The Ultimate Guide to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France

An essential guide for rugby supporters to the host cities, stadiums, and best pubs to catch all the games.

Beginning next month, France will become the center of the world for rugby fans, when the country hosts the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup. With 20 countries competing, France expects to welcome 600,000 international visitors throughout the tournament from September 8 to October 28.

This tournament, occurring every four years, serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games, when France will spotlight the world’s biggest international sporting event.

A total of 48 rugby matches will be played across nine host cities in stadiums around the country. Paris will feature a fan zone, showcasing big screens for live streaming matches at the iconic Place de la Concorde, along with a rugby village offering music, entertainment, and workshops.

The Rugby World Cup in Lyon

Lyon, home base for New Zealand’s champion All Blacks team, is poised to be a top destination during the tournament. This city is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France and the birthplace of Paul Bocuse, one of the most influential French chefs.

A good starting point in Lyon is the Halles Paul Bocuse, an indoor market filled with regional specialties from local artisans. For an authentic dining experience, choose restaurants certified as “Bouchon Lyonnais.” To burn off those calories, enjoy scenic walks along the Rhone or Saone rivers and explore historic districts listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Lyon

• Wales–Australia: Sunday, September 24, 9pm (pool C)
• Uruguay–Namibia: Wednesday, September 27, 5:45pm (pool A)
• New Zealand–Italy: Friday, September 29, 9pm (pool A)
• New Zealand–Uruguay: Thursday, October 5, 9pm (pool A)
• France–Italy: Friday, October 6, 9pm (pool A)

Lyon Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• The Smoking Dog
• Antidote Pub
• Wallace Bar
• Elephant & Castle
• Ninkasi

The Rugby World Cup in Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis, with the Stade de France, will host crucial matches during the World Cup, starting with a highly anticipated opening match between France and New Zealand. As the largest stadium in the country, it has a capacity of 80,000 fans and is fundamental for tournament excitement.

This Paris suburb also boasts attractions such as the magnificent Basilique de Saint-Denis, rivaling Notre Dame’s grandeur. Visitors can explore the famous Saint-Ouen flea market and the Canal de l’Ourcq, featuring picturesque restaurants and parks.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Saint-Denis

• France–New Zealand: September 8, 2023, 9pm (pool A)
• Australia–Georgia: September 9, 2023, 6pm (pool C)
• South Africa–Ireland: September 23, 2023, 9pm (pool B)
• Ireland–Scotland: October 7, 2023, 9 pm (pool B)
• Quarterfinals and Finals to be held in October

Saint-Denis Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• Café Oz Châtelet
• The Long Hop
• O’Sullivans by the Mill
• Le Truskel
• The Highlander

The Rugby World Cup in Toulouse

Having a thriving rugby culture, Toulouse, known as the Pink City, has hosted its own rugby festivals and is a significant rugby destination. The city also has notable attractions, including the Cité de l’Espace, an interactive experience about space exploration.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Toulouse

• Japan–Chile: Sunday, September 10, at 1pm (pool D)
• New Zealand–Namibia: Friday, September 15, at 9pm (pool A)
• Georgia–winner of the final tournament: Saturday, September 23, at 2pm (pool C)
• Japan–Samoa: Thursday, September 28, at 9pm (pool D)
• Fiji–winner of the final tournament: Sunday, October 8, at 9pm (pool C)

Toulouse Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• The Danu
• Connexion Live

The Rugby World Cup in Lille

Lille blends its Flemish heritage with rugby enthusiasm, making it a charming destination for rugby fans. Explore the historic Old Town while enjoying its charming architecture and vibrant art scene.

As the beer capital of France, Lille offers visitors numerous craft beer experiences, coinciding with a beer festival during the Rugby World Cup featuring dozens of breweries.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Lille

• France–Uruguay: Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 9pm (pool A)
• England–Chile: Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 5:45pm (pool D)
• Scotland–Romania: Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 9pm (pool B)
• England–Samoa: Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 5:45pm (pool D)
• Tonga–Romania: Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 5:45pm (pool B)

Lille Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• Tír na nÓg
• Box2Box
• BierBuik

The Rugby World Cup in Bordeaux

Known as the wine capital of France, Bordeaux holds significant cultural and historic landmarks, along with being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore attractions like the Cité du Vin for wine education and sampling.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Bordeaux

• Ireland–Spain: Saturday, September 9, at 3:30pm (pool B)
• Wales–Fiji: Sunday, September 10, at 9pm (pool C)
• Samoa–Chile: Saturday, September 16, at 3pm (pool D)
• South Africa–Spain: Sunday, September 17, at 3pm (pool B)
• Fiji–Georgia: Saturday, September 30, at 5:45pm (pool C)

Bordeaux Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• The Houses of Parliament
• Connemara Irish Pub
• Café Oz

The Rugby World Cup in Marseille

The Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, a top sports venue, hosts several crucial matches, including those featuring South Africa and England. Visitors should also explore the Vieux Port and nearby charming neighborhoods.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Marseille

• England–Argentina: Saturday, September 9, at 9pm (pool D)
• South Africa–Scotland: Sunday, September 10, at 5:45pm (pool B)
• France–Namibia: Thursday, September 21, at 9pm (pool B)
• South Africa/Tonga: Sunday, October 1, at 9pm (pool B)
• Quarterfinals held in October

Marseille Pubs for Watching Rugby Matches

• O’Brady’s
• O’Malley’s
• Shamrock Irish Pub
• Red Lion

The Rugby World Cup in Nantes

Famed for its cultural contributions and rich history, Nantes entertains visitors with unique attractions including Les Machines de l’île. The city hosts multiple exciting rugby matches during the tournament.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Nantes

• Ireland–Tonga: Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 9pm (pool B)
• Argentina–Chile: Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 3pm (pool D)
• Wales–Georgia: Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 3pm (pool C)
• Japan–Argentina: Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 1pm (pool D)

Nantes Pubs for Watching Rugby Matches

• Le Rabelais
• Gigg’s
• Little Atlantique Brewery

The Rugby World Cup in Nice

Nice, with its incredible views and historic sites, has become a popular winter destination. Visitors can stroll along the Promenade des Anglais while enjoying the warm Mediterranean climate.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Nice

• Wales–Portugal: Saturday, September 16, at 5:45pm (pool C)
• England–Japan: Sunday, September 17, at 9pm (pool D)
• Italy–Uruguay: Wednesday, September 20, at 5:45pm (pool A)
• Scotland–Tonga: Sunday, September 24, at 5:45pm (pool B)

Nice Pubs for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• Ma Nolan’s
• L’Ovale

The Rugby World Cup in Saint-Étienne

Saint-Étienne, known for its design culture and artistic contributions, is an exciting stop during the Rugby World Cup. Its notable attractions and background in industrial history set the stage for fans to explore while enjoying match festivities.

Rugby World Cup Matches in Saint-Étienne

• Italy–Namibia: Friday, September 9, at 1pm (pool A)
• Australia–Fiji: Sunday, September 17, at 5:45pm (pool C)
• Argentina–Samoa: Friday, September 22, at 5:45pm (pool D)
• Australia–Portugal: Sunday, October 1, at 5:45pm (pool C)

Saint-Étienne Pub for Watching Rugby World Cup Matches

• Bar Six Nations