The Stade de France

The Stade de Francelocated in Saint-Denis, near Parisin the department of Seine Saint Denisis much more than just a sports arena. Since its inauguration in 1998, it has become a national icon, hosting major sporting events, world-famous concerts and captivating tours. In this article, we explore in detail the history, architecture, milestones, guided tours, practical information and fascinating anecdotes that make the Stade de France such a must-see venue.

​

History and architecture of the Stade de France

A birth for the 1998 World Cup

The Stade de France was built to host the 1998 Football World Cup, a historic event in which the French team won the final against Brazil. Inaugurated on January 28 1998, it is now France's largest stadium, with a capacity of 80,698.​

Innovative architecture

Designed by architects Michel Macary, Aymeric Zublena, Michel Regembal and Claude Constantini, the stadium features a unique suspended roof, inspired by the Worldport at New York's JFK airport. This structure enables the stadium to be covered without posts, offering an unobstructed view to all spectators. The stadium is also modular, adaptable to different types of event.

Major events hosted

International sports competitions

Since its opening, the Stade de France has been the venue for many prestigious sporting events.

• 1998 Football World Cup Final

• World Athletics Championships 2003

• Rugby World Cup 2007 and 2023

• Champions League finals in 2000, 2006 and 2022

• UEFA Euro 2016

• Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games​

Concerts and shows

The stadium is also an emblematic stage for concerts:​

• Artists such as Prince, Johnny Hallyday, Coldplay, Beyoncé, AC/DC, Metallica, U2 and Céline Dion have performed here.

• In 2025, concerts are scheduled with artists such as Burna Boy (April 18), Jul (April 26), Ninho (May 2 and 3), DJ Snake (May 10), Beyoncé (June 19, 21 and 22), Imagine Dragons (July 5 and 6), Linkin Park (July 26), Stray Kids (July 27 and August 2), BLACKPINK (August 3 and 9) and AC/DC (August 13). .

Stade de France map

The Stade de France, located in Saint-Denis, is divided into four main stands: North, South, East and West. Each stand is made up of several levels and blocks, providing a total capacity of around 80,698 seats for soccer and rugby matches. .

Layout of stands and blocks

• Tribune Nord :

  • Top level : Blocks J5 to J10, K7 to K10, L1 to L4, L9 to L12, L15 to L18, N6, N11 to N14, N17 to N18.

  • Lower level : Blocks J1 to J4, K1 to K4, L5 to L6, L13 to L14, N9 to N10, N15 to N16.​

• Tribune Est :

  • Top level : Blocks C3 to C4, C7 to C10, D6 to D10, E1 to E6, E9 to E12, G1 to G4, H5 to H8, H11 to H12.

  • Lower level : Blocks C5 to C6, D1 to D2, D4 to D5, G5 to G8, H1 to H4.​

• Tribune Sud :

  • Top level : Blocks A1 to A4, A9 to A12, B1 to B4, B11 to B12, Y1 to Y2, Y5 to Y8, Y13 to Y16, Z5 to Z8, Z11 to Z14.

  • Lower level : Blocks A5 to A6, B5 to B8, Y3 to Y4, Y9 to Y10, Z1 to Z4, Z9 to Z10.​

• Tribune Ouest :

  • Top level : Blocks R1 to R6, R9 to R12, R15, S1 to S4, S15 to S18, T5 to T7, T9 to T11, U1 to U4, U11 to U15, U19 to U22, X2 to X5, X10 to X15.

  • Lower level : Blocks R13 to R14, S5 to S8, S12 to S14, T1 to T2, U5 to U9, U17 to U18, X8 to X9 .

Stand levels and row numbering

The Stade de France is divided into several levels:​

• Low gallery : Rows numbered from 1 to 30.

• Intermediate stand : Ranks 35 to 59.

• Upper gallery : Ranks 61 to 87.​

An additional row, numbered 60, is reserved for people with reduced mobility, although it is rarely used due to limited visibility. .

Choose your seat at the Stade de France according to the event

Concerts

For concerts, the most popular areas are :​

• Carré Or : Premium seats offer excellent visibility and optimum comfort.

• Pelouse Or : Standing area close to the stage, ideal for total immersion.

• Classic lawn : Standing area further away, offering more room to move.​

VIP options, such as private boxes, offer top-of-the-range services and a breathtaking view of the stage. .

Sports events

For soccer and rugby matches, the side stands (East and West) offer a panoramic view of the pitch, while the stands behind the goals (North and South) plunge spectators into the heart of the action.​

View your place

The Stade de France offers an interactive tool to locate your seat and view the corresponding view. You can access this tool here :​

👉 Where do you fit in? - Stade de France

Stade de France capacity

Visit Stade de Francelocated in Saint-Denis on the northern outskirts of Paris, is France's largest stadium with a capacity of maximum capacity of 80,698 places.

Stade de France - scalable capacity

This capacity varies slightly according to the type of event hosted. For soccer or rugbycapacity is maximized by the optimized layout of the grandstands. In the concertIf required, part of the stands can be closed to make way for the stage and technical installations, thus slightly reducing the number of spectators.

The stadium's architecture has been designed to offer optimum visibility with no pillars to obstruct the view, thanks to its unique suspended roof. It has several levels: the low stands, intermediaries and higheras well as VIP areas, dressing rooms and a gold square.

The Stade de France is also designed to be modularThe new stadium is designed to accommodate a wide range of sporting disciplines (soccer, rugby, athletics) as well as major concerts. It complies with accessibility standards, with places reserved for people with reduced mobility. Its large capacity and versatility make it one of Europe's most emblematic venues for major cultural and sporting events.

Parking Stade de France

Visit Stade de Francelocated in Saint-Denisis one of the busiest sites in the Paris region for major events. So it's essential to plan ahead, especially if you're coming by car. Fortunately, the stadium has several parking areas and is surrounded by public parking lots adapted to different event configurations (matches, concerts, tours).

Official Stade de France parking lots

The Stade de France offers several reserved parking spaces accessible with a specific parking ticket. These parking lots are usually indicated on your admission ticket when you buy a place at an event. The main parking lots around the stadium include :

• Parking P1 Located underneath the Stade de France, it is reserved primarily for VIP ticket holders or those who have purchased hospitality packs. It is directly linked to the stands by an elevator.

• Parking lots P2 and P3 Car parks: in the immediate vicinity of the stadium, often used for major sporting or musical events. These parking lots are very popular and must be reserved in advance.

• Parking P4 A little further away, but well served on foot or by shuttle bus.

These parking lots are secure and supervised during events. We recommend arriving at least 1h30 to 2 hours before the start of the show or match to avoid traffic jams and find your seat comfortably.

Public parking lots nearby

In addition to the official parking lots, several public parking lots are available around the Saint-Denis and Plaine-Saint-Denis areas. These include

• Parking Vinci - Marché Saint-Denis Located a fifteen-minute walk from the stadium.

• Parking Q-Park - Basilique Saint-Denis A little further away, but well served by public transport.

• Le Millénaire shopping center parking lot (Aubervilliers) A practical option if you're arriving early and want to combine parking with shopping or dining.

Some parking lots are also available at La Villette or Porte de la Chapellewith direct access via the RER B or D.

Practical advice

• Online booking Parking: we strongly recommend reserving your parking space in advance on platforms such as stadefrance.com, Oneparkor Parclick.

• PMR (People with Reduced Mobility) access Special locations are available on request. The Stade de France is fully accessible.

• Traffic and street closures During major events, some roads around the stadium may be closed to traffic. Find out about recommended routes and temporary restrictions.

• Shuttles sometimes free shuttles are available from certain remote parking lots or RER stations.

Alternatives: parking + transport

To avoid the stress of traffic, it may be a good idea to park on the outskirts and reach the stadium in public transport. RER stations B and D and metro line 13 take you directly to the Stade de France. This solution is often faster and more environmentally friendly.

In short, if you want to parking at the Stade de FranceIf you're planning your journey, book your parking space and find out about access times. This will guarantee smooth, pleasant experienceWhether for a match, a concert or a guided tour.

Hotel Stade de France

Find a hotel near the Stade de France is essential for enjoying a match, concert or guided tour without the stress of transport. Located in Saint-DenisLocated in the northern suburbs of Paris, the Stade de France is surrounded by a wide choice of accommodation, from budget hotels to top-of-the-range establishments. Whether you're staying alone, as a couple, with friends or family, there are options to suit every budget.

Hotels in the immediate vicinity of the Stade de France

Some hotels are located in less than 10 minutes' walk of the stadium, making them very practical choices for spectators at evening events:

• Novotel Paris Saint-Denis Stade Basilique 300 m from the stadium, this 4-star hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant, a gym and rapid access to the metro (line 13).

• ibis Saint-Denis Stade Ouest Located right next to the stadium, it offers excellent value for money, with comfortable rooms and private parking.

• Courtyard by Marriott Paris Saint-Denis A little further away (about 15 minutes' walk), it offers premium services, ideal for extended stays.

Economical, conveniently located hotels

For those on a budget, there are a number of budget hotels that offer decent services while remaining close to the Stade de France:

• B&B Hotel Paris Saint-Denis Pleyel This simple but functional building is about 1 km from the stadium and close to the RER D train station.

• hotelF1 Saint-Denis Stade Very affordable, perfect for visitors who just want a bed after an event.

These establishments are often crowded during major events, so remember to book several weeks in advance.

Hotels in Paris with easy access to the stadium

You can also stay at Paris intra-muros and the Stade de France can be reached quickly by public transport:

• From Gare du Nordtake the RER B or D to arrive in less than 10 minutes.

• From metro line 13stop at Saint-Denis - Porte de Parisjust a few steps from the stadium.

Neighborhoods like Montmartre, Barbès or La Villette offer a good connection to the stadium and a chance to discover Paris.

Practical services and advice

• Some hotels offer a late check-out on concert nights.

• Visit close proximity to restaurants and shops around the Stade de France is a plus, especially for short stays.

• During major events, prices can go up: compare on platforms such as Booking, Hotels.com or Airbnb to find the best offer.

Choose a good hotel near the Stade de France will provide you with a comfortable, hassle-free experience. Whether you're coming for a legendary concert or an international match, staying nearby guarantees you won't miss a thing of the unique atmosphere that surrounds this iconic venue.

Visit the Stade de France

Visit visit to the Stade de France is a must-see immersive experience for sports, music and architecture enthusiasts. Located in Saint-DenisBut this legendary stadium is not limited to major events: it also opens its doors to the public throughout the year for special events. guided toursrich in discovery and emotion.

An emblematic place to discover from the inside

Inaugurated in 1998 on the occasion of the Soccer World Cupthe Stade de France is the country's largest stadium. It has played host to historic finals, memorable concerts and soon to be Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The tour takes visitors behind the scenes of this modern, emblematic monument.

The guided tour route

Visit tour lasts about 1h30 and is done in a group, accompanied by a passionate and experienced guide. It generally begins in the grandstands, with a panoramic view over the entire stadium. Then you go down into the changing roomsidentical to those used by the national teams. You will also pass through the player tunnelthen tread the edge of the sacred lawnThis allows you to feel all the emotion of the biggest events.

The guides punctuate the tour with anecdotes about mythical matches, broken records, giant concerts and behind-the-scenes stories often unknown to the public.

Practical information

• Opening hours Visits are generally offered every day (excluding event days), with several time slots. Booking in advance is recommended.

• Languages Tours are available in French and in English.

• Rates Approx. €15 for adults, €10 for children. Reduced rates for groups, students and families.

• Accessibility The course is entirely accessible to people with reduced mobility.

• Reservation On the official website stadefrance.comor via partner platforms such as Paris Je T'aime.

An ideal activity for everyone

Whether you're with family or friends, on a school outing or corporate seminar, the visit to the Stade de France seduces with its interactive, educational and spectacular. It allows you to better understand the stakes involved in a major event, to discover the secrets of its organization, and to experience a rare moment in the footsteps of the greatest champions.

In conclusion, visit the Stade de France is an original and enriching activity that is a must if you're just passing through. the country. To organize your stay around this visit, discover also our guide to tourist regions and sites.

Immersive guided tours

The Stade de France offers 1h30 guided tours, available in French and English. Visitors can go behind the scenes of the stadium, including the changing rooms, the players' tunnel, the stands and the stadium museum. .

Visit Stade de France museum

Visit Stade de France museum is an essential step in the guided tour of this mythical place located Saint-Denis. Much more than just an exhibition space, this museum offers a captivating journey into the world of sports historythe music and large cultural events that have marked the stadium since its inauguration in 1998.

A museum at the heart of an emblematic monument

The museum is located inside the stadium itself and usually closes the guided tour. It has been designed to retrace the collective memory of the events that took place in the Stade de France, offering a thematic and immersive journey through authentic objects, rare documents and audiovisual archives.

What you can discover

• Iconic objects : Des autographed shirts, official balls, famous players' shoes, concert postersor even musical instruments that belonged to artists who came to perform on stage.

• Video clips Highlights projected onto giant screens, including France's 1998 World Cup victory, Beyoncé shows and Johnny Hallyday concerts.

• Testimonials and anecdotes Behind-the-scenes panels and anecdotes tell the story of major sporting and musical events.

The museum is interactive and accessible to allWe offer a wide range of services, including children's areas, quizzes, and sometimes themed temporary exhibitions.

Practical information

• Opening hours : The museum is only accessible on the basis of a special booking. guided tour of the stadium.

• Languages Information available in English and French.

• Duration Allow 20-30 minutes for the museum section.

• Rate Included in the guided tour ticket (from €10 for children, €15 for adults).

Why visit?

Visit Stade de France museum is a place emotional and educationalIt's the perfect way to relive great moments in French and international sport, as well as memorable performances by world-renowned artists. It's an excellent way to extend your discovery of the stadium and better understand its cultural and symbolic impact. the country.

Access and practical information

Location

The Stade de France is located at 93200 Saint-Denis, in the northern suburbs of Paris.

Public transport access

• 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

Parking is also available for visitors by car.

Stade de France box office

Visit Stade de France ticket office is the essential starting point for experiencing one of the many major events hosted each year: international concerts, soccer or rugby matches, sports competitionsor exceptional shows. Whether you're a fan of music, sport or simply curious to discover this legendary venue, there are several simple and secure ways to buy your tickets.

Where can you buy your tickets?

The most reliable way is still the official website : stadefrance.com. It proposes the direct selling for the majority of programmed events, as well as VIP packsand hospitality offers and places with exclusive services. You can also consult maps of the stands, choose your seat, and benefit from precise information on schedules, access and safety rules.

Other partner platforms are also recommended:

• Ticketmaster, Fnac Spectacles, SeeTickets

• Official tickets for sports clubs for competitions (e.g. FFF, FFR)

• Certified dealers for second-hand tickets

Ticket types available

• Standard seating in the grandstand or on the lawn (for concerts)

• Pelouse Or close to the stage, in standing position

• Carré Or / Loges with premium services

• Place PMR for people with reduced mobility, with special reservation

Tips

• Book as soon as possible popular concerts and matches sell out fast.

• Create a customer account to receive alerts as soon as sales open.

• Check the refund policy in the event of cancellation or postponement.

Visit Stade de France ticket office is designed to ensure a smooth and secure experience, whatever the event you're planning to attend.

Upcoming events at the Stade de France

Here are some of the major events scheduled for 2025.

• Burna Boy - April 18

• Jul - April 26

• Ninho - May 2nd and 3rd

• DJ Snake - May 10

• Beyoncé - June 19, 21 and 22

• Imagine Dragons - July 5 and 6

• Linkin Park - July 26

• Stray Kids - July 27 and August 2

• BLACKPINK - August 3rd and 9th

• AC/DC - August 13

Anecdotes and unusual facts

• The Stade de France is the only stadium in the world to have hosted the Football World Cup Final, the Rugby World Cup Final and the Olympic Games.

• At Johnny Hallyday's 1998 concert, a spectacular staging simulated his arrival by helicopter on the stadium roof.

• In 2001, a friendly match between France and Algeria was interrupted after fans invaded the pitch, marking a moment of great pride.

Frequently Asked Questions - Stade de France

What is the capacity of the Stade de France?

Visit Stade de France can accommodate up to 80,698 spectators in sports configuration, and about 90 000 in concert configuration, thanks to the use of the lawn for standing room.

Where is the Stade de France?

It is located in Saint-Denisnorth of Paris, in the department of Seine-Saint-Denis (93). Its exact address is: 93216 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex.

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

The Stade de France is served by :

• 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 Special buses and shuttles are also available during major events.

Can I visit the Stade de France?

Yes, the stadium offers guided tours all year round. You can visit the backstage area, the changing rooms, the players' tunnel, the grandstands and the museum retracing its history.

Where can I buy tickets for an event at the Stade de France?

Tickets are available on official website (stadefrance.com), as well as on platforms such as Ticketmaster, Fnac Spectaclesand sometimes directly via event organizers.

Is parking available?

Yes, several official parking lots (P1 to P4) are available around the stadium. It is advisable to book in advanceespecially for concerts and matches with large crowds.

What are the nearest hotels to the Stade de France?

Among the closest: Novotel Paris Saint-Denis, Ibis Stade Ouest, Courtyard by Marriott. Other hotels can be reached by RER or metro from Paris.

Is the Stade de France accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes, PRM spaces are available. The site is fully accessible and equipped to welcome visitors in wheelchairs.

What items are not allowed in the stadium?

Prohibited items include: glass bottles, cans, sharp objects, fireworks, professional cameras, umbrellas... Check the full list on the official website before you come.

What events are planned at the Stade de France in the near future?

In 2025, concerts by artists like Jul, DJ Snake, BLACKPINK, Imagine Dragonsor AC/DC are scheduled. Soccer and rugby matches are also on the program.