Stadiums in France: Top 10 Best Soccer Venues

France boasts a rich football culture and some of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums. From Paris to Marseille, the country’s best stadiums in France offer thrilling atmospheres, history, and architectural wonders. This guide explores the top 10 soccer stadiums in France – must-visit venues for football fans and travelers alike.

Table of Contents

Discover each stadium’s history, capacity, home teams, and visiting tips. We cover legendary grounds like the Stade de France, Parc des Princes, and others that host Ligue 1 and international matches, highlighting why they rank among the largest and most famous football venues in France.

A panoramic view inside the Stade de France during an international match.

1. Stade de France (Saint-Denis, Île-de-France)

Location: Saint-Denis, Paris metro area (northern suburb).
Capacity: ~81,000 (football/rugby).
Opened: 1998, built for 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Teams: Home to France’s national soccer and rugby teams.
Notable Events: Hosted 1998 World Cup Final, 2016 Euro Final, multiple UEFA Champions League finals.

The Stade de France is France’s national stadium and the largest in the country. Inspired by modern airport architecture, it opened in January 1998 to host the FIFA World Cup. On 12 July 1998, the Bleus won their first World Cup on this pitch. It seats about 80,698 for football and is home to the French national team in football and rugby. In addition to the World Cup Final, it has hosted major finals (Champions League in 2000, 2006, 2022 and the UEFA Euro 2016 Final). Visitors can tour the stadium and museum or catch a national team match. Key facts can include a walk under the iconic arch and panoramic views of Paris.

2. Orange Vélodrome (Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)

Location: Marseille city, southern France.
Capacity: 67,394 (football) (second-largest in France).
Opened: Originally 1937; major renovations completed 2014.
Teams: Home of Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1); also hosts France rugby matches.
Notable Events: Euro 1984, 2016, Rugby World Cups, concerts (U2, AC/DC), 2014 UEFA Europa League final.

The Orange Vélodrome (formerly Stade Vélodrome) is France’s second-largest soccer stadium after the Stade de France. It opened in 1937 and was extensively modernized for Euro 2016. It seats 67,394 for football, making it an architectural landmark of Marseille. Home team Olympique de Marseille have played here since 1937. The venue hosted matches in Euro 1938, Euro 1984 (attendance record 54,848), Euro 2016 (6 matches including a semi-final), the 2007 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, and concerts. For visitors, the atmosphere is electric on matchdays, especially with OM’s passionate fans (the stadium is nicknamed “Le Stade Vélodrome – Orange Vélodrome”). Tours allow access to VIP areas and the team museum.

A panoramic view of the Orange Vélodrome interior during a match.

3. Parc des Princes (Paris, Île-de-France)

Location: 16th arrondissement, southwest Paris.
Capacity: ~47,900 seats.
Opened: 1972 (current stadium; original versions in 1897 & 1932).
Teams: Home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since 1974; former host to France national team until 1998.
Notable Events: Regular UEFA matches; 1989 Rugby Five Nations (attendance record 50,370).

The Parc des Princes is one of France’s most famous football venues. Located in Paris, it has been the home of PSG for decades. The modern bowl (architect: Roger Taillibert) opened in 1972 with 48,000 seats. Notable facts: it hosted club European Cup finals in the past and saw France’s rugby team set its attendance record (50,370 in 1989). Iconic for its four distinct stands (Boulogne, Auteuil, Paris and Borelli), the Parc des Princes offers great sightlines and intense PSG support. Visitors can catch top-flight Ligue 1 games or explore its nearby attractions like the Stade Roland Garros. Quick facts include its unique design by Taillibert and its reputation as an acoustic and visual spectacle.

4. Groupama Stadium (Lyon – Décines-Charpieu, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Location: Décines-Charpieu (Lyon suburb).
Capacity: 59,186 seats.
Opened: January 2016, replacing Lyon’s Stade de Gerland.
Teams: Home of Olympique Lyonnais (Ligue 1).
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 2016 matches, 2017 Coupe de la Ligue Final, 2018 Europa League Final, 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, future 2024 Olympics.

Known as Groupama Stadium for sponsorship, the Parc Olympique Lyonnais is the third-largest stadium in France. It opened in 2016 with 59,186 seats to give Olympique Lyonnais a world-class venue. Designed by Populous, it features a modern roof and year-round roof heating. The stadium hosted six games of Euro 2016 and big finals (Coupe de la Ligue 2017, Europa League Final 2018). It will also serve as a venue for football at the 2024 Paris Olympics and hosted matches at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Inside, fans enjoy family zones, shopping, and the OL museum. Groupama Stadium is praised as a modern football arena with a retractable roof and river terrace restaurants. It is a clean-sheet example of 21st-century stadium design.

5. Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve-d’Ascq, Hauts-de-France)

Location: Villeneuve-d’Ascq (Lille metro area).
Capacity: 50,186 seats (football).
Opened: August 2012, originally Grand Stade Lille Métropole.
Teams: Home of LOSC Lille (Ligue 1); occasional matches for France teams.
Notable Events: Hosted six Euro 2016 matches and 2023 Rugby World Cup matches; 2024 Olympic basketball/handball events.

Stade Pierre-Mauroy is a versatile stadium famous for its retractable roof and convertible arena. It opened in 2012 and holds about 50,186 spectators, making it the fourth-largest sports stadium in France. It is nicknamed “Decathlon Arena” when in indoor configuration. Its roof closes for indoor events and opens for football. The stadium hosted six matches of UEFA Euro 2016 and served major tournaments: it will host basketball/handball at Paris 2024 Olympics and hosted games in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Visitors can see winter ice hockey in the arena or catch a Lille OSC match. Key features include a sliding pitch and modular seating (down to ~30,000 for indoor events). The venue is often cited as one of the most innovative football venues in France.

6. Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Location: Bordeaux city, near the river.
Capacity: 42,115 seats.
Opened: May 2015, originally built for Euro 2016 (as Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux).
Teams: Home of FC Girondins de Bordeaux (Ligue 1).
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 2016 (5 matches including a quarter-final); concerts and rugby matches; training venue for 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Stade Matmut-Atlantique is a modern stadium on Bordeaux’s outskirts. With 42,115 seats, it replaced Bordeaux’s old Chaban-Delmas stadium. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, its wavy exterior and cascading stairs stand out. Construction delays pushed its opening to May 23, 2015, when Bordeaux beat Montpellier. The stadium hosted four group games and a Germany–Italy quarter-final in Euro 2016. It also hosts rugby union internationals and major concerts. For visitors, the venue is easily reached by tram and offers tours highlighting its cutting-edge architecture. Key facts: it’s named after French insurer Matmut, and its design won awards for sustainability (natural ventilation).

7. Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)

Location: Saint-Étienne city.
Capacity: ~42,000 (current capacity after renovation). Infobox lists 41,965.
Opened: 1931, renovated multiple times (1984, 1998, 2014).
Teams: Home of AS Saint-Étienne (Ligue 1).
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 1984 games; 1998 FIFA World Cup matches; 2003 Confederations Cup; UEFA Euro 2016 group games; 2007 & 2023 Rugby World Cups.

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, nicknamed “Le Chaudron” (the Cauldron), is legendary for its fan atmosphere. The stadium has hosted matches at Euro 1984 and 2016, the 1998 World Cup, Confederations Cup 2003, and will host group games in the 2024 Paris Olympics.. Its current capacity is about 42,000 after recent upgrades. Famous for the green-clad fanstands and “Green Hell” moniker, Saint-Étienne’s stadium was one of the oldest top-tier grounds in France. Fans and visitors will note the English-style design (no corners), and tour options include pitchside visits during ASSE matches. A key fact: the stadium is named after Casino founder Geoffroy Guichard and has hosted concerts by major artists as well.

8. Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens, Hauts-de-France)

Location: Lens city (mining region).
Capacity: 38,223 seats (after renovation).
Opened: 1934 (as Stade Félix Bollaert); expanded in 1984 and 1998.
Teams: Home of RC Lens (Ligue 1).
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 1984 group games; 1998 World Cup matches (5 group + France–Paraguay R16); Euro 2016 matches.

Stade Bollaert-Delelis is an oval classic in northern France. Its 38,223 capacity makes it one of the bigger stadiums in france. Named originally after industrialist Félix Bollaert and later mayor André Delelis, it was hugely expanded for Euro 1984 (briefly 51,000 capacity) and again for the 1998 World Cup. It hosted two matches in Euro ’84 and five games in 1998, including France’s 1–0 win over Paraguay in the round of 16. Lens’s passionate supporters, often clad in red-gold, create a cauldron-like atmosphere (the “Miners’ Stadium”). Visitors should note its proximity to mining museums – the stadium was built on an old coal dump – and can tour during club matches. Key facts: it set an attendance record of 48,912 in 1992 and is slated for upgrades for Euro 2024.

9. Allianz Riviera (Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)

Location: Nice, Saint-Isidore district.
Capacity: 36,178 (football).
Opened: September 2013 (original plan halted in 2006, revived for Euro 2016).
Teams: Home of OGC Nice (Ligue 1); also hosts RC Toulon rugby.
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 2016 games (6 matches); 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (6 matches); Paris 2024 Olympic football (6 matches).

Allianz Riviera is Nice’s modern football palace. Opened in 2013 with 36,178 seats, it replaced the smaller Stade du Ray. Designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, it has a rounded trapezoid shape with a wavy roof. The stadium hosted six group matches of Euro 2016, including Spain vs. Turkey, and six games of the Women’s World Cup 2019. It will also host football and rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics. On non-match days, the stadium (supported by Nice’s tram T2) is used for concerts and exhibitions. Fans can enjoy panoramic Mediterranean views from the concourses. Key facts: its record attendance is over 35,000 (Nice vs. Saint-Étienne in 2016), and it meets UEFA Elite Stadium standards.

10. Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau (Nantes, Pays de la Loire)

Location: Nantes city.
Capacity: 35,318 seats.
Opened: 1984 (for UEFA Euro 1984).
Teams: Home of FC Nantes (Ligue 1).
Notable Events: UEFA Euro 1984 group games; 1998 World Cup matches; 2007 & 2023 Rugby World Cup group games; 2024 Paris Olympic football matches.

Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau is Nantes’s main stadium with a unique hexagonal design. It seats about 35,300. Built quickly for Euro 1984, it later was upgraded for the 1998 World Cup. It has also hosted Rugby World Cup games (2007 and 2023) and will serve Olympic football in 2024. Home team FC Nantes (the Canaris) brings enthusiastic crowds. Visitors may tour the modern facilities and enjoy Nantes’s riverside parks nearby. Interesting tidbit: the stadium’s shape was chosen to blend in with city architecture, making it an architectural landmark in Nantes.

Why These Are the Best Stadiums in France

These top 10 stadiums in France are chosen for their capacity, history, and fan experience. They include the largest stadiums in France (Stade de France, Orange Vélodrome), iconic Ligue 1 venues (Parc des Princes, Groupama Stadium), and famous soccer arenas known even beyond France. Each stadium offers unique features: retractable roofs (Pierre-Mauroy), classic European design (Bollaert), or stunning views (Allianz Riviera on the Mediterranean). All host high-profile events (World Cups, Euros, Champions League finals).

Key takeaways:

Most stadiums listed are home to Ligue 1 clubs or the national team.
Many have hosted major tournaments (World Cups, Euros, Rugby World Cups).
All have capacities exceeding 35,000, making them among the largest football venues in France.
They blend modern amenities with historic significance, providing great experiences for fans and travelers.

In planning visits, check club schedules and availability of tours. Many stadiums in france have attached museums, fan shops, and even adjacent parks. When in France, catching a match or visiting one of these iconic football venues is a highlight for sports tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is the largest soccer stadium in France?
A: The Stade de France in Saint-Denis (Paris) is the largest, seating about 80,698 for football. It hosts France’s national teams and major finals.

Q: What is the oldest stadium on this list?
A: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne) opened in 1931. It has undergone renovations but is one of France’s historic grounds.

Q: Which stadiums hosted matches during UEFA Euro 2016 in France?
A: France used seven stadiums for Euro 2016, including Stade de France (Paris), Orange Vélodrome (Marseille), Parc des Princes (Paris), Groupama Stadium (Lyon), Allianz Riviera (Nice), Stade Bollaert-Delelis (Lens), and Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille).

Q: Can visitors tour these stadiums?
A: Yes, most stadiums offer guided tours or museum experiences. For example, Stade de France, Parc des Princes, and Matmut Atlantique have public tours. It’s best to check each stadium’s official website for booking information.

Q: Why is Allianz Riviera sometimes called Grand Stade de Nice?
A: Due to UEFA/FIFA sponsorship rules, Allianz (an insurance company) is omitted, so it’s officially called Grand Stade de Nice in competitions. The stadium is the same facility known as Allianz Riviera in local contexts.

Each of these football stadiums in France offers fans an unforgettable atmosphere, whether you’re there for a domestic league match or an international event. Use this guide as a checklist for your next trip, and don’t forget to share your experience with fellow football enthusiasts!