2015: A Year of Sport in Paris
12 January 2015
Visit the French Capital for World-Class Sporting Spectacles
Paris is a city with a rich sporting heritage, not least because it's home to a number of the world's biggest spectator sport events, from the French Open to the Rugby Six Nations. The City has also hosted two Olympic Games, as well as the finals of the 1998 World Cup and 2007 Rugby World Cup. In short, if you're keen to see the very best action from your sport of choice, chances are you'll be able to find it in Paris.
We've put together a list of some of the most popular sports and where you can witness them in the city in 2015.
Football - International Friendlies at the Stade de France
With France due to host the 2016 European Championships (the final will also be held at the Stade de France in Paris), the national team aren't competing in the qualifying tournament, having already gained their spot as hosts. However, 'Les Blues' are still in action with a number of exciting friendlies coming up soon. The likes of Karim Benzema, Hugo Lloris and Raphael Varane will take to the field when both Brazil and Denmark visit Paris.
Click here for more information on fixtures and tickets.
Rugby Union - The Annual Clash of Europe's Elite Rugby Nations
It might take place every year, but the Six Nations always captivates fans of Rugby across the continent. For the 2015 edition, the France National Rugby Union Team will take on both Wales and Scotland at the Stade de France. Philippe Saint-André will be hoping to inspire his team to their first Six Nations victory since 2010, when they achieved the elusive grand slam.
Find out about fixture dates and ticket information here.
Tennis - Rafael Nadal Aiming for Historic 10th Title
Held at Stade Roland Garros on the edge of the tranquil Bois de Boulogne, the French Open is one of the four majors up for grabs for the world's best tennis players. As usual, all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard has competed at the tournament ten times, and has only been bested on one occasion. While he'll be aiming to take home title number ten, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray will, as always, be doing their best to stop this from happening.
Information on schedules and ticket availability can be found here.
Cycling - The Climax of the Tour de France on the Champs Élysées
While the start of the Tour de France changes from year to year, visiting Yorkshire in 2014 and heading to Utrecht in the Netherlands for 2015, the final stage of the race is always held in Paris. Since 1975, the finish line has been on the Champs Élysées. With Vincenzo Nibali disrupting the recent dominance of British riders in recent years, it's impossible to predict who will take the yellow jersey home this year.
Click here for information on the individual stages and dates.
If you plan on making your way to Paris to soak up the first-class sport on offer, you'll need a great value hotel where you can find a comfortable night's sleep, along with excellent travel links so you can make your way across the city to your venue of choice. The Median Paris Congres offers exactly this, with excellent rates available and the Porte de Clichy Metro just a few minutes' walk away.