A temporary dirt course was created in a field for France's first rallycross competition.
The original track lasted only one year. A replacement was used from 1977, before the present circuit was constructed west of the village in 1986.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and closely connected: Most corners lead directly into the next, so one small mistake can affect a large part of the lap.
- Firm loose surface: The gravel can feel more like dusty asphalt than a soft rally road, allowing drivers to carry surprising speed.
- Wide opening corner: Several cars may arrive side by side after the start, making the first few seconds especially important.
- Strategic Joker Lap: The alternative route includes a small rise and must be used once during each race.
How does rallycross work?
- Short races: Several cars start together and complete only a few laps, producing immediate action.
- Mixed surfaces: Drivers must adjust their braking and steering as the car moves between asphalt and gravel.
- Joker strategy: Every driver must take the longer Joker route once. Taking it early can avoid traffic, while waiting may help protect track position.
- Close contact: Cars sometimes touch, but deliberately forcing a rival off the circuit can lead to a penalty.
Major events and milestones
- French Rallycross Championship: Lohéac has been one of the country's most important national rounds since the championship's early years.
- World Rallycross: The circuit hosted France's World Championship round from 2014 to 2019 and again in 2021.
- European Rallycross: Euro RX returns to Lohéac in August 2026 after a five-year absence from the international calendar.
- Lohéac Legend Festival: Historic rallycross cars return for demonstration runs, displays and celebrations of the sport's past.
Why go?
Lohéac combines major motorsport with the atmosphere of a small Breton village. During its largest meetings, the circuit, campsites and surrounding streets become a festival filled with supporters, team displays and entertainment.
The nearby Manoir de l'Automobile is another major attraction. Its 15,000 m² collection contains more than 400 vehicles, including road cars, motorcycles and historic racing machines.
Where's the best place to watch?
- First corner: Best for the start, cars running several wide and early position changes.
- Elevated spectator banks: A good choice for newcomers because several sections of the compact circuit can be seen together.
- Joker Lap junction: Best for understanding race strategy as cars separate and rejoin the main route.
- Final corner and main straight: Watch drivers fight for traction before accelerating towards the finish.
Lohéac is southwest of Rennes in Brittany. Major events attract very large crowds and may use temporary traffic routes, remote parking areas and shuttle services, so check the organiser's current visitor information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit de Lohéac (France)
Circuit de Lohéac is in Brittany, around 30 km south-west of Rennes. Driving is the easiest way to visit, but travellers without a car can reach nearby Guipry-Messac by train or Lohéac village by bus and complete the journey by taxi.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest option because Lohéac is a rural village and the circuit sits outside the main public transport network.
- From Rennes: head south towards Redon and follow signs for Lohéac.
- From Redon: travel north towards Rennes and leave the main road for Lohéac.
- Major events: temporary traffic systems may direct spectators to different entrances and parking areas.
- Navigation: search for “Circuit de Rallycross de Lohéac”.
For major rallycross weekends, follow the event signs rather than relying entirely on your navigation app.
Train & bus
Public transport is possible, but you need to plan the final part of the journey carefully.
- Guipry-Messac Station: around 12 km from Lohéac and the most useful nearby railway station.
- From the station: pre-booking a taxi is the easiest way to reach the circuit.
- BreizhGo 510: regional buses serve Lohéac village from the Rennes direction.
- No circuit stop: public transport does not take you directly to the spectator entrance.
Do not assume taxis will be waiting after a large event. Arrange your return journey in advance if possible.
Flying in
Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) is the nearest airport and is the most convenient choice if suitable flights are available.
- Rental car: normally the easiest option from the airport.
- Without a car: travel towards Rennes or the regional transport network, then continue to Lohéac by bus, train and taxi.
- Nantes Airport: offers another option with more routes, but is considerably farther away.
Parking & camping
Large rallycross events use temporary parking and camping areas around Lohéac, so arrangements can differ from normal circuit days.
- 2026 Rallycross: spectator parking is free for ticket holders.
- Camping: two free camping areas are available for ticket holders during the 2026 event.
- Motorhomes: one camping area is specifically intended for campervans and motorhomes.
- Accessibility: dedicated accessible parking is provided, with P1 and Entrance E4 used for the 2026 rallycross.
Always check the event parking map before travelling because entrances and traffic routes can change each year.
Understanding the circuit
Lohéac is one of France's best-known rallycross venues, combining asphalt with loose-surface sections in a compact layout surrounded by spectator banks and grandstands.
- Length: approximately 1,150 metres.
- Width: approximately 16 metres.
- Surface: roughly two-thirds loose surface and one-third asphalt.
- Large crowds: the annual rallycross meeting is one of the biggest motorsport events in the region.
Race-day tips
- Arrive early: a very small village has to handle thousands of spectators during the main rallycross weekend.
- Wear suitable shoes: expect grass, gravel and uneven spectator banks.
- Prepare for rain: Brittany weather can change quickly.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children.
- Check your parking area: different traffic routes may be used when leaving the event.
- Save the location: Rue de la Cour Neuve, 35550 Lohéac, France.
For a first visit, driving directly to Lohéac is the easiest plan. Without a car, use Guipry-Messac Station and arrange a taxi for the final journey.
Parking, camping, public transport and traffic arrangements can change between events. Check the official Rallycross de Lohéac information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit de Lohéac (Lohéac, France)
Circuit de Lohéac is one of Europe's best-known rallycross venues, set beside a tiny village in the Brittany countryside. Racing mixes asphalt and loose surfaces with jumps and a Joker Lap - while a huge automobile museum, riverside trails, traditional Breton towns and the legendary Brocéliande forest make it easy to fill the rest of a race weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Manoir de l'Automobile: The obvious first stop for motorsport fans. This enormous museum in Lohéac displays more than 400 vehicles across around 15,000 m², including classic cars, racing machinery, motorcycles and historic transport.
- La Gacilly: A pretty village known for art, crafts and photography. During summer, huge outdoor photographs turn its streets and gardens into a free open-air gallery.
- Guipry-Messac: Head to the River Vilaine for an easy waterside walk or cycle along the towpath - a good way to slow things down after a noisy race day.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Manoir de l'Automobile: Allow several hours if you like cars. The collection covers everything from early motoring to competition cars and makes an excellent wet-weather activity.
- Musée Immersif Yves Rocher: In La Gacilly, this short indoor experience explains the story of the Yves Rocher brand and its connection with plants and the surrounding region.
- Les Champs Libres, Rennes: A modern cultural centre containing museums, exhibitions, a library and science attractions - useful if poor weather rules out a countryside day.
Eat & drink around Lohéac
- Try a Breton galette: These savoury buckwheat pancakes are commonly filled with cheese, ham, egg or vegetables and are an easy introduction to Brittany's food.
- Galette-saucisse: A grilled sausage wrapped in a buckwheat galette is a simple regional favourite, especially around the Rennes area.
- Crêpes: Save the sweeter wheat version for dessert, with butter, sugar, caramel or chocolate among the usual choices.
- Rennes or Redon: Head to one of the larger nearby towns if you want a wider selection of restaurants and an evening out after the racing.
Get outdoors between race days
- Vilaine towpath: The riverside routes around Guipry-Messac are flat and easy for walking or cycling, with countryside views and places to stop beside the water.
- Brocéliande Forest: Explore woodland associated with legends of Merlin and King Arthur. Marked routes range from short family walks to longer hikes.
- La Gacilly: The village and surrounding green spaces are easy to explore on foot, particularly when the summer photography festival fills the streets with outdoor exhibitions.
Brittany weather can change quickly, even in summer. Comfortable shoes and a light waterproof layer are useful for both the circuit and countryside walks.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Rennes: Explore Brittany's regional capital for timber-framed streets, cafés, the historic centre, Marché des Lices and the gardens of Parc du Thabor.
- Brocéliande Forest: Head toward Paimpont for woodland walks, Arthurian legends, lakes and attractions such as the Porte des Secrets.
- Redon: A relaxed small-city option where the Vilaine, Oust and Nantes-Brest Canal meet. Walk around the port or follow the towpaths on foot or by bike.
- La Gacilly: Easy to combine with Lohéac and particularly worthwhile during the annual Photo Festival, which runs through much of summer and early autumn.
Good to know during race weekends
- Rallycross races are short and intense: Several cars start together and race over mixed asphalt and loose surfaces, so there are many starts, heats and finals rather than one long main race.
- Watch the Joker Lap: Each driver must take an alternative section during the race, and choosing when to use it can completely change the result.
- Expect a very busy village: Major rallycross weekends bring crowds far larger than Lohéac's normal population, so accommodation and parking should be planned early.
- Check your spectator area: Entrances, grandstands, parking and camping arrangements can change between events.
- Bring hearing protection: Rallycross cars are extremely loud from close spectator areas, particularly during starts. Proper ear protection is important for children.
Race schedules, spectator access, parking, camping, museum hours and local attraction operations can change - check current information before travelling.