Summer rugby in the South of France? Go on then!
The Giants’ next away day is in Perpignan against Catalans Dragons, a favourite trip for many Giants supporters and holidaymakers.
Following last weekend’s win at Warrington, the Giants should have a bit of confidence going into the game, especially with Catalans’ recent poor form, but for those following them to Catalonia, here’s some tips and information to help you around.
Perpignan itself is a grand old city, the capital of French Catalonia and formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca and in the summer is a fantastic place to visit, the old narrow streets and squares are bustling with bars, shops and businesses.
Most fans will have made travel and hotel plans already so we’ll just concentrate on the game and on the day stuff.
Kick off at Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan is 6.30pm (local time), that’s 5.30pm UK time and will be shown live on Sky Sports Action and Super League + platform.
Tickets direct from the Giants go off sale on Thursday but there are tickets available from Catalans ticket site here Plus there are also ticket booths at Stade Gilbert Brutus near the entrances to the Puig-Aubert stand.
Giants fans are usually allocated seats in the Puig-Aubert stand (blocks 7-8) which is behind the posts towards the corner but you get a really good view of the action (see below)
Perpignan is a fabulous city to visit, even if you’re staying in one of the Spanish Costas, try and visit some of the old centre of Perpignan around the Place De Republique and St Jean basilica/cathedral (from Le Castillet, head straight down the busy street and turn left at the crossroads onto Rue Saint-Jean, carry straight on and then left (then right) or right (then left) for Place de Republique, this is where you’ll find Bar & Britz, one of the favourite bars of the Perpignan regulars as well as many bistro’s and other bars, continue past the square and check out the bustling, narrow streets as they head towards Place D’Arago where you will find even more bars, and bistro’s, from here, you will find the tree lined canal (basse) with shops, boutiques and also the Les Halles Vaubans food hall.
If you’re dropped off near the Castilliet, head right from Le Castillet, and follow the main tree lined roads either side of the canal, towards Pl.D’Arago, you can reverse the route above to Republique and head towards the old quarter and basilica that way. from Le Castillet, turn around and cross over the canal, if you go left here, 150m down Blvd Clemenceau, you will find Arena Bar, a sports bar which also does food and is a favourite, usually pretty raucous hang out for Giants fans staying in Perpignan. Go straight across Clemenceau, and turn left into Avenue Marechal Leclerc and you’ll find the Delirium cafe with an array of different beers, ciders and food, there are also other places to eat and drink around here.
BE AWARE- Buying food and drink at the ground isn’t as simple as you think, there is a token system at play here, so just a heads up. You have to purchase tokens from the stands just inside the entrance, the tokens can then be exchanged for food and drink at the outlets.
TRAVEL TO THE GROUND + TRAVEL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE ON OUR HANDY PDF BELOW
https://hgsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Catalans-Dragons-Away.pdf
There’s also a handy guide on Catalans’ website, in English as well as French- http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/articles-216/216-9359-enjoy-the-gilbert-brutus-experience/.
Whether you’re staying in and around Perpignan or bussing up from the Spanish costas, let’s back the boys 100%, the support is appreciated and especially so far from home, safe journey to everyone and hopefully, we can head to Castleford next Thursday with another win under our belts!
Allez Les Giants!
