The Staycity Guide to the Rugby World Cup 2023

April 27, 2023 3:14pm

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is fast approaching! Get ready for 52 days of madness in which the best teams in the world will compete. Being from Ireland ourselves, we know a thing or two about rugby and how to have a good time! So it was only natural for us to put together this guide to give you tips and advice to make the most of your stay in France.

Whether you have tickets for the matches or just want to stay in Paris, Bordeaux or Marseille to soak up the surrounding frenzy, make our wonderful aparthotels your base camp!

 

1. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023

 

When? from September 8 to October 28, 2023

Where? 9 sites in 10 host cities: Paris, Saint-Denis, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lille, Lyon, Nantes, Nice, Saint-Étienne, Toulouse

Who? 660 players from 20 teams: France, New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania, Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile, Portugal

 

2. RUGBY FIXTURES IN PARIS: HEAD TO LE STADE DE FRANCE

 

All eyes will be on the French capital as the competition kicks off. And what better than a France v New Zealand game to get things started? Time to practice your haka!

 

Calendar of Rugby fixtures at the Stade de France

 

How to get to the Stade de France and good to know tips

Whether you get there by metro, RER or bus, it’s pretty easy to go to the Stade de France. If you are looking for a hotel near the Stade de France, our Staycity Aparthotels Gare de l’Est is ideal! Not only is it a quick 25 minutes door to door trip to get to the stadium but our central location is extremely convenient to visit Paris.

Don’t miss a minute of the game thanks to their “Drink and Eat” delivery service. You can have your meal delivered directly to your seat. All you have to do is simply scan the QR code on your seat, enter your seat number and order on the app. Isn’t life beautiful?

And for the curious ones who like to know everything in advance, discover the interactive plan of the Stade de France. It allows you to find your seat and have a preview of your view on the day!

 

Where to watch the rugby game in Paris (and celebrate the third-half)

If you want to immerse yourself in the crazy atmosphere of the games but don’t have tickets for the stadium, read away! Here are some of our suggestions for a fun day out in Paris with pubs that broadcast rugby in Paris.

An institution in Paris, the Comptoir Rugby Bar welcomes you in a friendly and festive atmosphere where the rugby spirit reigns – as well as the charcuterie board. Not only is the décor 100% rugby but so is the crowd. You are likely to come across members of clubs and federations – the All Blacks, the Racing Espoir team and the Lièvremont brothers have already been spotted there so keep your eyes open.  Hidden away in the heart of the Latin Quarter, at the foot of the Pantheon, The Bombardier offers an authentic English pub experience. You will find a wide range of traditional beers (including the famous Cask Ale) and meals that will give you a taste of home away from home.  With its friendly staff and cosy interior, this little corner of the UK is the ideal place to watch the games in a real pub atmosphere! Another option is to opt for a sports bar near your accommodation in Paris. Really convenient to watch the game and enjoy the night without having to worry about transportation! Belushi’s Gare du Nord is at a quick 10 minutes walk away from our property Staycity Aparthotels Gare de l’Est. With a massive dining area and 21 large screens, it’s the perfect place to watch the games with friends!

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by The Bombardier (@bombardierpubparis)

 

Make the most of your trip to Paris

Take advantage of your stay in Paris to explore the city of love. Try a cruise on the Seine, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower or enjoy a hot chocolate at Angelina. Paris is a city as romantic as it is inspiring, bubbling with art and creativity, a city full of activities for families, couples and any group of friends.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, swap the emotional rollercoaster of the rugby for the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain! Our aparthotel near Disneyland® Paris is the perfect place to extend the fun. Staycity Aparthotels Near Disneyland® Paris is only 10 minutes away from the park and is the ideal place to relax by the pool after all the excitement. With its restaurant, swimming pool and view over the lake and the Val d’Europe Golf Course, recharge your batteries in this peaceful setting a few kilometres from Paris.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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3. RUGBY FIXTURES IN BORDEAUX: HEAD TO STADE MATMUT ATLANTIQUE DE BORDEAUX

 

The bastion of rugby in France! Since its arrival at the end of the 1880s, rugby has held a strong place in Bordeaux and more widely in the Southwest. With more than 6 clubs in the Top 14, New Aquitaine is definitely a rugby utopia.

 

Calendar of Rugby fixtures at the Bordeaux Stadium

 

 

How to get to the Stade de Bordeaux and good to know tips

 

If you are looking for a hotel near the Bordeaux Stadium, our Staycity Aparthotels Bordeaux City Centre is for you! Thanks to our convenient location you’ll be at the stadium in less than 40 minutes door to door. Fast and convenient, the tram C goes directly to the stadium, so you won’t need to change lines.

In addition to hosting five prestigious matches, Bordeaux will also be the base camp for the Fiji Team. Sometime during August, the team will settle in Lormont, located on Bordeaux’s right bank. Some training sessions should be open to the public and meet-and-greets organised.

A Rugby Village will be set up in Bordeaux and will be open to all supporters and the public. With animations, giant screens, and food corners, this will definitely be a great place to celebrate rugby. More information to come.

 

Where to watch the rugby game in Bordeaux (and celebrate the third-half)

 

In the Southwest, they know how to party! Whether you’re looking for a bar to watch the game or to celebrate the victory of your favourite team, Bordeaux is full of spots that are as festive as they are convivial.

Large tables, international food stalls, giant screens… the Boca Food Court has all the essentials for watching the games with friends in a friendly atmosphere.

Located right on the river, the restaurant IBAÏA offers local dishes as well as exotic recipes, perfect to enjoy a glass of red at sunset.

If you prefer a pub atmosphere, you will find some very good options not far from our aparthotel. The Blarney Stone is a 5-minute walk away Irish pub that will transport you to Ireland. Enjoy a refreshing Guinness in a typical setting and warm atmosphere, definitely a place where you feel at home.

The Connemara is another must-see Irish hangout, where you can enjoy a cheerful atmosphere. If you’re in Bordeaux for the weekend, drop in on Friday night for their traditional live music.

Finally, if you want something a little different, head to the Grizzly Pub. Located on the Place de la Victoire, this bar offers a delicious menu, affordable cocktails and a unique setting, all in an eco-friendly way.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Make the most of your trip to Bordeaux

 

Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France. The city that used to be called “La Belle Endormie” (The Sleeping Beauty) is now far from this nickname. Known for its dynamism and its pleasant living environment, Bordeaux is a city where life is good. Soak up this relaxed lifestyle and discover the hidden treasures of Bordeaux. Our beautiful aparthotel is located in the historical centre, so you will be within walking distance of all the main attractions, restaurants and bars.

So of course, a stay in Bordeaux means wine. Visit the Cité du Vin, the largest wine museum in the world, and learn more about this precious nectar or opt for a trip to Saint-Émilion, where you can visit the vineyard and its Château. 

Did you know that many of Bordeaux’s major Châteaux had strong ties with Ireland? Amongst them is Château Lynch Bages, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious Châteaux, which was founded by John Lynch, a Galway man established in France.

If your schedule permits, rent a car and explore the Southwest for a day. From Bordeaux you are only an hour away from the Atlantic coast, so that’s a great opportunity to climb the Dune du Pilat, taste fresh oysters in the Bassin d’Arcachon or take a surfing lesson in Lacanau.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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4. RUGBY FIXTURES IN MARSEILLE: HEAD TO STADE VÉLODROME

 

The Rugby World Cup matches will take place in the mythical Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. The city will host 6 matches including 2 quarter-finals. Last year, Marseille hosted the “Rugby Africa Cup”, a qualifying tournament at the end of which Namibia secured its place for 2023.

 

Calendar of Rugby fixtures at the Marseille Stadium

 

How to get to the Vélodrome Stadium and good to know tips

Our location is ideal if you are looking for a hotel close to the Velodrome Stadium while staying in the city centre. The metro station is only a couple meters away and will get you to the Stade Vélodrome in less than 15 minutes! With increased frequency before and after the match, this is by far the fastest and most efficient option to attend the event.

 

Where to watch the rugby games in Marseille (and celebrate the third-half)

When you stay at the Staycity Aparthotels Marseille Centre Vieux-Port you will be only a few steps away from the bars of the city centre and the famous Vieux-Port. The little extra? Thanks to its mild weather all year round, Marseille is the ideal destination to watch the games alfresco, even in October!

 

Once again, the pubs are always a good idea if you want to watch the games in a fun and friendly  set up.  Amongst them you will find the Shamrock, the Queen Victoria or the Loch Ness, an authentic Scottish pub (in case the name didn’t give it away). With their beautiful view over the Vieux-Port, their good beers and warm atmosphere, they will make fans happy. 

 

Not far from there, discover the Rookie’s Sports Bar. With around twenty screens, including a giant one, this is THE sports bar in Marseille. No fuss here, they serve the perfect treats for a game day – think burgers, hot dogs, nachos.. Are we the only ones drooling here?

As you might expect, these bars are likely to be packed, so make sure you get there early!

 

Make the most of your stay in Marseille

When you’re not cheering on your favourite team, make the most of your stay in Marseille and discover its secrets. The city of Marseille is full of cultural, natural and gastronomic wonders, so there is something for everyone.

A perfect blend of city and nature, Marseille is a bustling city. Stroll through the colourful streets of the Panier to discover Marseille’s street art, then stop off at the Bar de la Marine for a well-deserved aperitif. Continue with a visit to the Mucem, a boat trip to the Château d’If or embark (literally!) on a unique journey to discover prehistory with the immersive experience of the Cosquer Cave. In the evening, sit on a terrace on the Vieux-Port and watch the onlookers while sipping a cool Pastis. La belle vie !

If you don’t know where to start, we’ve compiled our top picks for Marseille, take a look at our guide to enjoying the beautiful Riviera.

 

 

Enjoy the Rugby World Cup with peace of mind. Whether you are planning to travel with friends or family, Staycity Aparthotels guarantees an easy, convenient and comfortable stay. Fully equipped kitchens, comfy beds, spacious apartments, parking, Staycafés… We have thought of everything, so you don’t have to think about anything! Book your stay in our apartments in Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille today!

 

 

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