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Anyone for France this summer?

So, is anyone planning a trip to France this summer? If so, this may, or may not, be a good idea…

Of course, it’s always wise to be planning a trip to France. Among all nations in the modern world, France seems to be able to retain its unique cultural identity more than others and manages, somehow, not to put profit before all other concerns. Ironically, perhaps, this is one of the many reasons why the country is so popular with visitors from around the world. In fact, it’s the single most visited country on the planet – which is an incredible achievement for a relatively small country in terms of land area – with a population around the 60 million mark.

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There are lots of good reasons why France is so popular amongst tourists. But chief among them are its geographical beauty and diversity along with its unique cultural identity. But perhaps 2016 will be a year that sees even more people beating a path to la belle France for the football. This June and July, France plays host to the international cream of European football in the form of Euro 2016. This is an international tournament second only to the World Cup in importance.

So this makes the summer of 2016 either an ideal time to come to France or a terrible one, depending on your view of the beautiful game.

One thing is for sure, it certainly looks like being a riveting tournament. World Cup holders and near neighbours to the east, Germany, are at pre-tournament odds of around 3-1 with Bet365 and other bookmakers to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, hosts France are at 7/2. Third in the betting are neighbours to the south, and winners of Euro 2012, Spain, at 5-1, whilst England, led by Wayne Rooney, are 11-1, with dark horses Italy at 16-1. France and Italy have history having contested both the Euro 2000 final, when France won, and the 2006 World Cup final, when Italy won. Yet another neighbouring country, Belgium, are fancied by many at 11-1, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal are 16-1 shots.

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The tournament itself actually takes place in 10 different locations across the country, starting on 10th June with the opening game of the group stages at the Stade de France in Paris. The final is also due to be held at the Stade de France and is due to take place a month later on 10th July. So just remember the tens – whether you long to be there or want to make sure you avoid it!

In addition to two venues in the nation’s capital, there are newly built stadia at Lille, Lyon, Nice, and Bordeaux. Matches will also be played at Toulouse, Marseille, Lens, and St-Etienne. So, there are plenty areas to choose form even if you want to simply soak up the atmosphere of the world’s second biggest international football occasion.

And there will surely be a festive atmosphere around France barring any further disasters affecting the country as Euro 2016 is the biggest of the 15 Euro Championships ever held to date, with 24 different countries competing. So, are you going to join “la fête du foot” this summer?

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