The Stade de France is the largest stadium in France and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for international games. With an all-seater capacity of 81,000, the stadium is the sixth largest in Europe.
The stadium is the only one in the world to have hosted both Rugby World Cup and FIFA World Cup finals. Stade de France was originally built to host the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where France defeated Brazil 3-0 in the final.
Local Pubs
The majority of sports fans enjoy pre-match drinks in Paris, particularly those spots in close proximity to Chatelet and Paris Gare du Nord due to their frequent transport links to the ground in nearby Saint Denis.
The Frog and Rosbif is a popular English pub with a busy little brewery in the cellar. It is a famous live sports venue situated in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement (Rue St Denis), in walking distance of Chatelet Les Halles RER station. McBrides and The Thistle, also on Rue St Denis, tick the Irish and Scottish pub boxes and have a great atmosphere on match days.
Kitty O’Shea’s Irish bar is another popular rugby pub, centrally located near Opera metro station.
Fans who like a drink should be aware that not only do drinks at the stadium come at an inflated price, they are also alcohol-free - including the beer! There are pop-up stands outside the ground where you can get a pint, at typical Parisian prices.
Local Attractions
Paris is one of the world’s most exciting cities, and understandably, you will want to make the most of your visit. For the most amazing panoramic views of the city, head to Tour Montparnasse. On the top floor of this 210-metre office skyscraper you will find the chic Ciel de Paris cocktail bar and restaurant. From here you will experience the most fantastic views of Paris’ famous monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre museum, Invalides and the Pompidou Centre.
The Galleries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in the 8th arrondissement is not to be missed. The array of designer clothes, jewellery and cosmetics will leave you breathless, and the domed ceiling in the atrium is its crowning glory. If you’re after something a little different, head to Merci, a hip concept store in the trendy 3rd arrondissement.
Nothing is more magical than seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, every hour, on the hour.
Getting There
The stadium is located in the Parisian suburb Saint-Denis, approximately 3 kilometres north of Paris.
Two motorways run directly past the stadium, the A1 (which connects with the centre of Paris and the périphérique further south) and the A86. From the A1 take exit 2 Stade de France and from the A86 take exit 9 Saint-Denis – La Plaine Stade de France.
The Stade de France provides its own car parks and parking spaces can be booked on their website prior to sporting events.
To reach the stadium by public transport one can either take the metro or the RER (metro extension). Both RER lines B and D can be taken from station Châtelet (10-minute ride) and Gare de Nord (5-minute ride). If you take line B get off at La Plaine Stade de France, if line D get off at Stade de France Saint Denis. RER B also runs directly from Paris Charles de Gaulles and Orly airports.
Metro line 13 connects the stadium with stations Montparnasse (25 mins), Invalides (20 mins) and Saint-Lazare (15 mins). Get off at stop Saint-Denis Porte de Paris.
Tram line 1 connects the stadium with Paris’ eastern suburbs.
Did You Know
In the future, it is likely that French rugby will no longer use the Stade de France as the FFR have indicated a preference to construct their own stadium in the south of Paris to avoid problems with scheduling and funding.