Your guide to Euro 2016: The host cities
Europe’s premier international footballing competition is in France in 2016, and with thousands of fans expected to make the short trip across the channel, what exactly do they have to look forward to?
England’s qualification, along with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, means there will be plenty of interest in this year’s Euro 2016 competition.
Roy Hodgson’s England made qualifying look easy, winning all 10 games and should fancy their chances in a group containing Russia, Wales and Slovakia – the latter two sides both make their debuts in the competition.
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Hosts France, world-champions Germany and defending champions Spain will all be looking to showcase their talents, while Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Italy all have something to prove.
Ten cities across France will host games, from Lens and Lille in the north to Marseille and Nice in the south.
Stadia in Paris, Saint-Denis, Toulouse, Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux will also provide the settings for games.
But what do fans need to know about these cities and the stadiums there?
Saint Denis – Stade de France
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The French national stadium in the commune of Saint Denis was initially developed for the 1998 World Cup, which ended with France beating Brazil to glory. France and Romania will kick off the tournament in the opening game while the teams that are lucky enough to make the final of Euro 2016 will also face off in the Stade de France.
With a capacity of more than 80,000 making it Europe’s fifth largest stadium, English fans will therefore be hoping to make a trip to Paris on 10 July. Public transport provides the best route in for fans.
Paris – Parc des Princes
Mobotix
The home of French champions Paris Saint Germain is situated in the south west of Paris. With a capacity of around 48,000 it is not as large as the Stade de France but it is famed for its atmosphere on match days. Named after the Monarch’s hunting grounds on which it is situated, the stadium is approximately 4km south-west of the Eiffel Tower and less than 1km south of the Bois de Boulogne and Rolland Garros.
The Porte de Saint-Cloud Metro stop is around five minutes from the stadium on line 9, which runs through the Parisian city centre on the north bank of the River Seine. Alternatively, Line 10 runs through Paris’ south bank but it is a slightly longer walk from the stop to the stadium.
Marseille – Stade Velodrome
With a capacity of more than 67,000, the home of Olympique de Marseille is the largest club ground in the country. The Stade Velodrome saw extensive renovation work between 2011 and 2014, with the addition of a roof and other factors that saw it take UEFA Elite Stadium status.
England kick off their campaign in Marseille and will be hoping for a repeat of their result in the stadium from the 1998 World Cup (they beat Tunisia 2-0) when they face Russia. Situated around 4km from the Old Port of Marseille, the stadium is well served by bus and metro routes. The main airport is also around 30k away.
Lyon – Parc Olympique Lyonnais
France3
A new stadium that only opened in January – replacing Lyon’s old home, the Stade de Gerland – the 60,000 capacity stadium nicknamed OL Land can be found in Decines-Charpieu, a suburb of the city. Featuring sports facilities, hotels and other leisure facilities, the seating is decked out in the French national colours (and Lyon’s) so expect a sea of red, white and blue if you visit.
Lille – Stade Pierre-Mauroy
The home of LOSC Lille that opened in summer 2012 was renamed a year later after the death of a former Major of Lille and French Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy. Found in the Hotel de Ville quarter of Villebeuve d’Ascq, the stadium has two main levels and a capacity of more than 50,000.
Half of the stadium is on hydraulics and a set of tracks that can be opened up for basketball, tennis or concerts to take place. It also has a retractable roof that can be opened and closed in just 15 minutes – at least fans will be dry if it rains.
Bordeaux – Matmut Atlantique
Franceuncovered
The western-most of the stadiums being used for the tournament, the Matmut Atlantique can be found in a city that is second only to Paris when it comes to preserved historical buildings in France. Renowned as a wine capital, the region’s rich culture and heritage makes it popular with tourists.
The stadium meanwhile opened just over 12 months ago and was the home of FC Girondins de Bordeaux for last season. Wales kick off their Euro 2016 campaign against Slovakia in Bordeaux.
Saint-Etienne – Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
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The ‘cauldron’ of Saint Etienne is set to reach boiling point in the Eur0 2016. Locals identify with the Greens of St Etienne as the club is an indivisible part of the city’s character. The only French city to have been made a UNESCO City of Design, reflective of its strong manufacturing and creative past, Saint Etienne really offers something for everyone.
The city will welcome England for the final Group B game against Slovakia, and hopefully the city will provide many happy memories for fans. Holding around 42,000 fans, the stadium has no corner stands, so fans may want to take a coat!
Nice – Allianz Riviera
Tucked away in the Riviera, Allianz Riviera opened in September 2013 in Saint Isidore near the Var. Fans will need to be watchful though, as due to sponsorship regulations, the stadium will be known as the Stade de Nice for UEFA events. It is about 10km for the city centre and 5km from Nice International Airport. Of course the hot summer Mediterranean climate provides another reason to visit…
Lens – Stade Bollaert-Delelis
Stadiumguide
The stadium capacity in Lens is actually higher than the city’s population! And that is probably a good thing as the city will likely be inundated with English and Welsh fans ahead of their Group B clash. Interestingly, France have won all of their games that they have ever played in the stadium, but that record won’t be extended at this tournament as the hosts will not get the chance to play there!
Toulouse – Stadium Municipal
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The site of England’s famed 2-1 defeat to Romania at the 1998 World Cup, the Stadium Municipal can be found on the island of Ramier near the centre of Toulouse. With a capacity of more than 35,000, the stadium was due for renovation before the tournament but it was scaled back due to funding availability issues.
Unique architecture in the city means buildings are made from pinkish terracotta bricks – earning the city its nickname of La Ville Rose (The Pink City). The Basilica of St Sernin in the city is the largest Romanesque building that remains in Europe and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due its prominence to the Santiago de Compestela pilgrimage route.