France's premier sporting venue doesn't disappoint (Stade de France)

Member Name: mrjoegoodwin

Product:	Stade de France
Date:	26/05/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accessible from the UK, good public transport links,

Disadvantages: Expensive food & drink prices

Having read the previous review, which offers a viewpoint on the stadium from the perspective of a football fan, this review focuses on the match experience at the Stade de France when watching an international rugby match.

The stadium, designed for the 1998 Football World Cup finals, seats 80,000 spectators in the traditional modern bowl layout, and is situated in the Saint Denis suburb of Paris, on the outskirts of the city. Having hosted the 1998 World Cup Final, the stadium is now unique, being the first to host both a football and Rugby World Cup final, having hosted the 2007 Rugby final between England and South Africa.

My experiences of visiting this stadium have both been positive, and unlike the previous reviewer, have never experienced any heavy handed policing at the venue, but that is probably just due to the different nature of atmosphere that you get at a football match - more highly charged, and not as laid back as you see at rugby.

I travelled on the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais for both my trips to the stadium (the aforementioned Rugby World Cup Final, and the 2009 Six Nations clash between Wales and France), and from Calais, the drive to the stadium is about 2hrs 30 mins, and an easy drive at that. On the approach to the stadium from the north by car, the stadium is clearly signposted, and suddenly becomes visible from the road as you approach on one of the flyovers. There is official stadium parking, which predictably, soon fills up. I've managed to park twice at Rue Cristino Garcia (check Google Maps), which is a short 10 minute walk to the stadium, along the Avenue de Stade de France, a bit like the Parisian equivalent of our very own Wembley Way.

Inside the stadium itself is superb, it looks small from the outside, until you realise that the pitch is a whole tier below where you enter. The facilities inside and outside are good, and comparable to any modern sports stadium. Drinks prices do seem quite expensive, particularly with the poor Sterling -> Euro exchange rate at present. Also, avoid the hot chocolate/coffee - not worth 2 Euros in the slightest!

There are numerous public transport options to the stadium, served by both RER trains (to central Paris, Gare du Nord station) and the Metro. Having never travelled on either during match day, I can't comment on this experience, but having been past the train station twice after the conclusion of a match, the queues seemed to be well managed, and moving swiftly - unlike Wembley in that respect.

Overall, the Stade de France is definitely worth a visit, and for a modern stadium, already has a surprising amount of history. Football and Rugby World Cup Finals, the 2003 International Athletics World Championships, Champions League finals, and the annual French domestic cup finals for the Top 14 rugby, and Coupe de France football have already given the stadium some unforgettable moments. Situated as it is on the northern outskirts of the city, it is surprisingly accessible by car from the UK, and although tiring, the whole journey can be done there and back in 1 day, assuming you have willing drivers who don't mind not having a drink during the match.

Watching the French rugby team play here is quite an experience - the crowd are equally deafening when the team is playing well, but the noise levels increase even more when the team is playing badly - the whistles are incredible!

The Stade de France is an experience that shouldn't be missed if you enjoy your sport, and well worth a day trip or weekend away to make the most of one of Europe's finest modern stadiums.

Summary: One to have on the list of sporting venues to visit