Paris 2024 venue guide: All you need to know about Stade de France

Built for the 1998 FIFA Football World Cup in France, the Stade de France located in Saint-Denis received a new look to host the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. And a very special one, a purple track. 

The idea was to bring something original in line with the creative concept of the Games in the French capital. The stadium now has a track in a lighter purple with service areas in a darker colour, while grey was chosen for the turns at the end of the bend – reminding the ash-coloured tracks that existed when the city hosted the 1924 Olympics.

The 17,000 m2 track was produced by Italian company Mondo and transported to Paris in March. It also incorporates a ninth lane, up from previous eight.      

The Stade de France was designed by architects Macary, Zublena, Regembal and Costantini. The multi-purpose arena was built with movable stands which can be retracted to uncover part of the athletics track. 

Since the 1998 World Cup, the stadium has hosted some of the biggest sporting events in France, including the World Athletics Championships in 2003. After the final of the Rugby World Cup in October 2023, the arena was closed for renovation ahead of Paris 2024. 

The major facelift included two new generation screens and 5G network, new bars and modernized lighting. Besides 160 Para athletics events, the stadium will also host the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games. 

After the Games, the Stade de France will continue to stage the matches of the French national football and rugby teams, as well concerts by French and international stars.

For those coming to Saint-Denis for the Games, the main tourist attraction in the region is the Saint-Denis Basilic. Built in the XI and XII centuries, it was the burial place of all French kings and queens from 639 to the 19TH century. Opening hours from Monday to Saturday are 10:00AM to 6:15PM, which fits well between the Para athletics morning and evening sessions (12:00PM to 6:15PM on Sundays).  

The purple track 💜
No more red-brick clay color, our Olympic & Paralympic track is going purple for the first time ever in the Stade de France. This new one is supplied by Mondo, Official Supporteur of #Paris2024. Records are made to be broken. Hope this track will help ⚡ pic.twitter.com/0Pr1EGHo7a

— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) May 21, 2024

How to get to Stade de France

Trains RER line D will have their capacity increased during the Games and are considered the best option as it has more capacity than the line B. Other options can be found below.

Stade de France Saint-Denis stop RER D (900 m walk to Stade de France)
La Plaine Stade de France stop RER B (900 m walk to Stade de France)
Saint-Denis-Pleyel stop Metro 14 (1.2k m walk to Stade de France)
Saint-Denis stop Line H (1.3 km walk to Stade de France)
Front Populaire stop: Metro line 12 (1.7 km walk to Stade de France)

Persons with disabilities drop-off zone and wheelchair users car park: Pass. des Stades, 93200 Saint-Denis