Stade de France: Behind the Scenes Tour

If you’re visiting Paris and have even a passing interest in football, rugby, or big concerts, a tour of the Stade de France might catch your eye. This isn’t just a stadium visit; it’s a chance to peek behind the curtains of one of France’s most iconic sports venues. While we haven’t done it ourselves, plenty of travelers seem to find it worthwhile, especially given the glowing reviews.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is—a 1.5-hour guided journey that doesn’t eat up your whole day, and the fact that it includes a visit to the Stade de France Museum afterward. The tour offers a mix of history, behind-the-scenes access, and a good amount of insider info, all at a reasonable price. But, a word of caution: the stadium’s pitch isn’t visible during winter, which might be a letdown if that’s what you’re after. Overall, it’s best suited for sports fans, stadium enthusiasts, or anyone curious about what goes into hosting major events.

Key Points

• Accessible and well-priced at under $20, making it a good value for a unique experience.
• Includes a museum visit, so you can take your time exploring memorabilia and history.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging style.
• Limited pitch view in winter, so if seeing the field is a priority, plan accordingly.
• Tour size is small, with a maximum of 20 people, which helps keep it intimate and engaging.
• Suitable for most visitors, including those with strollers or mobility needs.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Stade de France: Behind the Scenes Tour clocks in at about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. Your adventure begins in the Official Shop, where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the tour takes you deep into the heart of the stadium, revealing areas normally off-limits to the public.

One standout feature of the tour is the chance to sit in the spectator seats, giving you a sense of what it’s like to watch a game there. You’ll also visit the private boxes, often reserved for VIPs during events, and get a peek into the locker rooms where athletes prepare.

The player tunnel is another highlight—a chance to walk the same path as Ronaldo, Zidane, and other legends, which many reviews highlight as a memorable moment. You’ll learn about the stadium’s architecture, its history of hosting the FIFA World Cup, the Euro Cup, and big concerts like Madonna and The Rolling Stones.

One thing to remember: the pitch isn’t accessible in winter due to technical reasons, so if your dream was to walk on the grass, you might need to adjust expectations based on the season.

The Highlights of the Experience

Behind-the-Scenes Access

The core of this tour lies in getting behind the scenes—visiting areas that usually stay hidden. This includes the locker rooms, elite private boxes, and the players’ tunnel. As one reviewer put it, being able to stand on the same ground where Messi or Ronaldo played is “an experience,” especially for soccer fans.

The Stadium’s History

Your guide will fill you in on the stadium’s storied history, from hosting the FIFA World Cup in 1998 to the Euro Cup 2016. You’ll hear about the most memorable matches and concerts, making it especially interesting if you want context on what makes Stade de France special.

The Museum

Post-tour, you’re free to explore the Stade de France Museum at your own pace. It’s packed with signed jerseys, autographed guitars, and models, giving a tangible sense of France’s rich sporting culture.

Accessibility and Group Size

With disabled access and a maximum group size of 20, the tour feels personal and well-organized, which many reviewers appreciated. The small size helps the guides pay more attention and answer questions, making the experience more engaging.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at the Official Shop, where you’ll gather with your guide. From there, expect a walk of roughly 1 km around the stadium—easy enough for most, including those with strollers. The guide will lead you into the main stadium sections, walking through corridors, VIP areas, and the press zones.

You’ll sit in the spectator seats, which is always a hit, especially with kids or anyone wanting a proper stadium experience. Next, you’ll visit the private boxes, often reserved for VIPs during major events, and get a glimpse into the locker rooms—a space filled with memorabilia and team spirit.

Walking through the players’ tunnel is a highlight many reviews mention; it’s the same passage players walk before running onto the pitch. The guide will talk about the stadium’s architecture and design, highlighting features that enable it to host both sporting events and large concerts.

The pitch itself is not visible during winter, so if seeing the grass is important, check the season timing. After these stops, you’ll head to the Stade de France Museum for further exploration. Here, you might spend time marveling at signed jerseys, guitars, and historical archives.

The Value of This Tour

At around $19, this tour offers a surprisingly rich experience. For that price, you get access to areas normally off-limits, a knowledgeable guide, and a museum visit—a package that packs a punch. Several reviewers have called it “more than we expected” and “a gem,” which speaks to its value for sports enthusiasts or curious travelers.

The inclusion of the museum enhances the visit, giving you an opportunity to linger and soak in France’s football legacy. Plus, the tour’s timing options make it flexible, fitting into most sightseeing schedules.

Some downsides?

The main one is the pitch not being visible in winter, which might disappoint those hoping for a full stadium grass walk. Also, security checks and bag verifications are in place, so arriving early is wise.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for sports fans, especially those interested in football and rugby, given the stadium’s hosting history. It’s also ideal for fans of music and large-scale events, as the stadium’s versatility is part of the story.

If you’re traveling with children or teenagers who love sports or stadium visits, they’ll often find it fun and engaging, especially the walk through the players’ tunnel. Guides are praised for their engaging style, making the tour suitable for all ages.

However, if you’re more into art, history, or city sights, this might not be your top priority, but it can still be a fun, quick addition to your Paris stay.

Final Thoughts

The Stade de France: Behind the Scenes Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into one of France’s most famous sports venues. It strikes a good balance between accessible, informative, and fun, especially given its price point. The guide’s expertise and the chance to explore VIP areas and the museum add extra layers of interest.

While the inability to see the pitch in winter is a minor drawback, most visitors seem to find the experience worth it. It’s a solid choice for those wanting to go beyond the typical sightseeing and get a feel for the atmosphere and history of this iconic stadium.

If you’re a sports lover, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes at a major stadium, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. It’s intimate enough to feel special but comprehensive enough to satisfy your curiosity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that kids enjoy walking through the tunnel and sitting in the stadium seats. The guide’s engaging style makes it accessible for all ages.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, giving plenty of time to see key areas without feeling rushed.

Can I visit the stadium in winter?
During winter, the pitch cannot be seen due to technical reasons, so if you wanted to walk on the grass, you might want to plan your visit in a different season.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes the guided behind-the-scenes tour and free access to the Stade de France Museum afterward.

Are the tour guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for being informative and engaging. They provide a good mix of facts and stories.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the maximum group size is 20 travelers, which helps create a more intimate atmosphere and allows for better interaction.

How accessible is the tour?
The tour offers disabled access, making it possible for most visitors to participate comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as you’ll be walking approximately 1 km around the stadium.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation isn’t included; you need to make your own way to the meeting point at the Stade de France.

If a behind-the-scenes look at France’s largest stadium sounds appealing, this tour is worth considering. It’s a chance to see how a major venue operates and to indulge your curiosity about some of the world’s most famous sporting moments.