Allianz Riviera Sports Fan Tips

Allianz Riviera is a venue in or near Nice that is most often used for Soccer

How do I get to Allianz Riviera?

Although the Allianz is located about 10km outside of Nice itself – there are plenty of useful ways to get the stadium.If you fancy taking the train, you have a couple of options. From Gare du Nice-Ville, you can take the train to Saint-Augustin Station and from there just hop on the useful shuttle bus that will take you to the stadium. Or take the commuter train to Saint-Isodore Station where it is just a 10 minute walk to the ground.There is a special match day bus service that runs from the city every 6 minutes. The 95 picks up from the St Roch Hospital in the city centre and drops you off right at the Allianz – the ride takes around 50 minutes though so plan accordingly.Otherwise there are nearly 12,000 car parking spaces at the ground itself – with shuttle buses running every 3 minutes from the car park to the stadium.

Best Insider tip at Allianz Riviera?

If you are wondering how to get to the ground – why not used OGC Nice's own website to make your easy travel itinerary – just type in where you are staying and how you want to get to the ground and the directions will magically appear - http://www.allianz-riviera.fr/en/practical-information/itineraires.Although there is no stadium tour here, there is the National Sports Museum which is at the stadium. It's not specifically about OGC Nice, or just about football but for a sports fan it's definitely worth a look.

Best Food and Drink at Allianz Riviera?

The Allianz Riviera more than makes up for the lack of bars and restaurants around it. With 22 eateries in the concourses there is something for everyone. There are 7 types of food available. French Fries – either on their own or in a sandwich. The Nicois Stand offers up delicious salads and wraps. There are Panini, Pizza, Hot Dog and Candy Stands also. All offering 'a la carte' meals or package deals with drinks discounts.

Best Bars around Allianz Riviera?

For the time being a lot of fans still congregate by the old stadium – Stade du Ray, and a great atmosphere can be found in pubs such as La Virgule and L'Olympic. Nearer the stadium you have smaller places such as Les 4 Coins which is popular with the betting crowd as well as El Patio which has a terrace where you can enjoy French sun.At the ground there is also Chez Stella – a drinks van with plenty of seating that proves very popular with fans.

What to expect from the Allianz Riviera crowd?

There are several fan groups for OGC Nice that really keep the atmosphere crackling throughout the game. The supporter groups are located in the Ray, Garibaldi and Populaire Stands ensuring that the volume comes from around the stadium, trying their best to drown out the away supporters.Also look for the OGC Nice mascot – a royal eagle that is flown over the stadium prior to some matches! The atmosphere will be ramped up to the max when Nice play Monaco – the Derby de la Cote D'Azur as it is known is fiercely competitive.

Best restaurants near Allianz Riviera?

Because the stadium is a little bit outside of Nice – for the best dining options you had better off head back to the city. When you get there you have some wonderful places at your beck and call. If you don't mind spending a tidy sum on dinner there are many restaurants for you to try including the fantastic Le Panier and the new Chez Papa – which combines cheese and truffles superbly.Otherwise Nice can be fairly pricey – and for something a little cheaper but still full of flavour try Illia Pasta – it has some amazing dishes and some of the best coffee in the city! Make a reservation on the weekends as it is quite an intimate place and you won't be disappointed.

Things to check out around Allianz Riviera?

As well as whiling the days away on some of Nice's wonderful beaches there is plenty of stuff to get you out and about in this city. Take a trip up Castle Hill (or use the free elevator) and enjoy the park, waterfall and stunning views at the top. Or get lost in Old Town, discovering small alleyways, bars and restaurants in the heart of the city. There are also some great tours to go on, and discover the best parts of Nice with a local – either riding a bike or trying all the food and drink you can handle!

Allianz Riviera seating?

Although the stadium has been designed in the modern way and resembles a bowl – there are still 4 distinct stands – each with their own feel.The most raucous and fervent OGC Nice supporters will sit behind the South Goal in the Populaire Stand.Here you will find the Nice 'ultras' who will keep the atmosphere buzzing all game. Away fans are seated in the North Eastern area of the stadium – although it does seem a bit intimidating with the away area being section off with 2 panes of Perspex glass – the sight lines are fantastic and there isn't a bad seat in the house.Prices start at a very reasonable €10 for a seat behind the goal, whereas in the stands that run the length of the pitch – prices start around €31. Ticket prices will rise for the visits of Marseille and PSG.