Ireland is set to play Tonga in their second Pool B game on Saturday night. Nantes, a city in France, has plenty of highlights for fans to enjoy before and after the match. From the famous Le Grand Elephant to delicious petits beurre biscuits and local Muscadet wine, Nantes offers a unique and creative alternative to typical city breaks in France. Here’s a guide to what you can see, do, eat, and drink before the game.
1. The basics – when and where does the game take place?
The match will be held at Stade de la Beaujoire, the home stadium of French Ligue 1 side FC Nantes. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 and is located 7km from the city center. It is well-served by public transport, with tram Line 1 (in the direction of Beaujoire or Ranzay) being the most convenient option. The stadium is a two-minute walk from the Beaujoire stop. Buses (Line C6, 75, or 95) are also available. The match kicks off at 9pm, with the fanzone opening at 6pm. The fanzone will have food trucks, refreshment stands, live jazz, and rock music. Fans are advised to arrive early to allow time for security checks and to avoid long queues. A travel pass, called the Pass Nantes, is available for unlimited travel on buses and trams, as well as access to various tourist attractions, including the Museum of Art.
2. What are some things to do in Nantes?
One of the must-see attractions in Nantes is the Le Grand Elephant. This 12-meter-high steampunk mechanical elephant offers rides to visitors and is part of La Gallerie de Machines. The gallery showcases other magical mechanical creatures in a Jules Verne-style setting. Other attractions include the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, which houses the Nantes History Museum, the Gothic Cathedral of St Pierre and St Paul, and the 180-year-old shopping arcade Passage Pommeraye.
3. Where can I find the rugby fanzone in Nantes?
The Rugby Village in Nantes is located at Parc des Chantiers on Boulevard Léon Bureau. It is the place to go for food, drink, and big screens on match weekends. In addition to the rugby matches, there are also karaoke, DJs, music, and dance performances.
4. What about bars and food in Nantes?
Gigg’s Irish pub, located opposite the cathedral, is a popular spot for food and drinks. Bouffay is an area with cobblestoned lanes and a pedestrianized square that has numerous bars and restaurants, including Le Rabelais beer bar with its big screens. Little Atlantique Brewery, a microbrewery with views of the river, offers tours, brews, and a tasty food menu. For food options, try Magmaa Food Hall or the Talsenac covered market, where you can find local delicacies such as Muscadet wine and petits beurre biscuits.
5. Where can I find more information?
For more information, visit rugbyworldcup.com and levoyageanantes.fr.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
