Northern France _ Rugby stadium and rugby ball © Benoît Guilleux

Rugby world cup 2023 in Northern France

Northern France is France’s northernmost region, making it UK’s closest international neighbour. From Calais, our border stretches south almost to Paris, only 18 miles north of Stade de France!

Rugby has always been a vector of openness and conviviality, two of the values that we treasure most in our region. This is why we’re particularly excited at the prospect of 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, especially since Lille (our capital city) will be hosting 5 World Cup fixtures. England and Scoltand will be playing games in Lille. We’ll also be proud to host the English rugby team in Le-Touquet Paris Plage where their basecamp will be located during the tournament.

We look forward to what should be a big celebration with rugby fans from all over the world!

©Northern France, Logos Rugby World Cup 2023|Région Hauts-de-France - Rugby World Cup France 2023

Rugby world cup France 2023 venues : Lille & Le Touquet are the places to be

The lively city of Lille will host 5 games during the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Both England and Scoltand will be playing games there at Stade Pierre Mauroy. To get themselves in the best conditions for the tournament, the Red and whites have selected the chic seaside resort Le Touquet-Paris-Plage as their base camp during the event.
Here’s a quick guide of Lille and Le Touquet Paris-Plage for rugby fans who’ll be following their favourite team in France in 2023

Northern France _ Lille _ Grand Place © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Stéphanie Gheearert

5 things to do in Lille during the rugby world cup 2023

Northern France _ Le Touquet-Paris-Plage_ © CRTC Hauts-de-France - Benoît Guilleux

5 things to do in Le Touquet-Paris-Plage during the rugby world cup 2023

Rugby World Cup fixtures in Lille in 2023

5 fixtures will be played at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille as part of France 2023 Rugby World Cup:

France/Uruguay – Thursday 14th September 2023 at 21:00 (pool A)
England/Chile – Saturday 23rd September 2023 at 17:45 (pool D)
Scotland/Romania – Saturday 30th September 2023 at 21:00 (pool B)
England/Samoa – Saturday 7th October 2023 at 17:45 (pool D)
Tonga/Romania – Sunday 8th October 2023 at 17:45 (pool B)

Hauts-de-France's must-sees

In between rugby games, your stay in France during the World Cup might be a chance to explore new places and immerse yourself in local culture. Northern France has plenty to offer within easy reach from the host cities of Lille and Paris.

You’ll see that there’s a lot more we share that our love for rugby. Our love for good food is certainly another common point. Whet your appetite with a little foretaste of Hauts-de-France’s convivial and diverse food and drink culture.

There’s also a whole chapter of our past that we share. Many WW1 battles happened in our region. Let us guide you through some of the humbling remembrance sites paying tribute to the fallen soldiers from all around the world. A poignant reminder of the importance to built peace and strive for International brotherhood.

Northern France _ Villers-Bretonneux _ Sir John Monash Centre _ Memorial © Crt Hauts De France Nicolas Bryant

12 places of Remembrance in Northern France

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Northern France _ mussels and french fries © CRTC Hauts-de-France - AS Flament

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Northern France _ Équihen Plage _ Path going down the beach © CRTC Hauts-de-France _ Fabien Coisy

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Hauts-de-France's beer culture

Calling for all English rugby fans heading to Lille for the Rugby World Cup 2023! Beyond the thrilling matches, Lille and Hauts-de-France region have a strong and vibrant beer scene that promises to add an extra kick to your rugby adventure. Much like our English and Belgian friends, here in Hauts-de-France, we have a rich beer history. Hauts-de-France boasts over 60 breweries including the famous Brasserie Saint-Germain, Goudale and Castelain. More recently, there’s been a growing trend of microbreweries opening such as Brasserie Tandem or brasserie du Pays Flamand with their famous Anostéké (awarded World best Pale at the World Beer Awards 2021).

Hauts-de-France beer scene is sure to complement the excitement of the Rugby World Cup 2023. So, grab a pint in one of the lively pubs of Lille, embrace the camaraderie, and may your rugby adventure in Lille be a truly unforgettable one.

Northern France _ Beer-themed hike © Hauts-de-France Tourisme - Teddy Henin

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Beer-themed events during the Rugby World Cup

Fancy learning more about local beer in a fun and unusual way ? Why not make the most of your stay in Lille and embark on a beer-themed visit with l’Echapée Bière – an agency specialized in beer-related visits and events. Your passionate guide will take you on a tour through the old town of Lille, during which you’ll learn all the secrets of local beer culture with sampling stops on the way. Alternatively, you can also join a pre-game visit of Moulin d’Ascq brewery including a meal, drinks and local Flemish games to bond with other fans before the rugby. Events are available around England and Scotland games in September/ October.

Couple-trinquant-biere-©Drazen-Zigic-Freepik.jpg

Hop on a beer-themed tour with l'Echappée Bière

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