Parc des Princes

Parc de Princes was constructed to provide the city of Paris with a contemporary venue for notable rugby and fixtures. The ground superseded the old Vélodrome, that had stood in its place since 1897.

Parc des Princes was was formally inaugurated on 4 June 1972 by French president Georges Pompidou. The first match was the Coupe de France final between Marseille and Bastia (2-1).

The ground, designed by architect Roger Taillibert, was lauded for its avant garde design and received several architectural prices. Its most striking feature were the 50 concrete columns that support the ring-shaped roof.

One year after the opening, in 1973, newly founded Paris Saint-Germain moved into the ground.

In the over the over the over the over the following decades, Parc des Princes regularly staged matches of the French national side, Coupe de France finals, and it was the playing venue of several European cup finals.

The first of these finals was the European cup final between Bayern München and Leeds United (2-0) in 1975, which was followed by the Cup Winners' cup final between Anderlecht and Austria Wien (4-0) in 1978, and the European cup final between Liverpool and Real Madrid (1-0) in 1981.

In later years, Parc des Princes would host the Cup Winners' cup final between Real Zaragoza and Arsenal (2-1) in 1995, and the first ever single-leg UEFA Cup final between Inter and Lazio (3-0) in 1998.

Since the opening of Stade de France in 1998, although, the ground has seen the number of international matches reduced to just one.

In 1984, Parc des Princes was the principal playing venue of the Euro 1984 championships, hosting two group matches and the final between France and Spain (2-0).

Fourteen years later, the ground was one of the playing venues of the 1998 World Cup, this time hosting four group matches, a round of 16 match, and the match for third place between Croatia and the Netherlands (2-1).

While still one of France's most contemporary stadiums, PSG's new owners have recently contemplated a large enlargement or rebuilding of the ground. Although, as Parc des Princes was selected as one of the playing venues of the Euro 2016 tournament and works would not be finished in time, it was instead decided to only refurbish the ground for the Euros and reinvestigate the option to redevelop after the tournament.

During Euro 2016, Parc des Princes staged four first round group matches and the round of 16 match between Wales and Northern Ireland (1-0).

Parc des Princes is situated in a typical dense Parisian neighbourhood. This means that if you walk a few blocks around the area, you will always bump into a bar or brasserie on a street corner.

There are quite a few hotels in the area of Parc des Princes, and staying close to the ground might not be a bad idea as you've got two metro lines close that can bring you to the centre.

Of course, as you are in Paris, don't expect the hotels to come cheap. Hotel Boileau, a Holiday Inn, a Mercure Hotel, and Hotel B Paris Boulogne all get good reviews, but you will pay at minimum €100.00 a night for a double room.

Somewhat cheaper, but still acceptable, are Hôtal Printania, Acropolis Hotel, Timhotel Paris Boulogne, Hôtel Villa Sorel, and Hôtel de Paris. Use the linked guides To browse hotels near Parc des Princes.

Of course, with good transport connections to the ground, you can just as well stay in any other part of Paris. Visitors will find all options here.

Admission for PSG games are sold online, by phone 32 75, or at the PSG service point at Parc des Princes.

Paris Saint-Germain have seen a steep rise in attendances since the 2011-12 season, and increasingly sell out. Although, for most matches tickets will be without difficulty available if bought in advance.

Ticket prices depend on the opponent, but for a regular match usually range from €35.00 for a seat in one of the corners to €100.00 for a good seat at the main stand, though seats at the main stand also go for €55.00. Prices get increased for high-profile matches.

If sold out or if you want to book tickets much in advance, you can also buy your tickets through viagogo, which is the official ticket marketplace of PSG. Prices are rather similar to what you pay on the official website.