The Stade de France

The Stade de France is in Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department. Opened in 1998, it hosts major matches, concerts and guided tours. Here is its history, its architecture and all the practical information.

History and architecture

A stadium built for the 1998 World Cup

The Stade de France was built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, won by France in the final against Brazil. Opened on 28 January 1998, it is the largest stadium in the country, with around 80,000 seats.

Since August 2025, it has been operated by GL events.

Innovative architecture

Designed by architects Michel Macary, Aymeric Zublena, Michel Regembal and Claude Constantini, the stadium stands out for its suspended roof. It is modular and adapts to different kinds of events.

Major events

International sporting events

The Stade de France has hosted many major sporting events:

• The 1998 FIFA World Cup final
• The 2003 World Athletics Championships
• The 2007 and 2023 Rugby World Cups
• The 2000, 2006 and 2022 Champions League finals
• Euro 2016
• The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Concerts and shows

The stadium is also a major concert venue. Prince, Johnny Hallyday, Coldplay, Beyoncé, AC/DC, Metallica, U2 and Céline Dion have all played there.

For upcoming concerts and matches, see the calendar on stadefrance.com.

Stade de France seating plan

The stadium has four main stands: North, South, East and West. Each is divided into several tiers and blocks. To find your seat, use the plan on the official website and the details on your ticket.

Choosing your seat

Concerts

For concerts, the most popular areas are:

• Carré Or: premium seats with an excellent view.
• Pelouse Or: a standing area close to the stage.
• Pelouse: a standing area further back, with more space.

Private boxes also offer premium services.

Matches

For football or rugby, the side stands (East and West) give an overview of the pitch, while the stands behind the goals (North and South) put you in the heart of the action.

Stade de France capacity

According to the official website, the stadium holds 80,000 spectators for football and rugby, 78,000 for athletics and up to 100,000 for concerts with a central stage.

Thanks to the suspended roof, no pillars block the view. The stadium has lower, middle and upper tiers, as well as boxes.

Parking at the Stade de France

If you come by car, plan ahead. The stadium has three underground car parks, P1, P2 and P3, and an outdoor car park, P4, for coaches and oversized vehicles.

• Booking required: there are no on-site sales on event days. Parking is booked on stadefrance.com.
• Height limit: 2.10 m for P1 and P3, 2 m for P2.
• Traffic: some streets around the stadium may be closed on major event days.

To avoid traffic jams, park further away and finish by public transport.

Where to stay near the Stade de France

Several hotels are close to the stadium, such as the Novotel Paris Saint-Denis Stade Basilique and the ibis Saint-Denis Stade Ouest. They are often full during major events, so book several weeks ahead.

You can also stay in Paris and reach the stadium on RER B or D, for example from Gare du Nord. For a group or a family, a flat or holiday rental in Paris or Saint-Denis is often cheaper than several hotel rooms, and lets you stay on to visit the capital. Prices rise during major events, so compare before booking. See also our guide to tourist accommodation in France.

Touring the Stade de France

The tour appeals to fans of sport, music and architecture. The stadium offers guided tours, except on event days.

The tour route

The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. It takes in the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel to the pitch, the stands, the presidential boxes and the warm-up rooms. The route may vary.

The Stade de France museum

The ticket also includes the Stade de France museum, a permanent exhibition on the stadium’s history.

Practical information

• Languages: tours in English are scheduled, and other languages are available on request.
• Indicative prices: €18.50 for adults, €17 for 18-25s, €11.50 for 5-18s, free for under-5s, €46 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). Check prices before booking.
• Booking: tour page on stadefrance.com.

To plan your trip, see also our guide to the regions and sights of France.

Getting there

Address

The Stade de France is in Saint-Denis (93200), north of Paris.

By public transport

• RER B: La Plaine – Stade de France station
• RER D: Stade de France – Saint-Denis station
• Metro line 13: Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris station
• Metro line 14: Saint-Denis Pleyel station

Tickets

The safest way to buy tickets is the official website, stadefrance.com. Ticketmaster and Fnac Spectacles also sell them, as do the French football and rugby federations for matches.

• Book as early as possible: popular concerts and matches sell out fast.
• Check the refund policy in case of cancellation or postponement.

Did you know?

In 2001, a friendly match between France and Algeria was stopped after supporters invaded the pitch.

Stade de France FAQ

What is the capacity of the Stade de France?

80,000 spectators for sport and up to 100,000 for concerts with a central stage.

Where is the Stade de France?

In Saint-Denis, north of Paris, in Seine-Saint-Denis (93).

How do you get to the Stade de France by public transport?

By RER B, RER D and metro lines 13 and 14.

Can you visit the Stade de France?

Yes, on a guided tour, except on event days. The tour takes in the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the stands and the museum.

Where can you buy tickets?

On the official website, stadefrance.com, and on Ticketmaster or Fnac Spectacles.

Is there parking?

Yes, car parks P1 to P4. On event days, booking in advance is required.

Which items are banned in the stadium?

The full list is on the official website: check it before you go.

Where to stay for a concert at the Stade de France?

In a hotel in Saint-Denis, or in a flat or holiday rental in Paris near an RER B or D station.