The 2016 UEFA European Championship which is all set to begin in Paris has a huge following among travelers from the UK as England, Northern Ireland, and Wales are participating in it. The opening ceremony will be held at Stade de France, Paris where it will start on 7PM today. Also known as UEFA Euro 2016 or simply Euro 2016, the tournament will be contested by 24 teams over 30 days for the coveted title. The tournament is being held in 10 cities which are also great tourist destinations besides being hosts to football clashes. Here we give a lowdown on what tourist should explore once the match is over.
Paris
Paris, the capital of France is the venue where opening ceremony and several matches of the tournament will be held. David Guetta, a renowned French DJ will open the ceremony at Stade de France. The city will also host several high profile clashes. It will host Romania and home side France on 10th June 2016 at Stade de France.
What to do after the match is over:
One of the most renowned destinations in the world, Paris has always fascinated travelers with its myriad offerings. There are renowned attractions, wallet emptying shopping options and great places where you can eat, drink and dance till down. When it comes to tourist attractions, Paris leaves you spoilt for choice with diverse tourist attractions that include Eifel Tower, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame de Paris.
Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux will host five matches of the tournament and start with clash between Wales and Slovenia on 1th June 2016 at Stade de Bordqux.
What to do after the match is over:
A prominent city in France and capital of Aquitaine region is famous worldwide as a hub of wine production. Its wine producing history can be traced back from 2000 years ago when first vineyard was set up here. Apart from that the city is home classical and neo classical architecture that also appeals travelers.
Lens
Lens Agglo in France is also a venue for five matches of UEFA 2016. The matches will be played at Stade Bollaert Delelis. The stadium will host its first match between Albania and Switzerland on 11th June 2016 and last match on 25th June 2016.
What to do after the match is over:
Situated 16km from Arras, the departmental capital, Lens doesn’t have much in terms of tourist attractions, but Lens Railway Station, Louvre Lens and Lens Railway Station can be visited.
Lille
Lille Metrople would be proud host of six matches of Euro 2016. The city will host its first match between Germany and Ukraine in Stade Pierre Mauroy on 12th June 2016.
What to do after the match is over:
This city in northern France near the Belgium border is home to several tourist attractions that include Lille Old Town, Opera de Lille, Saint-Maurice Lille, Lille Cathedral and Grande Place are popular attractions. There is no dearth of dining and accommodation options in the city so you can rest assured for that part.
Lyon
Stade de Lyon in France will host five matches of the tournament. The stadium will host its first group match on 13th June 2016 between Belgium and Italy.
What to do after the match is over:
During their visit to Lyon the guests can go to explore Vieux Lyon, Lyon cathedral, Fourviere, Museums of Fine Arts of Lyon. Apart from that, there is enough dining and entertainment hubs that can be explored during you stay in Lyon.
Saint- Etienne
A city in the east central France Saint-Etienne will be proud host of four matches of the tournament. The city will host its first match on 14th June 2016 between Portugal and Iceland Stade Geoffroy Gulchard.
What to do after the match is over:
The town doesn’t have much to explore but one can go to Saint- Etienne cathedral and Furan river.
Toulouse
Situated on the both sides of River Garrone, Toulouse, the capital of France’s southern Midi-Pyrénées region will host four matches of Euro 2016. City’s Stadium de Toulouse would host its first encounter on Monday 13 June 2016 between Spain and Czech Republic.
What to do after the match is over:
Apart from being a great venue for football matches, Toulouse also boasts of several tourist attractions that include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Couvent des Jacobins, Musée des Augustins, Musée Saint-Raymond and Cathédrale Saint-Etienne.
Marseille
A popular port city in southern France Marseille will be hosting six matches of this coveted cup. First match of the tournament will be played between England and Russia at Stade Velodrome on June 11, 2016.
What to do after the match is over:
Vieux Port (Old Port), Unité d'Habitation, La Vieille Charité, Cathedrale de la Nouvelle Majo and Regards de Provence are some of the major tourists attractions in the city that can be explored to add variety to your tours.
Nice
Nice, the capital of French Riviera has been given responsibility of hosting four matches of Euro 2016. The first match of tournament will be played at Stade De Nice on 12 June 2016 between Poland and Northern Ireland. A large number of soccer enthusiasts are expected to attend this match.
What to do after the match is over:
When it comes to tourists attractions, Nice leaves you spoilt for choice given its vast range of attractions. There are Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau), Chagall Museum, Old Town (Vieille Ville), Cours Saleya, Avenue Jean Medecin and Musee Matisse that can be explored. Attractions apart, there are shops, beaches, dining and entertainment hubs that can also be explored. This month long football extravaganza can be best explored by booking a multicity flight to France. Go and watch your favorite footballers in actions.