Stade de France is the national stadium of France and one of Europe’s largest and most recognisable sporting venues. Located in Saint-Denis, just north of central Paris, it hosts France’s biggest international rugby and football fixtures, major concerts and global sporting events. With crowds regularly exceeding 75,000, security procedures are comprehensive and bag policies are enforced strictly on matchdays.
The Saint-Denis area & matchday atmosphere
Stade de France sits in Saint-Denis, a busy suburb that has undergone major redevelopment around the stadium. On matchdays, the area fills quickly with supporters arriving by RER, Metro and suburban rail, creating a lively but tightly managed atmosphere around the stadium perimeter.
Many fans choose to spend time in central Paris — areas such as Canal Saint-Martin, Le Marais or Montmartre — before travelling out to Saint-Denis. Once you reach the stadium security zone, options for food, movement and dealing with bags become very limited, making preparation essential.
Book your luggage storage with Stasher before heading to the stadium if you’re planning to explore Paris earlier in the day.
Stade de France bag policy
Stade de France operates a strict small-bag policy for international rugby fixtures and major events. While exact limits can vary by organiser, visitors should generally expect:
- Small bags only, typically no larger than A4 size.
- Backpacks, large handbags, suitcases and travel bags are not permitted.
- All permitted bags are subject to search at security checkpoints.
- There is no on-site luggage storage for large bags or suitcases.
Security staff have final discretion, and fans arriving with oversized or difficult-to-search bags may be refused entry even with a valid ticket.
Six Nations 2026: what fans should know
Stade de France will once again be one of the central venues of the Six Nations Championship 2026, hosting France’s home fixtures during the tournament. The Six Nations runs annually from February to March and features France, England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in a round-robin format.
France typically host two or three matches at Stade de France during a Six Nations campaign, depending on the home-and-away rotation. Fixtures against England, Ireland and Wales are especially high demand and attract large numbers of travelling supporters from across Europe.
Six Nations matchdays in Paris are logistically intense. Expect extended security perimeters, long entry queues and extremely busy RER and Metro services before and after games. Compared with club rugby fixtures, bag checks are more thorough and arrival times earlier, particularly for evening kick-offs.
Many supporters attend Six Nations matches while visiting Paris for the weekend, often arriving earlier the same day by train or plane. With no luggage storage at the stadium and strict bag restrictions, planning where to leave bags in advance is essential to avoid delays or refused entry.
Getting to Stade de France
Stade de France is very well connected by public transport. RER lines B and D both serve stations within walking distance of the stadium, alongside Metro Line 13. On major matchdays, services run frequently but can become extremely crowded, particularly after full-time.
Driving is strongly discouraged, as road closures and parking restrictions are common around the stadium during large events.
Travelling with luggage on matchday
Six Nations fixtures often coincide with weekend city breaks, meaning many fans travel directly from hotels, airports or train stations to the stadium. Bringing suitcases or large backpacks to Stade de France is not feasible due to bag restrictions and the lack of storage facilities.
Book your luggage storage for Stade de France now if you’re travelling with luggage or between accommodations.
Storing bags before heading to Saint-Denis
A practical approach is to store luggage elsewhere in Paris before travelling out to the stadium. This allows you to enjoy central neighbourhoods, meet friends for food or drinks, and arrive at Stade de France with just a small, permitted bag.
Book your luggage storage for Stade de France now and focus on the rugby rather than your bags.
Local tips for visiting fans
- Arrive early — Six Nations crowds build quickly on RER platforms and at stadium security checks.
- Eat and drink in central Paris before travelling to Saint-Denis.
- Travel light to move more easily through crowded stations and entry zones.
- Plan your return journey in advance, as post-match queues can be long.
Stade de France enforces a strict small-bag policy and does not provide on-site luggage storage. With Six Nations 2026 fixtures drawing huge crowds and heightened security, advance planning is essential. By storing luggage ahead of time, travelling light and allowing extra time for transport and entry, you’ll enjoy a smoother and more memorable Six Nations experience in Paris.
When visiting Paris, ensure a hassle-free experience by booking your luggage storage with Stasher. With Stasher’s secure and convenient locations across the city, you can enjoy top attractions without the burden of your bags. Our trusted service provides peace of mind, allowing you to explore Paris freely. Don’t be weighed down by your luggage; find the perfect storage spot and book today.
