Can you believe Avenue Parc des Princes isn’t actually next to the Parc des Princes? It’s true! This avenue, humming with Parisian life, whispers tales of a sporting legacy, though the stadium itself lies a stone’s throw away. Avenue Parc des Princes resonates with the echoes of roaring crowds and victorious cheers, a testament to the iconic stadium it’s named after. The Parc des Princes, nestled in the 16th arrondissement, has a rich history. It began life in 1897 as the Stade Vélodrome du Parc des Princes, a cycling and athletic venue fit for royalty, as its name, “Park of Princes,” suggests. Its royal connection harks back to the 18th century when this area was a favored hunting and leisure spot for kings and princes. The very name “Parc des Princes” emerged in the mid-1800s, echoing the existing “Route des Princes” and “Porte des Princes.” The stadium’s inaugural event in July 1897, a cycling meet, drew an impressive 7,000 spectators.
The Parc des Princes soon became a multi-sport arena. Its cycling track hosted the finish line of the Tour de France from 1903 to 1967, with Raymond Poulidor the last champion to cross the line here. The stadium’s versatility also saw it hosting boxing matches, with Marcel Thil claiming the world middleweight title in 1932. Even ice skating and hockey graced the Parc des Princes with the creation of a temporary ice rink in the 1930s. Football, too, found a home at the Parc des Princes. The first official match on French soil, France versus Switzerland in 1905, marked a victory for the home team. The stadium underwent a major transformation in 1932, expanding its capacity to 45,000, a precursor to its modern incarnation. The Parc des Princes became a symbol of French football, hosting major events like the 1938 World Cup opener, the first European Cup final in 1956, and the 1960 European Nations’ Cup final.
The Parc des Princes we know today, a marvel of modern architecture designed by Roger Taillibert, opened in 1972. It was a groundbreaking design, with its elliptical roof integrating the floodlights, a first in Europe. Since 1974, it has been the home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This residency has seen countless memorable moments, from George Weah’s brilliance to Kylian Mbappé’s electrifying speed. The stadium has undergone further renovations, most recently in preparation for Euro 2016. The improvements include adding more comfortable seats and expanding hospitality areas. Yet, Avenue Parc des Princes, separate from yet intertwined with the stadium’s story, stands as a constant reminder. It carries the name and echoes the history, inviting you to delve deeper into the legend of the Parc des Princes. As you stroll along this avenue, imagine the countless fans who walked this path, their hearts pounding with anticipation of the sporting spectacle awaiting them just beyond. This street is more than just a pathway; it’s a portal to a world of sporting passion and Parisian history.