Stade de France
Saint-Denis, Paris, Île-de-France, 93216
The Stade de France is the country’s largest sports and entertainment venue, and has been France’s national stadium since 1998. With a capacity exceeding 80,000, it has hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2007 Rugby World Cup, and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, as well as concerts by artists including Madonna, Beyoncé, and The Rolling Stones.
The Basics
Built in time for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the Stade de France is where the country’s most important sports games are played. The largest modular stadium in the world, it’s home to both the national soccer and rugby teams, and serves as the part-time home of Paris’ rugby team, Stade Français.
Stade de France is included in the Paris Pass scheme, while a range of behind-the-scenes tours offer special stadium access to dedicated fans. The stadium can even be glimpsed on a helicopter tour over the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
In addition to major concerts, and soccer and rugby games, the stadium also hosts track and field events, music festivals, opera performances, automotive races, and more.
Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout Stade de France.
Avoid bringing luggage, pets, large umbrellas, alcohol, glass bottles, cigarettes, and fireworks to the stadium; plastic water bottles and homemade snacks are allowed.
Refreshment stalls are hosted across the stadium, and an in-seat food and drink delivery service is also available.
The bulk of the stadium is accessible to wheelchair users and others with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Stade de France can be reached by Métro (take line 13 to Saint-Denis Porte de Paris), by RER (take line B to La Plaine Stade de France or line D to Stade de France Saint-Denis), or Île-de-France tramway (take line 1 to Gare de Saint-Denis or line 8 to St Denis Porte de Paris). The stadium can also be reached by car but on-site parking must be booked in advance.
When to Get There
Stade de France hosts major events throughout the year, as well as stadium tours on a daily basis. Opening hours vary depending on when you plan to visit; arriving well in advance of the event start time is always recommended.
How to Get Tickets to Stade de France Events
One of the easiest ways to purchase tickets to events hosted at the stadium—including popular soccer and rugby games—is via its website, StadeDeFrance.com; you may be asked to make an account when purchasing. Official ticket resales are also hosted via the venue’s website. You can also buy tickets directly from the Stade de France’s smartphone app, which is free to download and also includes useful information about transport and stadium amenities.
Ways to explore
The Stade de France hosts a variety of sports fixtures—from soccer to athletics—and music concerts by international artists. If you’d like to attend an event here, it’s best to book tickets online via the venue’s website in advance to avoid disappointment. Even if you don’t have tickets for an event at the stadium, you can visit on a behind-the-scenes tour that lets you access areas that are normally off-limits to the public, such as the locker rooms and tunnel. Tours of the Stade de France are included in the Paris Pass.
Accessibility
The Stade de France is wheelchair accessible. There is a ticketing service specifically for visitors with disabilities, with some sporting events offering free entry. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Age limits
Varies by event, so check before booking tickets.
What to pack
Camera, sunscreen, binoculars, water bottle, small bag
What to wear
Comfortable footwear, jacket in case of rain
Not allowed
Luggage, large bags, large umbrellas, strollers, alcohol, computers, tablets
Amenities
Wi-Fi, restrooms, food vendors (during events)
Address
The Stade de France is located north of Paris in the suburb of Saint-Denis. It’s easily accessible by car, metro, or train.
Driving
From central Paris, drive north and take exit 2. On event days, you must book parking in advance via the venue’s website. Parking tickets are available to buy when you book tickets for an event.
Public transportation
By train, take RER B to La Plaine Stade de France or RER D to Stade de France–Saint-Denis. Alternatively, you can take metro line 13 to Saint-Denis–Porte de Paris.
Best times to visit
If you’re attending an event, arrive ahead of the start time to navigate crowds and find your seat. Most events will offer guidelines on arrival time.
Best days to visit
This depends on whether you’re attending an event or a tour. Tours typically run when there aren’t major events taking place, so check the calendar ahead of your trip for availability.
Best months to visit
May, September, and early October offer pleasant weather conditions for touring the stadium and smaller crowds compared to the summer months.
Special events
Events take place throughout the year at the Stade de France. In May, it hosts the final of the Coupe de France (French Cup), the country’s top soccer event.
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