Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II)
Founded in 1939 and rebuilt in 1985, Monaco’s Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II) isn’t your typical sports arena. Its dramatic, seaside location sets it apart, as does the fact that many of its facilities are located underground. Home to AS Monaco and the Monaco national soccer team, it has a capacity of just 18,500 seats.
The Basics
Primarily used as a soccer venue, the Louis II Stadium also hosts equestrian and other sporting events. Beneath the main stadium area are additional subterranean facilities, which include an aquatic center; rooms dedicated to squash, ping pong, martial arts, and other activities; and an “omnisports room” that hosts basketball games, boxing matches, judo competitions, and more. Unlike most arenas, the Louis II Stadium also has a distinctly royal pedigree: Named in honor of Monaco’s Prince Louis II, the stadium’s most recent iteration was also inaugurated by Prince Rainier III.
Given Monaco’s small size, the Louis II Stadium can easily be added to a sightseeing itinerary around town. It’s also simple to book tickets to its athletic events in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Guided tours of the stadium are held five times daily Monday–Friday from April through September.
Nine tall arches stand on one side of the stadium and have become its recognizable symbol.
Though the stadium’s capacity is small compared to most other major European clubs, it can in fact fit almost half of Monaco’s total population.
For those traveling by car, a multistory, underground parking garage is located directly below the stadium.
How to Get There
The Louis II Stadium is located in the Fontvieille section of the city. It is just a 20-minute walk from Monaco’s main train station and can also be reached by car or taxi.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
From September through June, Monaco’s Louis II Stadium is open Monday–Saturday 7am–11pm and Sunday 8am–7pm. In July and August, the stadium is open Monday–Friday 7am–9:30pm, Saturday 8am–6pm, and Sunday 8am–3pm. Note that hours for the individual facilities within the stadium can vary, so it’s worth researching their schedules in advance.
AS Monaco
Monaco’s major soccer team, AS Monaco, plays in France’s Ligue 1: the highest-ranked national soccer league. The team’s history dates back to 1924. Today, it is considered one of the league’s strongest teams, has won multiple Coupe de France trophies, and has even appeared in the Champions League.
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- Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden
- Monaco Naval Museum (Musée Naval de Monaco)
- Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)
- Prince's Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)
- Cathédrale de Monaco (Monaco Cathedral)
- Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique)
- Old Town of Monaco
- Hercules Port (Port d'Hercule)
- Opera de Monte-Carlo
- Monte Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo)
- Casino Square (Place du Casino)
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