Book your train tickets to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France
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Every four years, the world’s biggest rugby fans gather to see their favourite athletes go head-to-head for the title of World Champions. This year, the Cup comes back to Europe, with matches taking place in ten major cities across France. The 2023 edition, from 8 September to 28 October 2023, is a great opportunity to visit (or revisit) France, just by hopping from match to match.
Learn more about the World Cup’s exciting locations. Our three picks are both host cities and interesting places to explore between matches.
The tournament kicks off this year on Friday September 8th with a match pitting host France against New Zealand at Stade de France in the outskirts of Paris. Although matches are scattered throughout the country, this is where the heart of the action will be. The stadium will host a total of ten matches, including the opening and closing ones (and some of the quarter finals).
Built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, it is by far the largest stadium in France, capable of welcoming up to 80,000 spectators. The city of Saint-Denis is just a short metro ride away from Paris, so fans can enjoy all that the French capital has to offer. Think world-famous museums, delicious delicacies, and iconic Haussmann architecture. In early September, take advantage of the Journées européennes du patrimoine (European Heritage Days). In October, head to Montmartre for the Fête des Vendanges (Harvest Festival) at Paris’ one and only vineyard.
🚅 Departs from: London St Pancras
⏲️ Fastest journey time: 2 hours 16 minutes
📍 Stadium address: Stade de France 93220 St-Denis France
Six matches including two of the quarter finals will be played in Marseille, France’s second largest city and main international port. The Vélodrome is the oldest stadium on our list, built in 1937. It has undergone three renovations since then and can host up to 67,000 fans. This is not Marseille’s first rodeo—the city hosted two quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup back in 2007.
The average temperature in September is around 20°C (70° F), so take advantage of the beautiful weather with walks in the Old City, near the harbour, and in the picturesque Panier neighbourhood. You might even head to the beach before a match. The stadium is conveniently located near the city centre, so it’s just a few métro or bus stops away from the port. Treat yourself to bouillabaisse or a local cheese platter and a tall glass of pastis.
🚅 Departs from: Paris Gare de Lyon
⏲️ Fastest journey time: 3 hours 2 minutes
📍 Stadium address: Stade Vélodrome 3 boulevard Michelet 13008 Marseille France
Five matches will be played in the Ville Rose (Pink City), the capital of France’s Occitanie region in the southwest of the country. The city is, appropriately enough, famous for its own rugby team, Stade Toulousain (21-time French champions). So, you’re sure to find someone just as passionate about the game as you are! 33,150 fans will join you in the stands as you cheer your team to victory, a tradition that dates back to 1938 when the stadium was built.
After the match, jump on the métro (or tram) and head to the city centre, where you can admire the city’s pink brick architecture (some of which dates back to the Roman period). Maybe you’ll opt for a cruise along the Canal du Midi, a 150-mile (240 km) waterway and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine near the majestic Place du Capitole. The southwest is where confit de canard (duck confit), foie gras, and cassoulet (sausage and bean stew) originated! Toulouse loves food. They’ve even got a whole festival dedicated to it in September: Toulouse à Table.
🚅 Departs from: Paris Montparnasse
⏲️ Fastest journey time: 4 hours 6 minutes
📍 Stadium address: Stadium de Toulouse 1 allée Gabriel Bienes 31400 Toulouse FRANCE
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