Some useful information that could help you.
An estimated 70,000 Irish fans are expected to travel to Euro 2016 and while we hope that everyone has a great time, a little bit of extra information could be very helpful.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a look at the three cities where Irish fans will be based this summer.
Bordeaux
A 2013 survey concluded that outside Paris, French people considered Bordeaux the best place to live in the whole country. Good news, then, for any Irish fans that might fancy a trip to the city’s famous vineyards.
As far as the clash with Belgium and the days around it are concerned, this information might come in handy.
Getting to the stadium
The Stade de Bordeaux is located approximately 8km from Bordeaux city centre. Here’s how to get there…
From Bordeaux St-Jean Station: Take Tram C to the Parc des Expositions/Stade Euro station, approximately 40 minutes.
From the fanzone at Esplanade des Quinconces: Take Tram B to La Cité du Vin station and get the Euro direct shuttle, approximately 35 minutes.
Or…
Take Tram C to the Parc des Expositions/Stade Euro station, approximately 35 minutes.
From Bordeaux Merignac Airport: Take the express bus 1 Direction Gare St Jean, stop at Victoire and take Tram B to La Cité du Vin/Berges de la Garonne.
Stop at La Cité du Vin and take the Euro shuttle to the Stade Euro.
Useful links
www.bordeaux.fr – Bordeaux mayor’s office
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/ – Tourist information
www.infotbc.com/en – Bordeaux public transport
www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/Plan-your-trip/Transport – Travel information
www.lacub.fr – Bordeaux municipal authorities
www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en – Bordeaux airport
What have UEFA got planned in the city?
The fanzone will be set-up on the Esplanade des Quinconces and will broadcast every match. Concerts will also be part of the programme on non-playing days.
Check out the UEFA host city guide to Bordeaux here.
Nightlife
There are loads of pubs and clubs in the area around Les Quais and conveniently located close to St. Jean train station. You won’t be long looking for a watering hole, that’s for sure.
Irish pubs
Not all Irish people conform to the stereotype of Irish people finding the nearest Irish pub as soon as they land abroad, but some do like to be reminded of home while they’re away.
The Connemara, the Black Velvet Bar and the Blarney Stone are all centrally-located within a short distance of one another, while there’s also Molly Malone’s a little further up the quays by the Garonne River.
Popular areas to see
Rive Droite: Just as in Paris, Bordeaux has its left and right banks. The recently-renovated right bank, or Rive Droite, lends a magnificent view of the city and its famous buildings.
The Mirroir d’Eau: Arguably the most scenic site in Bordeaux, it’s listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by Unesco. Located near Place de la Bourse, this spot will be perfect for a night-time stroll.
Old Town: This stretches out below Place de la Bourse and seamlessly blends the charm of the bleached stone buildings and cobbled streets with a wide variety of restaurants and terrace cafes.
Les Quais: The pride of Bordeaux. Completely renovated and pedestrianised, these promenades along the banks of the Garonne beautifully frame the heart of the city, with Place de la Bourse taking pride of place, its famous reflection in the waters (Miroir d’Eau) a favourite sight among visitors and locals alike.
Other things to do
Visit the brand new wine theme park
Bordeaux is renowned as one of the wine capitals of the world for a good reason and as if to emphasise that fact, a new 10-storey theme park devoted entirely to wine, La Cité du Vin, is just after opening in the city.
Pic via Facebook/La Cité du Vin
Leaving Bordeaux for Lille
If you’re driving, it’s a trek of about eight hours from south-west to north-east so you’d want to give yourself at least a day to make it and share piloting duties with a buddy if you have company.
A TGV train will take approximately five and a half hours and there are plenty of trains heading to Lille from Bordeaux on the day after Ireland play Belgium, and on the Monday (20 June) and Tuesday (21 June) too.
It’s not exactly cheap though; at the time of writing, a one-way train ticket will set you back anything from €84-171.
The bus is more of an exercise in endurance as you’ll spend the guts of half of a day making it from one host city to another, but with prices starting from a low as €31, you’ll probably save a few extra quid.
And most importantly, enjoy yourself. COYBIG!
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