Paris-Saint-Germain: why is the Parc des Princes named that way? Origins of the PSG stadium's name

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Published on November 3rd, 2022 at 04:15 p.m.
The Parc des Princes is the iconic stadium of Paris soccer club Paris-Saint-Germain. But why does it sound so royal?

Today, the Parc des Princes cannot be taken away from the image of the Paris-Saint-Germain soccer club, like the Vélodrome stadium is to the Olympique de Marseille soccer club. Since 1974, the PSG and supporters have been living incredible emotions in this mythical arena. But was the stadium named with such a royal connotation, as kings and queens have been no longer part of the French history for centuries.

To answer the question, we have to go back to the past, circa 1897. At that time, the location of the stadium was used as a place to relax, hunt and stroll, by the kings and princes. Left as such until 1855, the place then enjoys new urban furnishing with the creation of a road. This is when the name “Parc des Princes” appeared for the first time, as a nod to the Route des Princes and the Porte des Princes, to speak of this place in the 16th arrondissement of Paris

And the field did not belong to the city of Paris at that time! It became part of Paris only when Napoleon III decided to annex the cities of Auteuil and Billancourt. At that time, the place called Parc des Princes was so much more than the average 50,000-seat field we know today. The first park is inaugurated on July 18, 1897, but its definitive look dates back to 1972. This is one of the biggest stadiums in France, and the most famous one in the Paris area along with the Stade de France.

Although the Paris-Saint-Germain is the residing club, the Racing, Stade Français, the French soccer and rugby teams, the Paris FC and the RC Paris stayed there. And lots of concerts, sport and cultural events take place there too.

Visuels Paris - Notre-Dame Pont de la TournelleVisuels Paris - Notre-Dame Pont de la TournelleVisuels Paris - Notre-Dame Pont de la TournelleVisuels Paris - Notre-Dame Pont de la Tournelle How do I get to the Parc des Princes in Paris? What you need to know before you come
Located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Parc des Princes plays host to a large number of PSG soccer matches every year, as well as a number of musical events. Here are a few handy tips for getting to the Parc des Princes, whether you opt for public transport or the car. [Read more]

Practical information

Location

24 rue du Commandant Guilbaud
75116 Paris 16

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