24 of Europe’s best footballing nations come together this summer to compete in a thrilling football tournament. The 2016 edition takes place in France, and there will be a dedicated supporter area set up in each of the ten stadium cities to make sure those who didn’t get match tickets don’t miss out. We’ve put together a guide to France’s fan zones, so you can watch football in France, revel in the excitement of the matches, and enjoy the party atmosphere.
Bordeaux – Esplanade des Quinconces
The capital of France’s world-renowned wine region, Bordeaux, plays host to five matches over the course of the tournament, including the third quarter final. The Esplanade des Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe, will be the dedicated fan zone throughout the tournament. With a big screen broadcasting all the matches, the atmosphere promises to be electric, making on of the best places to watch football in France.
Lens – Town Hall Square
The beautiful mining town of Lens developed a new identity following the closure of the last colliery in 1990, and has since become a hub of history and culture. With capacity for up to 10,000 football fans, the Town Hall Square will contain multiple big screens to stream some of the tournament’s biggest clashes, including England v Wales. Just a kilometre away from the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, you’ll truly feel part of the action.
Marseille – Prado Beach
For an experience like no other, head to the sunny Mediterranean coastal city of Marseille. This port, framed by the beautiful mountains of Provence, will see a number of matches be played out at the Stade Vélodrome. For those without a ticket however, its most famous beach Prado is putting on a party to remember. Ready to host up to 80,000 fans, the strip will be lined with bars, food establishments and all the best entertainment, along with live broadcasts of all the matches.
Lille – Place François Mitterrand
Bigger city – bigger fan zone – best place to watch football in France. Close to the Belgian border, Lille will broadcast all the matches and other entertainment from big screens at the Place François Mitterrand, located just 3km from the Europe railway station in the centre. With a capacity of 30,000, spectators will be able to immerse themselves in the football fever as much as those on the other side of the city at the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Lyon – Place Bellecour
A UNESCO world heritage site, famed for its traboules (narrow streets), Lyon will welcome football supporters from all over Europe between 10th June and 10th July. Aside from the six games the city hosts throughout the competition, including one semi-final, fans can find a hub of activity across from the Place Bellecour near the iconic La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. Watch the action unfold on the big screen and get in the party spirit with fellow sports fans.
Saint-Denis – Maison d’Éducation de la Légion d’Honneur
Under the windows of the prestigious boarding school for girls, a fan area will be erected in the Park of the Legion of Honour. Be aware though: the 10,000-capacity zone will be closed between the 15th and 22nd June whilst examinations take place at the institution. Don’t despair however – just a 30 minute drive or Metro journey south will get you back into central Paris and the Champs de Mars.
Nice – Jardins Albert and Quai des États – Unis
This city near the Italian border is regarded as a centre for the arts, and will be a great place to revel in the beautiful game this summer with two dedicated fan zones for the tournament’s duration. The first is a 10,000 capacity space between the Théatre de Verdure and Jardins Albert, showing evening matches on its two screens. The second location will cater for 8,000 spectators on the Quai des États-Unis near to the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Saint-Etienne – Parc François Mitterrand
There will be plenty of festivities staged within the Parc François Mitterrand. Not only will there be an 80m squared screen outside the entrance to the Raymond Sommet swimming pool, but there will also be a stage opposite for shows and concerts following the completion of the evening matches too. Not far from the Stade Geoffroy Guichard – the only major French stadium with a central urban location – the site will hold up to 20,000 people and is a great place to watch football in France.
Paris – Champs de Mars
The city of Paris needs little introduction and its Euro 2016 fan zone is set to be quite the spectacular affair. Located on the Champ de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, it will be ready to welcome up to 90,000 supporters to its grounds. A huge screen will broadcast all of the matches as the organisers look to ensure an unforgettable experience for all. You’ll be guaranteed to feel part of the main action taking place at the Parc des Princes across the city.
Toulouse – Allée Jules Guesde
Nicknamed ‘La Ville Rose’ due to its stunning terracotta bricked buildings, vibrant Toulouse has been voted as one of the most desirable places to live in France. Connecting three of the city’s main gardens, a fan park will be set up on the Allée Jules Guesde for up to 12,000 supporters. Open to supporters on the French team’s match days and those hosted at the recently refurbished Stadium de Toulouse – also known as ‘Little Wembley’ – the area is sure to be alive with football festivities this summer.
For more information on how to travel to watch football in France, check out our know before you go guide.
