If you’re thinking of making the trip to Paris on the 28th of May for the 2022 UEFA Champions League final, you might be wondering about the best places to stay, eat and drink or what to do while you’re in town.
Our handy guide’s got you covered with all you need to know about travelling to France for this footballing event hosted at the Stade de France.
The remaining English teams in the competition are Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool. The quarter-finals could throw up anything but we still have the potential of another all English final for the third time in four years.
Whether your team makes it all the way or not, the Champion’s League final is one of sport’s greatest spectacles so find out more about making the most of your time in Paris – one of the world’s greatest and most visited cities.
Match Day – Where is Stade de France?
For anyone curious where the Champion’s League final is in 2022, it’s being hosted in France’s largest footballing arena – the Stade de France which can host over 80,000 spectators.
The Stade de France is an 18-minute metro ride from the Chatelet Les Halles station which is the major station in the centre of Paris. For anyone wondering how to get to Stade de France, this is the fastest option although you can also take a taxi or drive in 33 minutes from this central train station via the A1.
You’ve also got the option to watch the Champion’s League final some of Paris’s spots most beloved by locals. The Bar des Familles in Bastille on 21 Rue de Lappe is famous for its lively atmosphere or for something less full-on, the Moose is a sports bar with screens galore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés on 16 Rue des Quatre Vents.
Where to Stay
If you travel by ferry, it takes around three and a half hours to drive from Calais to Paris via the A26 and A1. Once you’re in town you’ll want to know where to stay in Paris. We’ve rounded up our pick of the handiest Paris hotels for your football trip.
It’s worth booking in advance for hotels near the Stade de France as demand will be much higher than any other weekend of the year.
The Novotel Suites Paris Stade de France are just a three-minute walk from the stadium so you won’t find a shorter journey to the match. It’s also a ten-minute journey from the centre of Paris.
Another option within walking distance of the stadium is the ibis Paris Saint-Denis Stade Sud which also offers free parking for guests. If you’re planning to drive on board with P&O, check out our guide to what you need to know before arriving at the port.
Where to Eat and Drink
Before the big game, you should take the time to enjoy some of the best in Parisian eating and luckily there are lots of restaurants near Stade de France to choose from.
For a unique dining experience in the stadium, Le Club offers panoramic views over the pitch. The restaurant is connected to the gourmet Maison Le Notre brand so expect some fine dining if you visit this restaurant.
Another possibility within walking distance of the stadium is some of the best in Japanese food at Hinata on 1 Pl du Cornillon. It’s open from 6.45 pm to 10.45 pm every evening so makes a great choice if you’re in the Saint-Denis area.
For the best bars near Stade de France check out our guide to the cheapest pints near the stadium. There are tons of great sports bars in Paris to choose from so make sure you find some of the best to soak up some pre-match atmosphere.
Things to Do
While staying in France’s capital, you may also want to pay for a trip to another iconic football destination. Anyone looking for things to do in Paris should check out Parc des Princes stadium: home to Paris Saint Germain. While Ligue 1’s final match will be played before the Champion’s League Final, you can take a guided tour of the trophy room, dressing rooms and even walk down the tunnel to the pitch side.
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Louvre museum if you have time. It’s just a ten-minute walk from the Chatelet Les Halles station at the centre of the city so take a stroll over to see some of the world’s greatest artworks before your sporting evening of entertainment!
After any big win, fans often pack the streets around Paris’s most iconic landmarks so expect people to rush around the streets near the Eiffel Tower to celebrate a victory.
Money, Weather & Public Transport
Typical Paris weather towards the end of May tends to range between 11°C and 20°C so be sure to pack some shorts and light wear. Of course, if you drive on board with P&O Ferries you’re welcome to load up your car with as much as you can fit in the boot!
You may also be unsure how much money should I take to Paris? Budgeting for a few days in this city depends on how you’re planning to spend your time but a typical average spend for visitors is around €80* per day.
Using Paris public transport, it’s a must to know which kind of tickets to buy. For unlimited travel, you can buy a one-day Mobilis ticket, or a five-day Paris Visite pass for a longer stay.
