It might really feel like that, however three months have handed since that titanic ultimate by which South Africa beat New Zealand – and now one other Six Nations marketing campaign kicks off tomorrow evening.

The St Brigid’s Day financial institution vacation begins with a conflict many really feel will resolve this 12 months’s event – Eire v France.

Positioned in Provence, Marseille is a port metropolis on the Med that mixes grit, business, tremendous meals and sometimes shocking grandeur… with pints ringing in at €8 or thereabouts. The large metropolis and its multicultural buzz means there’s loads to do for followers wishing to make a weekend of it.

Why is the sport in Marseille?

Unusually, this 12 months’s French tussle is in Marseille fairly than Paris – the Stade de France is being ready for the Paris Olympics later this summer season.

It coincides with a busy weekend of journey, with Cork Airport anticipating a 22pc rise and Shannon a 12pc rise in passengers over final 12 months as sports activities, solar, metropolis and ski trippers flee the February climate at house.

What time is the match, and the way do I get there?

France v Eire kicks off underneath the lights at 8pm tonight at Stade Velodrome, house of Ligue 1 facet Olympique de Marseille.

To get to the stadium, take the Metro line 2 (crimson), disembarking at stations Rond-Level du Prado (for spectators within the Jean Bouin and Virage Nord – Patrice de Peretti stands; Entry 1) or Sainte-Marguerite Dromel (followers within the Ganay and Virage Sud – Chevalier Roze stands; Entry 2).

Bus routes embrace the 83, 19 and B1 (Cease: Rond-point du Prado). Marseille Tourism has a stadium transport information right here.

Okay. Now counsel some bars.

No scarcity right here (quelle shock). On the Outdated Port (Vieux Port), for instance, you’ll discover a clutch of bars together with Irish pubs O’Malley’s (good for dwell music), The Shamrock and Little Temple Bar.

O’Brady’s, on the Avenue de Mazargues facet, is one other fan favorite – and a superb place to look at the sport in case you don’t have tickets. Morrison’s has a big terrace in Notre-Dame du Mont. Anticipate to pay from €7 to €9 for a pint. Positive, it’ll be such as you by no means left house!

If you happen to’d fairly a sip of native tradition, right here’s a listing of wine bars in Marseille. For 2 extra informal choices, with numerous choice by the glass, strive Prov’Oc at 8 Rue Saint-Michel or Les Trois Coups at 197 Boulevard de la Liberation.

What ought to I see in Marseille?

Marseille’s Vieux Port (outdated port) is the postcard setting, sprawling beneath the well-known buying avenue of Canebiere. A stroll, drink or snack right here will parachute you proper into the town environment (there are fish and flower markets too) – although be ready to pay for the privilege.

For nightlife past the port, take an amble round Cours Julien – it’s additionally price a glance by day, packed as it’s with markets, avenue artwork and independent-spirited boutiques, second-hand outlets, bars and eating places. An excellent sq. to purpose for is Notre Dame du Mont, the place you’ll have the ability to mosey round a superb huddle of locations to eat and drink

The ‘Good Mom’, or Basilica Notre Dame de Le Garde, is one other image of the town, standing on a hill with panoramic views over the city sprawl and coast. You’ll be able to stroll or take a vacationer practice – and it’s a superb “been there” field to tick.

If the climate’s good, and also you’re staying longer, think about a skip out to Les Calanques – a nationwide park of limestone gorges and inlets about 14km from the town (public transport is greatest).

Any meals suggestions?

You’re in France, so it might be impolite to not not less than as soon as strive one thing apart from a kebab or burger.

Bouillabaisse, for instance, is a thick fish soup (virtually like a stew) with native origins – you’ll discover it broadly served across the outdated port. It will also be fascinating to see the North African affect on menus; and no go to to France is full with out not less than two too many pastries.

One tip in Marseille is to search for set menus – a French staple that lowers the prices (three programs from €32 at Chez Madie within the outdated port, for instance).

For one thing a bit of extra adventurous, Limmat (41 rue Estelle) is a unusual, homely fish and veggie restaurant within the hipster space of Cours Julien. Suppose formica chairs, classic plates and cheap dishes cooked up by Swiss chef Lili Gadola (mains round €14-€16) with a legendary native pavlova (€7).

There’s a web based Marseille restaurant brochure right here.

For extra, see marseilletourisme.fr.