Paris: Stade de France Behind the Scenes Tour

If you’re a football fan or just someone interested in iconic stadiums, you’ll find this Stade de France tour quite intriguing. This experience offers a peek into one of France’s most celebrated sports venues, known for hosting 1998 World Cup finals and 2016 Euro Cup matches. While it’s not a lengthy visit, it packs in enough highlights to make it worth considering, especially at just $19 per person.

What we really love about this tour is the chance to go inside the locker rooms and private boxes—these are usually off-limits to the public. Plus, the knowledgeable guides tend to bring the stadium’s stories alive, which makes the experience both educational and fun. On the flip side, a common consideration is that the pitch might not always be visible, especially during busy event periods or in winter when the grass is covered.

This tour suits anyone with an interest in football, stadium architecture, or those simply wanting a behind-the-scenes look at one of France’s most famous landmarks. If you’re visiting Paris and want a quick, affordable glimpse into the world of professional sports, this could be a great addition to your itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable Experience: At $19, it offers good value for a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.
• Exclusive Access: Walk through locker rooms, private boxes, and the players’ tunnel.
• Rich History: Learn about the stadium’s role in major events like FIFA World Cup 1998 and UEFA Euro 2016.
• Museum Visit: End your tour with a visit to the Stade de France Museum, filled with memorabilia.
• Guided Insight: Guides share engaging stories about the stadium’s architecture and legendary moments.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes disabled access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Tour Entails: An In-Depth Look

The Stade de France tour is designed to give fans and curious visitors a compact but comprehensive glimpse into this monumental stadium. Lasting around 90 minutes, it’s a manageable chunk of time that leaves you with plenty to think about afterward. The tour begins at the official shop entrance, where your guide will check your voucher before passing through security at Gate H.

Walking Through the Stadium

Once inside, you’ll immediately get a sense of the stadium’s scale and architecture. Sitting in a spectator seat, the views are quite impressive, especially if you’re lucky enough to be there when the stadium is not hosting an event. Even during a quiet period, the panoramic views from the stands are striking, giving you a real sense of the atmosphere during a game.

Going Behind the Scenes

The real highlights come when you step into the locker rooms, where players prep before big matches. Several reviews mention how exciting it is to touch the shirts or see the showers and relaxation areas up close. One visitor shared, “Very good tour. We saw the locker rooms where the players change and get ready for the game, and the big jacuzzi where they relax.” Keep in mind, though, that during times when the pitch is under preparation, views of the grass might be limited or blocked, which some found a bit disappointing.

Walking through the players’ tunnel feels especially special; it’s where the pros walk out onto the field, and you get a tiny taste of their experience. For many, standing in this space is an authentic moment that helps connect them to the game.

Private Boxes and Other Hidden Corners

You’ll also visit the private boxes, which offer a glimpse into the luxury suites used during major events. It’s interesting to see how these spaces are tailored for VIP guests, and guides often share stories about notable visitors and events.

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The Stadium’s Multi-Use Role

While football is the main focus, the stadium’s versatility is clear. It hosts international concerts—Madonna, ACDC, and The Rolling Stones have all performed here, drawing 80,000 fans. The guide will share these stories, adding layers of context to the stadium’s significance beyond sports.

The Museum

Your tour concludes at the Stade de France Museum, where memorabilia such as autographed guitars, jerseys, models, and archives tell the story of the stadium’s legacy. Several reviews mention how well-curated and engaging the museum is, making it a worthwhile stop even for those not crazy about football.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $19 per person, this tour offers very good value. You get guided access to exclusive areas, historical insights, and museum entry—components that would likely cost much more if booked separately. Many reviews highlight how guides made the experience lively and informative, transforming what could be a simple walk into a memorable event.

However, note that the pitch might be covered or unavailable during certain times, especially with upcoming concerts or in winter. Some visitors expressed mild disappointment about this, but given the price and the breadth of access, it’s generally considered a fair trade-off.

Group Size and Tour Length

Groups are usually small (around 13 to 25 people), which ensures that guides can keep the experience engaging and personalized. The 1.5-hour duration feels just right—long enough to explore without dragging on. It’s perfect if you want a quick yet comprehensive stadium experience that fits into a busy day.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and you’re advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking roughly 1.2 km throughout the visit. You’ll need to arrive 15 minutes early for security inspection, as latecomers risk missing out with no rescheduling options.

What Do Visitors Say?

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and energy. One comment noted, “Tyrel was a great guide, very professional and humorous,” while others mention how guides shared fun facts and backstage stories that brought the stadium to life.

The views and access to areas like the dressing rooms and VIP boxes are also highly appreciated. Multiple reviews mention how exciting it is to stand in the players’ tunnel or touch the shirts in the locker room.

Some feedback points out that during busy periods, the groups can become crowded, which may detract from the experience. Also, during winter or when an event is scheduled, the pitch might be covered, reducing the visual impact.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for football lovers and stadium enthusiasts who want a cost-effective, guided behind-the-scenes look at a major venue. It’s also well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who enjoy storytelling and historical context.

If you’re traveling with family, note that the tour is stroller-friendly, but keep in mind that younger kids might find the content less engaging unless they’re football fans themselves. The moderate length and manageable group size make it accessible to most visitors, but it’s not specifically designed as a family-focused activity.

Final Thoughts

The Stade de France tour provides a balanced mix of history, architecture, and exclusive access that makes it a worthwhile addition to your Paris visit, especially if you’re into sports or stadium architecture. Its affordability, guided storytelling, and access to VIP areas make it stand out compared to larger, more commercial stadium tours.

While it might not provide full access to the pitch during every visit, what you do see—locker rooms, VIP boxes, tunnels, and museum memorabilia—offer plenty to satisfy even the most passionate fans. It’s a tour that feels personal, informative, and fun, especially with guides who know how to bring the stories alive.

If you’re after a straightforward, engaging look behind the scenes of France’s largest stadium, this experience is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Just remember to wear comfy shoes and arrive early to make the most of this fairly priced stadium adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is stroller-friendly and can be enjoyable for kids, especially those interested in football or stadiums. However, younger children may find some parts less engaging unless they are football fans.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable visit that fits well into a busy sightseeing day.

Does the pitch always look like in the pictures?
Not necessarily. During certain periods, especially in winter or before concerts, the pitch may be covered or under preparation, so full visibility might not be guaranteed.

Are there guided tours in languages other than French?
Yes, the tour is available in English and French, depending on the option you choose.

What areas do I get to see?
You’ll visit the locker rooms, private boxes, the players’ tunnel, VIP areas, and the stadium stands. The museum visit is included at the end.

Is there wheelchair accessibility?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and includes disabled access.

Are souvenirs available?
While the tour includes a visit to the official shop, some visitors noted that the selection of stadium merchandise might be limited during certain visits.

Can I visit the stadium during an event?
The schedule depends on the stadium’s event calendar. During events, access to certain areas might be restricted or modified.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

This Stade de France behind-the-scenes tour offers a compelling glimpse into France’s biggest stadium, perfect for fans or anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes during game day and big concerts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: