How to Enjoy the Rugby World Cup in Paris

In one month, France will host the Rugby World Cup. From September 8 to October 28, 2023, the twenty best national teams will compete for the title of world champion!

If the matches will take place in ten magnificent cities in France, it is without a doubt in Paris – Saint-Denis that the most beautiful confrontations will take place! Thousands of fans will go there to support their team but also to enjoy the electric and festive atmosphere of such an event. Whether you are a fan or simply curious, here are some ideas to enjoy it!

Let's start with a few words about this tournament that is promising in every way. From a sporting point of view, like the poster for the opening match where France and New Zealand will face each other, the tournament promises to be particularly open. France, as host country of course, but also 2nd nation in the International Federation ranking, led by the superstar of world rugby, Antoine Dupont, is coming forward as the favourite alongside Ireland and South Africa, the defending champion.

The party atmosphere, dear to this sport whose reputation is built on values ​​of sharing and respect, promises to be exceptional. We are already talking about the most popular rugby event in history! 600,000 foreign fans are expected in France. This is a record for this event and audience forecasts are also very high. The ten cities that will host the matches will set up a "Rugby Village". These Rugby Villages will have a capacity of 40,000 seats. You will be able to watch the matches, play or learn Rugby, attend cultural events related to the oval ball and of course eat! All this with free access!

A bit of history all the same because at Parisi Tour we like that!

If rugby was born in England, in France, it was in Paris that it developed in the 1890s. A time when the legendary club of the capital, the Stade Français, was born. Since then, Parisian domination has somewhat crumbled and the clubs of the South of France have taken their revenge.

Nevertheless, Paris remains a historic land of Rugby. This is evidenced by the strong popular enthusiasm for the two Parisian clubs with remarkable records, Racing Club de France and Stade Français.

Many Parisian establishments broadcast the matches live, allowing you to immerse yourself in the friendly and passionate atmosphere of the fans. Here is a non-exhaustive list of bars and pubs where you can watch the matches:

• The Players Bar: located in the Grands Boulevards district, shows all matches on the big screen and offers themed evenings during major competitions.
• L'Australian Bar: an Australian pub near Montparnasse, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and rugby match broadcasts.
• Le Café Oz: with several addresses throughout Paris, the Cafés Oz are essential places to follow rugby matches in an authentic Australian atmosphere.
• Corcoran's Irish Pub: this chain of Irish pubs has several establishments in Paris, all equipped with large screens so you can watch the matches live.
• The bars of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known as the haunt of rugby fans in Paris, will be particularly lively throughout the World Cup. Head to the streets Princesse, Guisarde and des Cannettes which make up what we call "the Valley of Thirst"!

After a thrilling match, what better way to continue celebrating victory (or drown defeat) than in one of Paris's many clubs and bars? We highly recommend Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you'll find the greatest concentration of bars and rugby fans.

During the World Cup, between two matches, you will most likely want to practice your rugby. Don’t panic! There are a few places where amateur rugby players usually meet to play their favorite sport.

The Esplanade des Invalides – located between the Hôtel des Invalides and the Pont Alexandre III (one of the most beautiful in Paris!) – is made up of large lawns ideal for developing a few passes. Probably one of the most spectacular rugby fields in the world! When the weather is nice, it is common to meet rugby players there.

The Parc de la Villette, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is both a magnificent park and a cultural hotspot. Between the Cité de la Musique, the Cité des Sciences, the Zenith and the Philharmonie de Paris, you will find superb expanses of grass to play rugby with friends.

The Paris-Saint-Denis Rugby Village will also offer fun activities around this sport. Beginners will undoubtedly find something to get started with in the company of instructors from the French Rugby Federation.