Travelling to Lens

About Lens

Although it is one of the host cities for the Euro 2016 football tournament, Lens is one of northern France's hidden gems. Lens used to be thought of as an unexceptional mining city. Things have changed in recent years, with the opening of a branch of the Louvre Gallery and a renaissance in local cultural events, markets, restaurants and brewing. Lens isn't a large city, so visitors can see everything by foot, and it's worth the effort. You can wander around the well-preserved old town, or wander up the Rue Paul Bert to the Louvre - and get back to fine central eateries like Al Fosse or Le Tassili.

Quick Guide to Lens

• Must Know: Most people travelling to Lens arrive via the TGV, which provides a high speed connection to Paris, although British travellers can catch a Eurostar to nearby Lille and catch a train from there. Flying is another option, with Lille Airport just 20 kilometres away.
• Must See:When you get to Lens, the Louvre-Lens Museum is a must see, along with the War and Peace History Centre.
• Must Do: Be sure to try some Flemish beers, as well as local delicacies like Maroilles cheese.
• Did You Know: Lens also used to be one of France's great mining centres, and you can tour abandoned mines with local guides.

Host City of the UEFA EURO 2016

The European Football Championship takes place this year in France. In 10 stadiums the matches will be played to Europe's football crown and Omio shows the best route to each game. Lens is one of the host cities for the UEFA EURO 2016.

For more information

Arriving in Lens

	Flights	The main airport near Lens is at Lille. The best way to get to the city centre from the airport is to take the shuttle bus from the airport to the train station, and then a train from Lille. Trains get into the striking modernist station; Gare de Lens, located in the city centre.
	Train	By train is the most convenient way to get to Lens from the UK, the Eurostar runs from London to Lens, with a change at Lille in just three hours.
	Bus	Buses run from London Victoria bus station and take just over five hours with a change at Lille

Traveling around Lens

The city has an excellent tram and bus network operated by Tadeo, which should take you anywhere you need to go, but seeing the sights on foot is recommended. Hiring or taking your own bicycle is even better, and will allow visitors to reach nearby Arras in around an hour as well.

UEFA EURO 2016 Host City

The Stade Bollaert-Delelis has been home to the RC Lens since 1933. The history of the club is deeply connected to its legendary stadium and it is especially famous for its audience singing the miners' song "Les Corons" at the beginning of each match. The stadium capacity of 38,223 is bigger than Lens population of 36,728 inhabitants.

How to get there:

• CAR: The stadium can be directly accessed from the highway A21 and A211. Follow the highway exit "Bollaert-Delelis". The stadium is located near the city centre and reachable by foot from there.
• WALKING: The stadium is in the city centre, 5 minutes walk from the main square "Place Jean Jaurès". Lens people say that "In Lens, all paths lead to Bollaert" because the stadium is the beating heart of this city.

Matches in Lens

DATE	MATCH
11 June 2016 15:00 CET	Albania v Switzerland
16 June 2016 15:00 CET	England v Wales
21 June 2016 21:00 CET	Czech Republic v Turkey
25 June 2016 21:00 CET	Winner Group D v 3rd Group B/E/F

Other Host Cities of the UEFA EURO 2016