Football is the most popular sport in the world, and every match day is an experience in its own right. This is especially true in France, where football is deeply ingrained in the culture. Part of it is the country’s recent success in various international and Continental tournaments, such as winning the World Cup in 2018 and Paris Saint-Germain winning the 2025 Champions League. France is also a powerhouse when it comes to producing world-class talent, with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola.
With football being a vital part of French culture, matchdays are a unique experience in their own right.
Why Should You Experience Matchdays In France?
French football is renowned worldwide for its attractiveness. It also helped that France is a powerhouse within the European region and worldwide. French teams have been winning trophies efficiently over the past few years, much like a seamless BTC en EUR conversion. France has won two World Cups out of the last seven in 1998 and 2018. Many French clubs have also won continental trophies, with PSG winning the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup this year.
The matchday atmosphere in France is very vivid and lively. When watching on your TV, you can see that French football fans are very loyal and animated. Huge tifo displays and loud chanting are prevalent in French football matches, especially during rivalry matches. If you’re planning to experience it by visiting France, you can clearly distinguish the atmosphere created by French fans.
Every stadium has its unique signature vibe, often amplified by the Ultras, who chant non-stop to support their club. This is why it should be on your list if you are ever visiting France: to experience watching a game in person.
How To Enjoy Your Matchday Experience As A Football Fan?
There are several ways to enjoy a French matchday experience. Whether you’re watching a Ligue 1 game or a high-profile European tie, you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere in more ways than one. Here are our tips on how to make the most of your matchday experience.
1. Visit The Club Shop
When you arrive at the stadium, it is best to visit the club shop and purchase some merchandise and souvenirs. The club shop is where you can get a lot of items that you may only buy online, especially if you’re a tourist. Club shops are the best place to buy jerseys since you can have them printed. You can have the kits you’ve bought printed with your favorite player’s name or your own. Club shops also offer a wide range of items, including plushes, drinking bottles, and souvenirs. These items are perfect as gifts for friends and family when you come home from your vacation in France.
2. Eat At Local Eateries
After visiting the club shop, you can then grab a quick meal at local eateries. Usually, some establishments offer special matchday offerings. These typically come in the form of promotions on meals that provide value. This is also an opportunity for you to connect with fellow supporters. You can talk and learn more about your club’s culture with local supporters.
3. Visit Club Museums
Speaking about learning about your club’s history and culture, visiting the club museum is also another great way to do that. If you wish to eat your meals inside the stadium instead of eating outside, you can spend your pre-match time in your club’s museum. Here you can take pictures with trophies, learn more about the club, and understand what it means to support the badge.
4. Enjoy Hospitality Offerings
Once you get into the stadium, you can enjoy several hospitality offerings if applicable. Usually, these come in the form of lounges that offer drinks and food. However, these offerings might vary depending on the ticket you have. For larger venues, higher-priced tickets provide access to more exclusive lounges with a better pre-match experience, allowing you to meet current players or legends.
5. Immerse Yourself
Once the game has started, you can join in on the cheers, chants, and celebrations. This is a great way to connect with the club and local supporters.
Sharing a moment, whether good or bad, can enhance your enjoyment of the matchday experience.
6. Visit A Local Pub
Visiting a local pub before and after a game can help you connect with local fans. This is also a great option if you can’t purchase a ticket for a specific game. Usually, some pubs show the game, and these establishments act as the de facto headquarters for supporters. Visiting a pub after the game is also a great way to celebrate a win.
Conclusion
Attending a French matchday is a unique experience, as local fans provide a very immersive atmosphere. French fans are very loyal and loud, to the point where you can expect tifo displays and continuous chanting, especially during big games. Immersing yourself in the atmosphere and visiting club-related establishments is the best way to enjoy your matchday experience.