Combining travel with football for EURO 2016

View from Tour Montparnasse, Paris, France

It’s an exciting year for football fans – especially those based in Europe. With Euro 2016 taking place in France in the summer, there’s never been a better excuse to visit the country and combine business (footie) with pleasure. Make it more fun – and potentially profitable – by taking a punt on your favourite team with William Hill football betting.

To start with, decide how you are going to get there. From the UK, your cheapest option for the northern destinations is to fill a car and drive down to the coast. Ferries from Dover and Folkestone will take you to Calais and Dunkirk and there should be plenty of capacity. The crossing costs less than GBP 100 return for vehicle and up to nine people which is a major bargain.

Then there’s the Eurostar, which can end up quicker than flying once the interminable security checks and travel into the city from the airport are included.

Flying is often the cheapest option, but make sure you are not landing at some obscure ex-military airbase out in the sticks (which is often the case with Ryanair, for example…)

Next on the agenda is choosing which of the host cities to visit. You’ll need to secure tickets in advance so check out the official channel and see what is available. You can make a decision based on the teams playing, the appeal of the city or a bit of both.

Don’t even think about buying tickets on the street.

To help you out in terms of venues, here’s our round-up of the Euro 2016 host cities with important matches highlighted:

Lens

England v Wales, June 16

Lens may not be the prettiest town in northern France, but it is one in which tourists are rare and thus greeted with enthusiasm. It is also home to a branch of the Louvre which as well as hosting superb works of art is an amazing building in itself.

For a pre or post-match tipple head for the Irish Tavern. Great food can be had at L’Huîtrière, a famous fish shop dating from 1882.

St-Etienne

England v Slovakia, June 20

The capital of the Loire region is not going to win any prizes for beauty although St-Etienne does have its share of architectural gems like the Saint Marie church. Look beyond the city for some dramatic mountainous landscapes but it does have a few fine parks of its own too.

The wonderfully-named Smoking Dog is your go-to place for a beer and the city has a few Michelin starred restaurants if you are looking to push the boat out.

Toulouse

Russia v Wales, June 20

Toulouse has plenty to enjoy – from its centrepiece, the huge Place du Capitole, to the St Sernin basilica, the Musée des Augustins and its bars and cafes along the Garonne river.

You won’t have a problem finding a place to drink around Place St Pierre and Place St George is the area for a more upmarket tipple.

Bordeaux

Wales v Slovakia, June 11
Belgium v Ireland, June 18

Bordeaux achieved Unesco World Heritage Site status in 2007. It was a well-deserved award – the city is both beautiful and historic – and then there’s that wine, too…

Celebrity chefs work at trendy eateries and design hotels offer rooms with style.

You’ll be spoilt for choice at night, too. Kick off your celebration/commiseration in medieval St Pierre. If you want more, head to the Quai de Paludate where you’ll find late bars catering to the traders at the wholesale meat market. If you are still up for it, make for Bassins-à-Flots for seriously late-night revelry.

Lille

Italy v Ireland, June 22

Despite its size, Lille is a laid-back place. It’s also beautiful – full of buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries showcasing its Flemish roots it is a lovely town for wandering aimlessly.

Lively bars popular with students can be found around Rue Solférino; a more sophisticated scene can be enjoyed around rues Barre, Bouchers, Basse and Royale.

Marseille

England v Russia, June 11

Marseille is a multicultural melting-pot as well as France’s second city and main port. The city’s time as a European capital of culture in 2013 helped liven the old girl up and there are more than enough art galleries, designer hotels, chic restaurants and stores to keep you occupied.

Head for central Marseille for a post-match drink – the best bars are found near the Vieux Port, with those near the beach at the Escale Borély attracting a younger crowd.

Lyon

Ukraine v Northern Ireland, June 16

Lyon has changed for the better in recent years, opening up its riverside areas and creating pretty promenades. A, exciting new district has emerged where the Rhône and Saône meet, known as the Confluence. The Alps are not far away either, making a great day trip when no football is taking place.

Wine lovers should head for La Cave des Voyageurs.

Nice

Poland v Northern Ireland, June 12

Nice is perhaps the most interesting city on this list – unless you’ve never been to Paris, that is.

Both glamorous and beautiful, the capital of the Côte d’Azur boasts more than a stunning bayside setting. The Promenade du Paillon, inaugurated in 2013, consists of 30 acres of park running from the city centre to the sea and is a wonderful addition to the city.

The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is the place to be for a drink in the evening. All tastes are catered for, from grimy pub to sophisticated cocktail bar. The Promenade des Anglais is quieter but no less appealing – so take your pick.

Paris

Eiffel Tower

Northern Ireland v Germany, June 21
Ireland v Sweden, June 13

Paris needs your support more than ever after an awful 2015, but it deserves a visit for at least a hundred other reasons. Sometimes feeling more like a collection of villages than one city, and more often than not like a film set, the City of Lights is indeed a magical place.

You may be surprised at the variety of nightlife to be enjoyed in the French capital but the fact that you can eat well is not going to come as a shock. You are going to love it.