Back to the Philadelphia Union Newsfeed

France fans switch to party mode for Euro 2016 opener

Related Topics: France, UEFA Euro 2016

* Euro 2016 kicks off under tight security

* Fans in cheerful mood despite bleak backdrop

PARIS, June 10 (Reuters) - Thousands of Les Bleus fans swarmed around their beloved Stade de France in cheerful mood on Friday, brushing any security fears aside to offer feverish support to the host nation before their Euro 2016 opener against Romania.

Reaching the elegant arena on the outskirts of Paris on a stormy evening posed a challenge for some because of rail transport disruption in a country plagued for weeks by mass protests against a labour law.

"I would have walked," said Paul, 21, his team's colours painted on his cheek.