French Towns and Cities All Sports Fans Need to Visit
Originally posted on & updated on 31st January, 2025
France is not only famous for its wine, cheese, and beautiful landscapes; it is also a paradise for sports fans! With many sports to choose from, including rugby, cycling, football, tennis, and motorsports, the country boasts cities with deep sporting heritage. Let’s explore some must-visit destinations for sports enthusiasts.
We take you on a tour through a few towns and regions of France to delve into the hometowns of some of France’s most favourite teams, players and coaches.
Saint-Denis near Paris
You may not be that familiar with the small commune of Saint-Denis unless you have ever been to watch France’s national rugby or football teams play at home or followed the 2024 Olympics. However there’s far more to Saint Denis than the home of French international Rugby, football ofr athletics, you can experience inspiring street art, attend a 100-year-old antique market or be educated at the air and space museum. There are also many historic sights to discover here such as the architectural masterpiece at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis or enjoy a day at La Villette; a leisure complex like no other you will have ever visited.
Since its inauguration in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup, the Stade de France has been a centrepiece for French and international sports and entertainment. Here are the significant events that have graced this iconic stadium in recent years:
Rugby
Six Nations Tournament
The Stade de France remains the fortress of French rugby, hosting pulsating matches in this prestigious annual tournament. Fans gather here to witness Les Bleus take on fierce rivals like England and Ireland.
Rugby World Cup
In 2023, the Stade de France played a starring role as the main venue for the Rugby World Cup (LINK), including hosting the grand final. It showcased the electric atmosphere for which Saint-Denis is renowned.
Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019
The stadium was one of the key venues celebrating the growing popularity of women’s football.
UEFA Champions League Final 2022
Europe’s biggest football match was held here, solidifying its reputation as one of the continent’s premier football stadiums.
France National Team Matches
The Stade de France continues to be the home of Les Bleus, hosting qualifiers, friendlies, and UEFA Nations League clashes.
Athletics
Olympics and Paralympics
As part of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the Stade de France was a central venue, hosting athletics events and the opening and closing ceremonies. The closing ceremony celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Games, honouring the Olympians, organisers, and volunteers who made these memorable games possible. Hollywood star Tom Cruise performed a stunt at the event.
Diamond League
The Stade de France regularly hosts the Meeting de Paris, one of the premier events on the World Athletics Diamond League circuit. This annual meet brings together the world’s top athletes to showcase speed, strength, and endurance, making it a highlight for athletics fans. The event captures the global spirit of track and field, from record-breaking sprints to thrilling high jumps.
Other Major Events
The Stade de France is a prime venue for world-famous artists with acts like Beyoncé, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran performing to sold-out crowds.
Paris – The Heart of French Sport
Paris is home to iconic sporting events and venues, making it a must-visit for fans of all disciplines.
Parc des Princes
“Le Parc” us where you can watch Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) play and feel the energy and passion of one of Europe’s top football clubs.
Roland Garros
In spring, around May/June time, you can attend the French Open and witness tennis legends battle it out on the worlds’ most famous clay courts.
Nice on the Riviera
Situated on the French Riviera, Nice is a Mediterranean gem known for its charm, elegance, and natural beauty. Renowned for its year-round sunshine, azure waters and vibrant culture, Nice offers a delightful blend of relaxation and sophistication.
Visitors can stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, where the sea meets pastel-coloured Belle Époque buildings, or explore the lively streets of Old Town (Vieux Nice), filled with bustling markets, charming cafes and architecture. Surrounded by picturesque hills and the sparkling Mediterranean, Nice embodies the essence of French joie de vivre.
Nice combines stunning scenery with various sporting events such as football, triathlons and others. After a day of sports, you’ll enjoy taking a stroll on the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Allianz Riviera
Home to OGC Nice and les “Aiglons” owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, this modern stadium hosts football and rugby matches.
Ironman Nice
The race takes athletes from the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains, providing breathtaking views of the historic town architecture and the blue coastline. This event is part of the Ironman series, renowned for its challenging course and lively atmosphere, making it a must-attend for triathlon enthusiasts.
Cycling
A favourite for cyclists and featured in the Tour de France, Nice offers spectacular cycling routes.
Annecy in the Alps
Located in the Haute-Savoie department of the French Alps, Annecy is often called the “Venice of the Alps” for its charming canals. Overlooking one of Europe’s cleanest lakes, Lake Annecy, this city is ideal for outdoor lovers and romantics alike.
Wander through the Old Town (Vieille Ville) with its historic buildings and flower-filled balconies, and don’t miss the Château d’Annecy for stunning views. In warmer months, activities like kayaking and cycling are popular, while winter brings opportunities for skiing in the surrounding mountains. Combine your love of sports with jaw-dropping Alpine scenery. Annecy is perfect for outdoor sports fans, including paragliding, cycling, and water sports.
Lake Annecy
Lake Annecy is known for its exceptional cleanliness and is regarded as one of the purest lakes in Europe. Its clear waters are maintained by strict environmental measures and natural cleaning agents like reeds. The lake hosts regattas and open-water swimming competitions.
Cycling
A favourite among both amateur and professional cyclists, the road to and around Annecy are frequently featured in the Tour de France.
Le Mans in the Loire Valley
A pilgrimage site for motorsport fans, Le Mans is synonymous with speed and endurance. It is perhaps best known for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious endurance car races, which attracts motorsports enthusiasts from around the globe each year.
Beyond its racing heritage, Le Mans offers a wealth of historical sites, including the stunning Le Mans Cathedral and the ancient Gallo-Roman walls that encircle the old town. The city’s picturesque streets and markets provide a charming mix of classic French architecture and modern amenities, making it a delightful destination for visitors seeking a mix of excitement and tranquillity in the Loire Valley.
24 Hours of Le Mans
Experience the thrill of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, the world’s oldest endurance car race. This iconic event draws motorsports enthusiasts worldwide for a test of speed, strategy and endurance in a historic setting. Look out for the motorbike version which is simply mind boggling, how is it possible to race 24 hours on a motorcycle?
Le Mans Classic
For fans of vintage cars, this event brings historic automobiles to life. A must see for car lovers and collectors.
Toulouse in Occitanie
Our first stop is to the home of arguably one of Europe’s finest rugby clubs, Stade Toulousain also known as Toulouse, in Occitanie. Not only have they won the Heineken Cup a total of five times they have also won a record 19 French Championships. The club is known to have provided many players to the national team and this year they have something else in common as one of their former players has a pretty important role within the national team.
The city is filled with exceptional heritage, religious buildings and popular monuments, making it a great place to visit all year round. During home games you’ll hear chants and cheers from the renovated Stade Ernest-Wallon, why not incorporate a trip around the home of the Toulouse rugby team into your next visit. Toulouse’s climate can be compared to that of Barcelona in Spain with mild winters and hot summers, over the last century, the city has grown from a small town to one of the liveliest cities in France. Its international airport connects visitors from the UK in just over an hour, whether you’re visiting to catch a game or see the sights, you might fall in love with everything that makes Toulouse special.
Clermont-Ferrand in the Center
Any fan of French rugby will know that Clermont-Ferrand is where ASM Clermont Auvergne are based since being founded over 100 years ago. Due to its landscape the city is famous for the chain of volcanoes, the Chaîne des Puys, that surround it, and as well as hosting many rugby matches throughout the year you can also attend one of the world’s leading international festivals for short films.
The Festival du Court Metrage de Clermont-Ferrand is an annual festival that adds some culture to Clermont-Ferrand and welcomes over 100,000 attendees every year. This statistic paired with the 18,000 fans who can fit in Clermont’s rugby stadium are all invited to also take in some of the cities more historical and cultural sights, the area boasts religious architecture that has been nominated as a World Heritage Site as well as several picturesque parks and gardens.
Other French Cities
Of course there are many other famous sporting cities such as Toulon, Castres and Perpignan for rugby. Lyon, home to Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and a frequent host for major football tournaments, Bordeaux and Marseille (OM) for football, and that’s without talking about basketball, golf or tennis.
Are you too busy to keep up with the pace of fast moving cities and confused about the real estate market in France? Tell us about your plans and we will send you details about our A la Carte bespoke Service, allowing you to focus on your game, let us do the home-hunting! Whether you’re chasing rugby thrills, football passion, motorsport glory or outdoor adventures, France is a sports fan’s paradise. Ready to explore?
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