The Rugby World Cup 2023 Comes to Paris
Our Apartments du Louvre blog usually talks about restaurants, gardens, museums, boats on the Seine and other nearby tourist attractions. We hardly ever pay any attention to sports. It’s a bit too early to get into the Summer Olympics 2024 but we’re right on time for the Rugby World Cup 2023, which is essentially Rugby’s Superbowl. This major sporting event is happening in France from September 8 th – October 28 th , 2023, and France is getting ready to welcome the expected 650,000 international visitors in style. There are less than 100 days to go until the opening ceremony and game on September 8 th , so we’ll tell you all you need to know and how you can participate in the quintessential event during your stay at Apartments du Louvre.
A Bit of History
Rumor has it that Rugby was invented at the public school of Rugby, England in 1823. A schoolboy named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a football (soccer) game and simply “ran with it”. 200 years later, his name is still on the coveted trophy that will go to the winning team on the October 28 th final match. The first World Cup was held in 1987 hosted by Australia and New Zealand where France was defeated by New Zealand in the finals. (It’s a bit ironic that France will play New Zealand for the opening match on September 8 th – their chance for revenge!). The tournament takes place over seven weeks, involving 20 teams and 48 matches. Even if you do not have tickets to matches, there is a way to be part of this historic event – and it’s right next to the Apartments du Louvre. If you're on the look out for tickets check out the official rugby world cup site to purchase some: https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/en
Rugby Village in Paris Center
From the Apartments du Louvre, take a short walk to the Place de la Concorde and enjoy the immense Rugby Village International Fan Zone set up for the duration of the World Cup. It promises to be the ultimate rugby party you will not want to miss! The village will have two rugby fields (one for wheelchair rugby) where numerous activities will be organized for you and your family to learn about and try to play this team sport. There will also be giant screens to watch the games if you are not one of the lucky ticket holders (2.5 million tickets to the Rugby World Cup have been sold.) In addition, concerts, workshops and meetings with rugby legends will be part of the festivities, something for everyone. The Rugby Village will be open and buzzing with excitement every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 – 11:30 PM during the tournament (September 8 th – October 28 th 2023). The village can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The fan zone is free and accessible to everyone – it promises to be the heartbeat of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and you can be part of it.
Can France Win?
France has competed in every Rugby World Cup since the event was created in 1987. It has played in three finals but has never won. However, they do have home-field advantage and the 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year, Antoine Dupont, as their captain. “Les Bleus”, the name of the French team, are young, dynamic and motivated. There is a very good chance that they could claim the ultimate Webb Ellis trophy - even more reason to visit Paris while staying at Apartments du Louvre and participate in this memorable sporting event!
Book now Stress Free
Apartments du Louvre still has some availability so make sure to secure your Paris apartment now and stress free with free 72 hours cancellation. With our central location we are a 20 minute train ride to the Stadium and a beautiful walk through the Louvre and gardens to the Rugby village. Use the promo code RUGBY23 for 10% off you reservation.
A bientôt!