Paris help needed (food & rugby)

[The real Swiss Tony]

OK, this is a bit specific but I think I’m talking to the right crowd!

I have tickets to the France v England match in March. On the basis that they let us into the country, I’m looking for a couple of pointers….

1) It’s a 7pm kick off, so am thinking a leisurely meal before hand. But where will I find that’s serving good (just good, not 3*) food mid-afternoon. I used to spend a bit of time in Paris but haven’t been to the city for 25+ years, so really don’t know how things have evolved.

2) More logistically, how do I get 4 people from the restaurant to the Stadium without any undue hanging around? Happy to splurge on sorting a car out to get us there, but having never been to a match at the Stade de France before I have no idea of logistics.

Revolving arrangements around Gare du Nord makes sense, but isn’t a deal breaker.

Thanks in advance

[GaryE]

If the match is being played to a full capacity then getting to the ground can be a nightmare.

Admittedly it has been about 3 years since I have been there for the rugby (or football) but there is NO crowd control on the trains out to the ground and back again and you are packed in like sardines.

There are numerous restaurants along the river Seine and in around the Champs Ellysees but I would suggest you head towards the ground early and eat nearby and walk to the ground. I cannot remember but there were a number of half decent restaurants within a mile or so of the ground (google the area) – around the ground itself it is typical fast food pop up stalls.

[jokerjokerj]

This is excellent advice (to go to the stadium early), and I would add to it with “get inside the stadium early”. I went to France vs Argentina in November 2021 and missed the start (despite being there 30 minutes before kick-off) because of the long queues. Stade de France has one of my least favourite systems for entry – you actually have to go to exactly the right gate.

[Greg]

Wherever you are staying I’d recommend La Rotonde in Montparnasse. https://larotonde-montparnasse.fr/ A typical Paris bistro. Not cheap, but not Michelin starred prices either. Everything from snacks to a Cote de Boeuf (for 2). My favourite is undoubtedly the Cote de Veau and the wine list suits every taste and price. Metro VAVIN is just outside the door. If you look and don’t fancy it, you will see La Gymnasse just a few steps down Bde Raspail. It used to be a rugby bar, but I think new owners now, but with a good basic French menu.

Next metro stop from Vavin is Denfert Rocherau where you can get the fast RER B train right up to Stade de France.

But if there’s 4 of you a taxi may be cheaper. There’s a rank just outside La Rotonde.

[AFKAE]

We went in Jan or Feb 20 just before Covid really got going. On the morning of the match we went to the St Ouen flea market, wandered around there and had lunch at a brasserie. It’s relatively close to the ground, so got an Uber from there to the match.

[e14]

It’s not a 7pm kick off – you may want to check that 🙂

[The real Swiss Tony]

Thanks all – very useful stuff. I had after posting realised that I’d got my +/- 1 hr time difference “arse about elbow” – fair to say it’s going to be a very long day!

The one tiny advantage we have is that we are in the South stand, so at least we’re on the Paris side!

Any thoughts on getting away after the match? Uber and just swallow what I am sure will be the insane surge pricing?

Thanks

[AFKAE]

The real Swiss Tony wrote:

Any thoughts on getting away after the match? Uber and just swallow what I am sure will be the insane surge pricing?

Thanks

If you’re feeling brave you can walk to the Metro (I have to say I can’t remember where we were in the ground). It was pretty dense, but couldn’t have been too horrendous as my mate and I had spouses with us.

I think we got carried along to the Metro which was heaving, but I think we got on the 2nd/3rd train in. As you head back into town it thins out until it becomes reasonably OK.

All a bit vague I’m afraid.

[dundj]

Depending on the types of food you like, there I l’Artisan du Burger which has a few branches including one on Rue des Dames which is a metro ride to the Stade de France.

If you fancy something a little bit more upmarket then Spoon by Alain Ducasse which is a spice based restaurant and not expensive at Palais Brongniart – Place de la Bourse.

On the Champs Elysee, Galleries Lafayette have opened in the old Virgin Megastores shop and in the basement is a food hall with a few places which serve good food too, and can be bought separately from each stand to eat in the seated area in the middle.