FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019: A host city destination guide
The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ is upon us, with 24 teams playing 52 games across nine cities in France, from 7 June – 7 July. And with the women’s game stronger than ever, this promises to be the most exciting and competitive tournament to date.
Women’s football has come a long way over the years. In 1921, England’s Football Association even banned women from playing on FA grounds. Now, the world turns to watch as some of the greatest female athletes prepare to battle it out over a month to be crowned the champions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™.
If you’ve scored a ticket to a match, or even if you’re just flying to France for the atmosphere, check out our guide to some of the top host cities of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™, and find out what to see and do when you’re not watching the beautiful game.
Reward tip: Don’t forget to sign up for the Norwegian VISA credit card for loads of travel benefits like free ATM withdrawals abroad, travel insurance, and extra CashPoints on Norwegian LowFare tickets (currently available in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland).
Paris
Parc des Princes Stadium
The Paris matches will take place at Le Parc des Princes, or The Park of Princes, which can be found south-west of Paris. It’s the home ground of the legendary Paris Saint-Germain, the capital’s leading men’s football team.
Fun fact: Parc des Princes hasn’t always been a football stadium. It was originally a velodrome and was used as the finish line for the Tour de France from 1903 – 1967.
Metro stop: Porte de Saint-Cloud
Sightseeing
The food, the fashion, the romance, the history, the culture… There are so many things to love about Paris. Be sure to take a walk by the Seine, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, take some pictures of the beautiful Sacré-Cœur church, and of course, the world-famous Eiffel Tower. And don’t miss out on a stroll through the on Montmartre neighbourhood. It’s a stunning place to wander around.
While you’re in Paris, you’re going to want to shop, too. Get some inspiration on the best places to shop in Paris.
And if you’re tight on time, why not take in some of the key sights on this Paris highlights full-day city tour?
Where to eat
If you’re peckish before a game, stop for a gourmet burger at La Table des Frangins. There are two good reasons to go: The restaurant is right by the stadium, and their mountain burgers are something else!
Where to watch the match
If you missed out on tickets but want to enjoy the match atmosphere, especially if you’re going to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ in France with kids, the Fan Village in Les Halles is the place to be. Complete with table football, ping-pong, sports activities, and of course several screens where you can enjoy the matches.
Alternatively, head to Belushi’s, Gare Du Nord. It’s the best sports bar in town. Packed with sports fans every night of the week, it’s the perfect place to catch France v South Korea on 7 June. Strain your ears and you might hear the roar from the crowd at the stadium.
Montpellier
Stade de la Mosson
Stade de la Mosson is the home ground of Montpellier HSC. Originally a 16,000-seater stadium, it was rebuilt for the 1998 World Cup to comply with the rule that FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ host stadiums need a minimum of 30,000 seats.
Thanks to its unique three-tiered stand structure, the stadium now holds an impressive 35,000 fans.
Tram stop: Mosson
Sightseeing
Montpellier is one of the sunniest cities in France. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year. And that’s not the only reason to visit. The Musée Fabre, the Gothic Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre, (a national monument) and the Place de la Comédie with its Trois Grâces fountain are all must-sees while you’re in the city.
One of the best ways to see the sights is by segway. See for yourself on this two-hour segway tour of the new and old city.
Where to eat
If you want somewhere chilled to eat after the craziness of a game, Le Petit Jardin is the place to go. Nestled in a quiet street near the Cathedral of Saint Pierre, it has an extensive seasonal menu with something to suit every taste. It also has a romantic terrace if you fancy dining al fresco.
Where to watch the match
In the area but missed out on tickets? Watch the match with a good old pint of Guinness at the Irish-run Korner Pub. It’s guaranteed to be good ‘craic’.
Grenoble
Stade des Alpes
Grenoble’s Stade des Alpes, home of Grenoble Foot 38, is known for its distinctive transparent glass roof. French architects Chaix and Morel made a nod to environmentalism by fitting the roof with solar panels that provide 20% of the stadium’s energy needs.
The stadium also hosts the home games of the uber-popular FC Grenoble rugby club.
Tram stop: Verdun Prefecture
Sightseeing
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, France’s self-styled ‘Capital of the Alps’ is pretty as a picture. It may be best-known for its winter sports, but there’s so much more to it than skiing and snowscooting (yes, that’s a thing). Other highlights include the Musée de Grenoble and the ancient Bastille Fortress, which sits on the end of the Chartreuse mountain range.
Got a head for heights? You can reach the fortress from the city centre via a cable car.
Where to eat
On 7 March 1815, Napoleon passed through Grenoble. The place at which he ate became the restaurant Auberge Napoleon. If it was good enough for Napoleon, it’s good enough for a post-match meal. But leave room for dessert. The peanut mousse on biscuit with apricot sorbet is not to be missed.
Where to watch the match
You can watch all the games live at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Village at Anneau de Vitesse, Parc Paul Mistral.
Nice
Stade de Nice
Stade de Nice, also known as Allianz Riviera, is located in the neighbourhood of Saint-Isidore. It’s home to OGC Nice, who left their old ground, Stade du Ray, to take up residence in 2013.
The stadium passed its first major test as the venue for several games at UEFA EURO 2016.
Train station: Saint-Isidore
Sightseeing
Full of colourful buildings, Nice is the French Riviera’s largest city and a delight to visit, especially in the summer. It’s also a great destination if you’re heading away on a girls’ weekend.
Be sure to take a stroll along the scenic Promenade des Anglais and climb Colline du Château hill to admire the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
While you’re there, why not do a day trip to Monaco and see how the other half live?
Where to eat
Chez Acchiardo is a great option for food before or after a match, especially if you’re in a group. It has a relaxed atmosphere and a delicious Tarte Tatin.
Where to watch the match
If you’re looking for a lively place to cheer on your team, you can’t beat Ma Nolans Irish pub Vieux Nice. It attracts die-hard football fans, so, expect a wild night.
Lyon
Parc Olympique Lyonnais
As host to the Semi-Final matches on 2 and 3 July, and the Final on 7 July, Stade de Lyon is the feature stadium of the tournament. It’s home to Olympique Lyonnais, one the most successful women’s football teams in France.
If you want to catch the final, you can get there for less with Norwegian. Fly to Grenoble then hire a car through Norwegian Reward.
Tram stop: Décines Grand Large
Sightseeing
Lyon has a lot to boast about. With its fascinating ancient ruins, medieval quarters, and fine Renaissance houses, the city has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
It’s also known as the culinary capital of France, with good reason. Home to renowned chefs like Paul Bocuse, it has the highest concentration of restaurants per capita in France. If the Lyonnais aren’t eating, they’re at least talking about food. This is why one of the best ways to explore Lyon is through its kitchen on a food tour of Lyon.
Where to eat
A bouchon is a must in Lyon. Unique to the city, they’re little restaurants serving local delicacies. So be sure to grab a bite at one before the match. We recommend Café des Federations. Order the caviar de la Croix-Rousse (lentil salad), followed by the stew of pork cheeks, and you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
Where to watch the match
If you can’t get enough of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™, be sure to visit the FIFA Village at Place Bellecour from 26 June to 7 July. There’s loads going on: You can take part in tournaments on a futsal pitch, and play inflatable foot darts and foot bowling. There’ll also be exhibitions and talks about women’s role in society and sport.
Don’t miss Ballets de Lorraine’s performance of ‘Discofoot’, a unique ‘danced’ match. Here’s a sneak preview.
Get more for less
There’s loads to see and do in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ host cities. Make the most of it with Norwegian Reward. Every time you book a car, hotel or activity through our partners, you’ll earn CashPoints which can be used towards future trips. Enjoy the games!