Head out to see Imanol Harinordoquy and his men face the English Champions - Saracens

There’s one thing no rugby fan should miss this season – a trip to southern France to watch a game in Biarritz

According to research from American Express Platinum Charge Card, half of us start planning our overseas trips months in advance*. Rugby World recommends you start planning your season now and what better way to kick off than with a trip to one of the most stunning cities in Europe to enjoy a game of rugby – the French town of Biarritz.

Nestled near the Spanish border, Biarritz gives travellers a taste of both countries in a rugby-mad town where the welcome is second to none.

Almost every bar and restaurant pays homage to Imanol Harinordoquy and his side of warriors, who have fought a succession of brutal Heineken Cup campaigns.

Perfect combo: sun, sea and magnificent rugby

American Express research has found that 75% of travellers* feel it is important to get under the skin of a destination and live like the locals while abroad – the one thing for a rugby fan to do? Go to a local rugby match and mix with the fans.

This season Saracens, Ospreys and Benetton Treviso have the pleasure of travelling to Biarritz, with Saracens being the first to hit town on 19 November 2011. Biarritz’s Parc des Sports Aguiléra produces a stunning atmosphere with their fans wearing their trademark native American headdresses.

The town is one of the most stylish in Europe – and is fast becoming one of France’s hottest destinations. Why not make a weekend of it by flying to San Sebastián and driving up the coast to Biarritz?

The one Match
English champions Saracens arrive at the Parc des Sports Aguiléra on 19 November for what promises to be a pivotal Heineken Cup showdown.

The one thing for the Discerning Traveller
A personal travel planning service is just one of the benefits that make the Platinum Card from American Express your ultimate travelling companion. With the Card in your pocket, you’ll enjoy peace of mind thanks to extensive travel protection as well as access to preferential rates on hotels and car hire.

You’ll earn Membership Reward Points as you spend to be redeemed against a wide range of luxury and everyday items. An introductory offer runs until midnight on 31 October 2011 offering 40,000 points, enough for return flights to San Sebastián**, if you spend and charge £1,500 on your Card in your first three months of Card membership. Terms and taxes apply.
amex.co.uk/rugbyplatinum

The fineprint…

* American Express Platinum Charge Card research conducted week commencing 1 August 2011.

**Based on airline transfer redemption with British Airways Executive Club as of 1 June 2011. Excludes taxes, fees, charges and surcharges. Terms and Conditions apply. Membership Rewards Points can also be used to pay for tickets and packages, including taxes and surcharges and on any airline that is offered through American Express Travel. Certain airlines are not available through American Express Travel. They can also be used in part payment for a ticket. If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Card membership fee, an alternative option is available – the Basic Card. Terms and conditions apply. The Platinum Charge Card is offered by American Express Services Europe Limited. Registered Office: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9AX. American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (reference number 415532) for the provision of payment services.