How to get started with groundhopping in France: complete guide

Want to get into groundhopping but don't know where to start? France is one of the best countries in the world for getting started with this activity. Here's your complete step-by-step guide to starting your stadium collection without breaking the bank.

Why France is ideal for getting started

Before heading to Wembley or Camp Nou, see what France has to offer. It's considerable:

• More than 60 professional clubs spread across Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and National 1
• A unique density of stadiums - in Île-de-France alone, you can find around ten professional stadiums
• Efficient public transport - trains, buses, carpooling to reach every stadium
• Very affordable tickets - from €8 in National to €80+ in a Ligue 1 hospitality box
• Impressive architectural diversity - from 1930s stadiums to ultramodern arenas
• A variety of atmospheres - from Lens's cauldron to the relative calm of an Auxerre-Laval match

Step 1 - Define your goal

Before you begin, ask yourself a simple question: what is your goal?

The "discovery" goal (to get started)

You simply want to discover new stadiums without pressure. You go to matches when the opportunity arises, note the stadiums you've visited, and take the time to enjoy each experience. This is the most relaxing form of groundhopping.

The "France collection" goal (intermediate)

You set yourself the goal of visiting every Ligue 1 stadium in one season, or every Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 stadium over two seasons. It's a realistic challenge that requires organization but remains accessible.

The "maximum" goal (advanced)

You want to visit as many stadiums as possible, across all divisions - including National, N2, N3, Regional... That's when groundhopping becomes a way of life. Some groundhoppers visit more than 100 stadiums a year in France.

Step 2 - Equip yourself properly

Step 3 — Learn about the tools for finding matches

The key to groundhopping is knowing which matches are played when and where. Here are the essential tools:

For French matches

• Footmercato.net — the reference for French football, with complete schedules
• FFF.fr — for national competitions (Coupe de France, National)
• The clubs' official websites — to buy tickets directly
• Ticketmaster/Fnac Spectacles — alternative ticketing for some clubs

For European matches

• Soccerway.com — the most comprehensive worldwide schedule, covering all divisions
• FlashScore.fr — real-time alerts and updates
• UEFA.com — for European competitions (Champions League, Europa League)

For the community

• Facebook groups "Groundhopping France", "European Groundhoppers United"
• Twitter/X — #groundhopping #groundhopper
• Reddit r/groundhopping (in English, very active)

Step 4 — Plan your first road trip

The most effective way to make rapid progress: a football road trip. The idea is simple — group several stadiums in the same region over a weekend.

Ideal route for beginners: The North

Northern France is the region with the highest concentration of high-quality professional stadiums. In one weekend, you can visit 3 to 4 stadiums:

• Friday evening: Stade Bollaert-Delelis (RC Lens) — the best atmosphere in France
• Saturday: Stade Pierre-Mauroy (LOSC Lille) — the most modern stadium in the north
• Sunday: Stade du Hainaut (Valenciennes) or Stade de l'Abbé-Deschamps (Auxerre if you pass through Paris again)

Estimated cost: €120 to €200/person (2 hotel nights + 3 tickets + transport)

Beginner route: Paris and the Paris region

If you live in Île-de-France or are visiting Paris, you can visit several stadiums without leaving the region:

• Parc des Princes (PSG) — Ligue 1
• Stade Charléty (Paris FC) — Ligue 2
• Stade Jean-Bouin (Stade Français) — if a rugby match counts
• Stade de France (Saint-Denis) — for France national team matches

Step 5 — Keep your groundhopping journal

This is one of the most satisfying parts of the experience. After each match, take 5 minutes to note:

• The date and stadium name
• The teams and the score
• The attendance that evening
• Your atmosphere rating (out of 10)
• What stood out to you — a chant, a moment, the architecture
• The ticket kept as a physical souvenir

And of course: scratch off the stadium on your Stadium Map. The visual satisfaction of seeing the map fill up is one of the most powerful motivators for continuing.

The stadiums to prioritize in France

Beginner mistakes to avoid

• ❌ Going to a stadium without a ticket — ticket offices are often closed or subject to capacity limits
• ❌ Neglecting transport schedules — the last trains after a match can be crowded
• ❌ Wearing the colors of a rival club — stay neutral at derbies
• ❌ Forgetting to check whether the match has been postponed — it happens, especially in the Cup
• ❌ Focusing only on the big clubs — N2 and Regional matches have their own charm

Track your progress

The France Stadium Map is the perfect tool for visualizing your adventure. Each scratched-off stadium brings immediate satisfaction. And when you look at your map with 20, 30, or 40 stadiums scratched off... you realize how far you've come.

It's more than a map — it's your groundhopping journal in decorative form. Hung on the wall, it invites questions, tells the story of your adventures, and motivates you to keep going.