Stade de France Sports Fan Tips
Stade de France is a venue in or near Paris that is most often used for Rugby Union
Things to check out around Stade de France?
There is almost an endless list of things to do in Paris – and if you are visiting for the first time, then the clichéd things to do are honestly the best! There are some wonderful landmarks to see and take your picture at including the Eifel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and Sacre Coeur.There are so many museums and galleries to fill your time, there is no way you will be able to see them all. The Louvre is the most popular for a reason – but be prepared to que!If you are craving a bit of greenery in a bustling city – so as Parisians do and head to the Luxemburg Gardens. Otherwise why not see Paris from the water and take a journey on the Seine. Go high class with the Bateaux Mouche and enjoy dinner and champagne or hop on and off the Bateaux Bus for just €15 a day!
Best restaurants near Stade de France?
There are plenty of great restaurants in the city, so you are guaranteed to find a good place to eat – it is Paris after all!Marius serves some of the best fish dishes in Paris. This place is as authentic as they come and with a kitchen serving up dishes such as Oysters and Scallops, as well as their famous mashed potatoes. A place for foodies!Levain is another wonderful French restaurant who really have some steaks that bring people in from far and wide – though don't think that you have to stick to French food. Chez Madeline is a Lebenese style restaurant which serves food made with love and in great portion sizes!If you are after a bit of spice as well, why not try Palais du Bonheur – reputed as being among the top Chinese restaurants in the city it brings locals and tourists back time and time again. You could also give into temptation and do the unthinkable. Have Italian in Paris – though with the quality of food at Casa Murat, you can't be blamed!
How do I get to Stade de France?
There is some parking at the Stade de France – though you will have to book a spot a long time in advance – a space will cost you €25. If you are driving be sure to set off early as Parisian traffic is notoriously bad.The more sensible option has to be using Paris' convenient public transport. For the metro both 'La Plaine de Stade de France' and 'Stade de France Saint Denis' are just one stop away from the Gare du Nord. A ticket here will cost you €2.50, though if you are using the metro a lot, it might be easier to get a day pass for €7.
Best Food and Drink at Stade de France?
There are over 60 points of sale for food and drink inside and outside the Stade de France, so you won't go hungry whilst watching Les Blues take on their international competition.You will see many kiosks with the sign reading 'Ready to'. This is where you will find the bulk of the hot and cold food. They have cold sandwiches (Chicken for Rugby and Tuna for football!), a range of hot food including Hot Dogs, the Merguez Sandwich and the Charal Cheese Burger – as well as a side of French fries. They also serve a range of candy and of course both alcoholic (Heineken or Buckler) and soft drinks.There are also lots of 'Brioche Doree' stands. There range of food is much of the same, though there are more deserts are here. So if you fancy a Nutella madeleine, a moist chocolate cake or some apple pie – make sure to get in line!
Stade de France seating?
The Stade de France is set up with a bowl design that is becoming more and more commonplace in newer stadiums. There is a running track that splits the pitch and the stands, though the stands can all be moved to get you closer to the action!Despite the bowl shape, there are still 4 distinct stands in the stadium. All of the seats are covered and all offer great sight lines to the pitch – however – ironically, if you are in the seats closest to the action in the East and West Stands (usually the more expensive ones) if there is wind and rain, the chances are you will get wet.Prices differ enormously dependent on where you sit – seats behind the goals/posts (North and South) can be as cheap as €15 in the upper tier – though close to the pitch in the East/West stands you will pay €75 for the football. Expect the prices to be in the hundreds for the big 6 Nations Games!
Best Bars around Stade de France?
Avenue Jules Rimet which leads up to the main entrance is full of bars and pubs that are more than welcoming on a game day!Le Rendez-Vous is the first bar you will see. Set up in the style of a classic brasserie it is decorated with many features of both rugby and football, especially the two big pictures of Eric Cantona and David Beckham.La 3ème Mi-Temps is very close which is also recommended by frequent Stade de France goers. The bar is a very friendly, chilled out bar with two floors, so you should be able to find a seat if you are early! TV's behind the bar and on the back wall show all the build up to the game sport behind the bar and with draught options of Murphy's, Affligem, Heineken and Pelforth Blonde you can't go wrong!The Eden Park isn't as close as the aforementioned bars but it is owned and run by former Racing 92 players and as such, sports fans are encouraged to pay it a visit before the game!Other expat bars such as The Frog and Princess and The Little Temple Bar are also recommended.
Best Insider tip at Stade de France?
The Stade de France offers a great opportunity to go behind the scenes and walk in the footsteps of some of the French legends that have played here. The hour long tour takes you throughout the press areas, hospitality areas as well as the changing rooms before walking down to the pitch itself!The tickets also get you access to the attached museum which is something to should check out if you are a fan of French sport with its walls lined with all sorts of memorabilia from signed jerseys to clips of the famous games!
What to expect from the Stade de France crowd?
The games played at the Stade de France are both internationals for the French National Rugby team and the French National Football team. As such, as you can imagine, the atmosphere is always electric! France have always been more than competitive in both sports with 6 Nations and International football games always setting the city alight with anticipation. There are few places where the national anthem is sung with more feeling and passion and when 80,000 people start to sing 'La Marseillaise'!