Travel to Toulouse for the Football in 2016
Use this helpful guide when you drive from Calais to Toulouse for the football in 2016.
2016's biggest football tournament is fast approaching, and this year it's taking place in France! Over the course of June and July, teams will be taking to pitches all over the country, hoping to get their hands on the trophy. Ten destinations have been chosen to host the matches, including Nice, Lille, Paris and, of course, Toulouse. Football fans will flock to Toulouse's Stadium Municipal or the official Fanzone, which will be held at Allée Jules-Guesde, to watch their team play. Wondering how you're going to get there? Travel from Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and from there, you can follow our road trip guide to Toulouse.
Look out for the beautiful windows in Amiens Cathedral. © Flickr user James Mitchell
About Toulouse
Located in southern France in the Midi-Pyrenees, Toulouse is a lovely place to visit at any time of year. However, it really comes alive during the summer. Not only is there a vibrant cultural scene, complete with great museums and galleries, but it has fantastic markets, world-class restaurants and the beautiful Garonne river. So when you're not at the Stadium Municipal or the designated Fanzone, there's plenty to keep you busy.
From Calais to Toulouse
The drive from Calais to the football Toulouse takes between 9 and 11 hours, depending on which route you take. This route takes approximately 10 hours and 35 minutes, and is best spread over two days.
Stop One: Amiens
After driving from your home to Folkestone, and from Calais to Amiens, you're bound to be a little peckish. Take a seat at one of Amiens' many cafes and dig into regional specialities, such as ficelle picarde (savoury pancake filled with mushrooms, ham and cheese), Pâté de canard d'Amiens (duck terrine encased in pastry) and macarons d'Amiens (almond paste biscuits). After your meal, take a walk to Amiens Cathedral – it's beautiful!
Stop Two: Chartres
About 55 miles south of Paris is your next stop, Chartres. Once here, there is a lot to see and do. Visit the famous cathedral, which houses an impressive collection of religious relics, and wander through the Old Town, past half-timbered houses, to the picturesque Eure river. Cross any one of the pretty footbridges and explore the winding streets, before crossing back and making your way to the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
The Eure river in Chartres. © Flickr user Nelson Minar
Stop Three: Châteauroux
Your last stop for the day is Châteauroux, a large town in the Loire Valley. As you'll arrive here in the early evening, you'll want to check in to your hotel and get something to eat, before turning in for the night. There are many hotels to choose from, including the simple Le Continental and the 3-star Elysée Hotel. Drop off your bags and head to a local bistro for a bite to eat and a well-deserved drink.
Stop Four: Brive-la-Gaillarde
After a sound night's sleep in Châteauroux, it's back on the road to Brive-la-Gaillarde, your final stop. Although there are several small museums, we'd recommend visiting the Eric Lamy Chocolaterie. This wonderful shop is full of decadent delights (chocolates, ice cream, sweets, cakes and macaroons) and mind-boggling chocolate sculptures. See the magic behind the creations with a tour of the chocolate workshop, or simply stock up on your favourite sweet treats for when you're watching the football!
See how chocolate is made in Brive-la-Gaillarde. © Flickr user David Leggett
Get to the football with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle.
Travel to Toulouse for the football in 2016 with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Folkestone to Calais takes just 35 minutes, and with direct motorway access you'll be on the road in no time.
For tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat, as well as information about the football Fanzone, read our Toulouse destination guide here.