Tour the South of France With Football!

Football fever is here and we’re all eagerly anticipating the showdown that lies in store. Waving our team’s rosettes, following the stats of every player, and making sure each match is a gala with friends is what such tournaments are all about.

Unless you could do one better. By actually following matches across France, the hosting nation.

Think about it, this way you could show your true love for the beautiful game by being there right in the thick of the action and, of course, make the most of the beautiful sights that the south of France has to offer. Also, this is a great occasion for scoring some brownie points with dad by gifting him a travel gift card this Father's Day. 

So, here are 5 destinations to tour the south of France with football. Get your game face on, people.

Marseille

That France’s cultural countenance is a cut above the rest is a fact very well known. But Marseille – the second-largest city in France – has a unique place in here. The Cultural Capital of Europe in 2013, Marseille has an excellent maritime heritage in the Vieux Port (Old Port), a neighbourhood of stylish boutiques in the Republique Quarter, the old-fashioned La Palinier district which traces its roots back to antiquity, and of course, the renowned Cathedrale de la Major. With the number of teams that are playing here, Marseille is certainly a destination that needs to be on the top of your itinerary on your south of France tour.

Teams that play here: France, England, Poland, Hungary, Quarter Final, Semi Final

St-Etienne

Perhaps not as culturally endowed or popular as Marseille, Bordeaux or Lyon – St-Etienne still carves a niche for itself due to its reputation as a manufacturing hub for some of the products that made France a vaunted contender in the industrial market. Rapidly modernizing while keeping its historical appeal alive, St-Etienne will feature Portugal’s darling Cristiano Ronaldo in action. So better make a trip here if you want to catch some English and Potuguese action.

Teams that play here: Portugal, Czech Republic, England

Bourdeaux

When you think of Bordeaux, among the first things that pops up in your head is its famous wine and vineyards.

One of the most exciting and culturally vibrant cities in all of France – Bordeaux is by definition the encapsulation of all that gives life and meaning to the Southern France experience. Neoclassical architecture, sprawling pastures and vineyards, a university ethos that ensures a vibrant nightlife, and some of the best wining and dining scenes in the country is what you get with Bordeaux.

Teams that play here: Slovakia, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Quarter Final

Toulouse

Called ‘La Ville Rose’ after the pink-bricked buildings, Toulouse is full of quaint little streets to get lost in. With a burgeoning student culture, excellent transportation facilities, and great riversides from which to watch the sunsets – Toulouse is an excellent way to get in the groove of things that flow in the Southern French manner. Ensure that you visit the Capitole, and do spend an hour or four at the Botanical Gardens.

Teams that play here: Italy, Spain, Russia

Nice

If there ever was a city in the world with near-universal appeal, Nice would definitely merit a mention. Blending modernization with old-worldly heritage, pleasing climes, and beautiful beachfronts – Nice provides to the tourist everything one could possibly imagine: from gastronomic restaurants to marvellous architecture, from old neighbourhoods to swanky marketplaces. If the calls of the French Riviera and the Jazz Age are calling out at you, Nice would be a great place to soak it all in.

Teams that play here: Poland, Spain, Sweden

So, tell us, where are you heading this summer?