Now that we've booked our place in Euro 2016 we can start looking forward and speculating as to which grounds we want to be based in.
Some areas will be more favourable than others due to good weather, pretty scenery and high quality alcohol, whereas others come with more of a 'rough around the edges' reputation.
At the end of the day we'll be bringing a huge following wherever we end up but some places are clearly more desirable.
Toulouse
- Toulouse has become well known over the years as one of the places for high quality rugby players to venture to in pursuit of high salaries and a luxury lifestyle.
The rugby town is one of the five fancied Southern venues on offer and would no doubt be welcomed by any Irish fans due to its warm climate and rich culture.
Pros - Good weather, good food, plenty to see
Cons - Predominantly a rugby town fans may be less passionate, smallest stadium
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is another one of the five southern regions and is another popular choice amongst fans.
The area is well known for its rich history of wine production and it's likely to be in an around 21/22C during the Euros. The only issue is the town is a little bit out of the way in comparison to other host cities and may lack some of the post match entertainment that other venues would have.
Pros - Wine, good weather, more wine
Cons - Bit off the beaten track
Marseille
The general consensus about Marseille seems to be that it's an industrial city and not much else but this isn't exactly true.
It's the second largest city in France and it has a rich and cultured history, you'll be able to avail of fine food and drink and the weather is good too.
Marseille is one of the poorest cities in France and there is plenty of pickpockets and scammers around who prey on tourists so you'll need to keep your wits about you.
Despite being one of the poorest cities in France Marseille can be quite pricey so you may find it makes a big dent on your wallet with prices set to rise by next summer.
Pros - Good food and drink, Passionate football town, big stadium
Cons - Expensive
Nice
Nice is one of the nicest places in France and it definitely takes after it's English meaning.
The city is based along the famous Côte d'Azur and it boasts some of the nicest weather and scenery in the entire country. There's plenty to see and do and the nightlife is said to pretty decent too, making it probably the most desired spot for travelling fans.
The one downside to this beautiful area is that it has a bit of a reputation for pickpocketing in certain areas. Security will be enhanced during the Euro's but always read up on areas before you go and try to travel in numbers too.
Pros - Plenty to do, stunning scenery and weather
Cons - Sunburns
St. Etienne
St Etienne, based in the centre of France and is not well known as a tourist destination
The city is home to one of the most celebrated clubs in the country and has a passionate football following. There may not be much tourist attractions to see but the prices here are a lot lower than many of the other host cities.
Pros - Passionate football city, cheap
Cons - Not much to do during the day
Lyon
Situated right beside St Etienne is Lyon, home to one of France's most successful clubs.
The city is awash with museums, renaissance buildings and art galleries which may keep you busy during the day, there are also plenty of lakes and gardens where you can spend the day in and the Stade Gerland is one of the biggest stadiums in the country.
On the downside Lyon is the second priciest city in France after Paris so expect to pay a lot for accommodation.
Pros - Plenty of day activities, great stadium
Cons - Very expensive
Lens
Lens is the first of two dreaded northern venues which most fans seem desperate to avoid at all costs, but is it as bad as people are making out?
The city may be lacking in the culture that many others have and there is generally not a whole lot to do, however Lens is based in the French beer region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais which has long standing ties with Belgium.
Football fans usually tend to prefer slugging a cold beer than sipping a warm red wine so it can't be all that bad, plus it's far cheaper than most of the other cities.
Pros - Beer, Cheap, More Beer
Cons - Not much to do, slightly colder
Lille
Right beside Lens is Lille, the most Northern host city on the map. Similarly to Lens it isn't really set up for tourists but it's closer proximity to Belgium certainly lands it in beer territory.
There's some ancient culture which stems back to the French revolution for anyone who's interested but by enlarge there isn't much to see here.
Pros - Even more beer, cheap
Cons - Nothing to do
Paris
And finally we have Paris which will have two stadiums represented in the tournament with the Stade de France and PSG's Parc des Princes.
Paris is going to be the hub of the tournament and every team will hope of playing there at some stage as it will represent a good tournament.
The nightlife will be constantly buzzing and there's plenty to do during the day.
The capital is very expensive however and the recent terror attacks have raised concerns over safety.
Pros - Plenty to do, Hub of the tournament
Cons - Expensive, Safety concerns
SEE ALSO: Where To Get Tickets For Euro 2016: The Balls Guide On How To Get Around France
