Stade Bergeyre

Stade Bergeyre Paris Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Perched atop the tranquil Butte Bergeyre in Paris’s 19th arrondissement once stood Stade Bergeyre—a stadium whose brief but vibrant existence left a lasting mark on the city’s sporting and urban history. Though the stadium was demolished less than a decade after its construction, its legacy as an Olympic venue and symbol of post-war commemoration endures in the fabric of the residential neighborhood that now occupies its site. This comprehensive guide explores Stade Bergeyre’s historical origins, its pivotal Olympic role, architectural features, and enduring cultural significance. It also provides essential information for visitors wishing to experience the charm of Butte Bergeyre and discover one of Paris’s most overlooked historical gems.

Black and white portrait photo of Edouard Baumann, captain of the French team, at Stade Bergeyre Paris 1924

Portrait of Paavo Nurmi at Stade Bergeyre during France-Finland athletics match on September 23, 1922

Portrait of Pierre Chayriguès in French national football team uniform at Stade Bergeyre, Paris, circa 1924

Black and white portrait of Pierre Chesneau, French national team player, at Stade Bergeyre in Paris, 1924

Portrait of Robert Dufour in Paris, 19th arrondissement, circa 1914-1945

Historical rugby team Cross Keys from Wales group portrait at Stade Bergeyre Paris 1921

1922 group portrait of the Lourdes Rugby Football Club players in Paris 19th arrondissement

Historic black and white team portrait of football players from Cannes, France in 1925

Historical football team players portrait in Paris 19th arrondissement, circa 1925

Historic football match between Paris and Cannes teams on January 11, 1925 at Stade Bergeyre in Paris

Historic football match between Olympique and Cannes in Paris, 1925

1925 historic football match between Paris and Cannes players at Stade Bergeyre in Paris

French and Belgian army football players competing at Stade Bergeyre in Paris

Football match between French and Belgian army teams in Paris, 1923

Belgian national army football team players group portrait in Paris, 1923

1922 rugby team group portrait at Stade Bergeyre, Paris

Vintage football team photo of Daring Club de Bruxelles taken in 1925 in Paris

Historic football team Olympique Paris 1925 group portrait

Vintage football team photo in Paris 1923 with players in uniform posing for group portrait

Historical football team Middlesex (GB) group portrait on January 14, 1923, in Paris 19th arrondissement

Historic 1923 group portrait of the French football team Selection B at Stade Bergeyre in Paris 19th arrondissement

Historic rugby team portrait in Paris 1923

Historic rugby team Sporting Club Universitaire de France group portrait in Paris, 1923

Women's football match at Stade Bergeyre in Paris on December 14, 1924

1926 Stade Bergeyre rugby match between Olympique and Limoges in Paris 19th arrondissement

1926 black and white photo of Limoges rugby team players posing, Paris 19th arrondissement

Historic black and white photo of the Suisse football team at Stade Bergeyre in Paris, 1924

1922 football match between Racing-Club de France and Olympique at Stade Bergeyre in Paris

Football match between Racing Club de France and Olympique at Stade Bergeyre in Paris 1922

Vintage football match between Racing-Club de France and Olympique at Stade Bergeyre Paris 1922

Football match between Racing-Club de France and Olympique at Stade Bergeyre in Paris, 15 October 1922

Historic football match in Paris, Racing-Club de France players in action at Stade Bergeyre, 1922

Football team of Olympique from Paris 19th arrondissement in 1922

1926 black and white photo of Racing-Club de France rugby team

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland in Paris 1923

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland national teams in Paris Stade Bergeyre on March 17, 1923

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland national teams in Paris 1923

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland in Paris Stade Bergeyre

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland national teams at Stade Bergeyre in Paris, March 17, 1923

Field hockey match between France and Switzerland national teams at Stade Bergeyre in Paris on March 17, 1923

Field hockey team of France playing in Paris, March 17, 1923

French national field hockey team players portrait in Paris, 19th arrondissement, March 17, 1923

1923 Swiss National Field Hockey Team Portrait in Paris

Swiss national field hockey team playing a match in Stade Bergeyre, Paris, 17 March 1923

1923 football match between Olympique and USA Clichy at Stade Bergeyre, Paris

Vintage black and white group portrait of the USA Clichy football team during a match at Stade Bergeyre, Paris, 1923

Historic black and white team photo of French football players from January 1923, Stade Bergeyre venue, Paris 19th arrondissement

Stade Bergeyre: Sporting Past and Hidden Gem
Historical Legacy of Stade Bergeyre
Practical Visitor Guide
Summary and Travel Advice
References and Further Reading

Stade Bergeyre: Sporting Past and Hidden Gem

Origins and Construction

Stade Bergeyre was born out of necessity when the Sporting Club Vaugirard (SCV) lost its grounds to military requisition during World War I. Seeking a new home, SCV chose an elevated plateau in the 19th arrondissement, near the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (Inventaire Île-de-France). Construction began in 1914 but was halted by the war, only to resume at its end. The stadium was inaugurated on August 18, 1918, and named in honor of Robert Bergeyre, a young rugby player who died in combat in 1914. The dedication made the venue not just a sports ground but also a site of national remembrance (Inventaire Île-de-France).

Architectural Features

For its time, Stade Bergeyre was considered modern and capacious, seating about 15,000 spectators. Its stands were sheltered by lightweight structures that allowed for an open, airy environment and panoramic city views, thanks to the stadium’s hilltop location. The unique setting, isolated from the immediate urban bustle, made it a memorable venue for athletes and fans alike (Le Parisien).

Role in the 1924 Paris Olympics

Stade Bergeyre’s most renowned chapter was its selection as one of the football venues for the 1924 Paris Olympics (So Foot). It hosted several key matches, including those featuring Uruguay and France, at a time when the Olympic football tournament was a precursor to the modern FIFA World Cup. The stadium’s inclusion in the Olympics affirmed its importance in early 20th-century international sport (Inventaire Île-de-France).

Decline, Demolition, and Urban Transformation

Despite its initial success, Stade Bergeyre was short-lived. Built atop former gypsum quarries, the unstable terrain led to rapid deterioration. Maintenance costs soared as structural problems mounted, including collapsing roofs and uneven playing fields. By 1926, just two years after its Olympic moment, the stadium was demolished to make way for urgently needed housing (fr.wikipedia.org). The area was redeveloped into the residential Butte Bergeyre neighborhood, which remains to this day.

Legacy and Butte Bergeyre Today

Though no trace of the stadium remains, Stade Bergeyre’s memory is preserved through a commemorative plaque on rue Edgar-Poe and in the unique character of the neighborhood itself. Butte Bergeyre is now celebrated for its early 20th-century architecture, panoramic city views, a rare Parisian vineyard, and a strong sense of community (Dreamer at Heart). The area’s transformation from sporting arena to urban village is emblematic of Paris’s evolving landscape and its ability to balance history with renewal.

Historical Legacy of Stade Bergeyre

Commemoration of Robert Bergeyre

The stadium’s namesake, Robert Bergeyre, was among the thousands of young men lost during World War I. His memory is honored by a plaque and by the enduring name of the neighborhood. The stadium’s brief existence thus embodies both athletic ambition and national mourning (fr.wikipedia.org).

Sporting and Cultural Impact

Stade Bergeyre served as a vital hub for Parisian sporting life, hosting not just football and rugby but also athletics, galas, and even performances by cultural icons like Charlie Chaplin and Mistinguett (So Foot). Its Olympic involvement marked a turning point for French football and contributed to the evolution of international sporting events (Wikipedia).

Butte Bergeyre: Urban Village and Green Oasis

Following the stadium’s demolition, the Butte Bergeyre neighborhood quickly developed into a peaceful, village-like enclave. With a population of about 1,200, it features early 20th-century houses, lush gardens, and one of Paris’s few remaining vineyards—the Clos des Chaufourniers (fr.wikipedia.org). The community garden and vineyard are open to visitors during limited hours, and the area’s tranquil streets are beloved by photographers and artists (Dreamer at Heart).

Practical Visitor Guide

Access and Opening Hours

Butte Bergeyre is a public residential neighborhood and can be visited at any time. There are no entrance fees or tickets required to explore the area.

Metro Access: The nearest stations are Bolivar (Line 7b) and Colonel Fabien (Line 2), each about a 10–15 minute walk from the butte’s base.
Entry Points: Access is via three staircases and a single winding road, with the main entrance at rue Georges Lardennois.
Community Garden: Generally open Wednesdays and Sundays from 15:00 to 17:30 (Marissa Mwu Blog).
Vineyard: The Clos des Chaufourniers is viewable from the street but not open for regular public tours (The Good Life France).

Neighborhood Layout and Sights

Streets: The butte contains only five small streets—rue Georges Lardennois, rue Philippe Hecht, rue Rémy de Gourmont, rue Edgar Poe, and Villa Zilveli (Dreamer at Heart).
Key Sights: Panoramic views of Paris (including Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur), the community garden, Clos des Chaufourniers vineyard, and notable modernist architecture such as Villa Zilveli (The Good Life France).
Cultural Notes: The area has inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers, and is known for its peaceful, village-like ambiance (Come to Paris).
Amenities: There are no shops or cafés within Butte Bergeyre; bring your own refreshments.

FAQs

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket to visit Butte Bergeyre?
A: No, the neighborhood is free and accessible 24/7.

Q: Are there any remains of Stade Bergeyre?
A: No physical structures remain, but a commemorative plaque marks its former location.

Q: Is Butte Bergeyre suitable for visitors with mobility challenges?
A: The steep terrain and stairs make access difficult for wheelchairs and strollers.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Spring and summer for blooming gardens; early mornings and late afternoons for the best light and tranquility.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Some local organizations offer historical walks, but most visits are self-guided.

Summary and Travel Advice

Although Stade Bergeyre’s physical presence has faded, its place in Parisian memory is secure. The site’s transformation into the Butte Bergeyre neighborhood reflects broader themes of commemoration, urban evolution, and the resilience of community spirit (Inventaire Île-de-France; So Foot). Today, visitors can wander its leafy streets, enjoy panoramic city views, and experience a rare vineyard—all without tickets or time constraints (Dreamer at Heart). For a deeper exploration, pair your visit with nearby Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Belleville. To enhance your visit, download the Audiala app for curated walking tours and up-to-date insights (Un Jour de Plus à Paris).

References and Further Reading

Visual suggestion: Map highlighting the Butte Bergeyre neighborhood and former stadium location.
Alt text: Map highlighting the Butte Bergeyre neighborhood in Paris and the historical site of Stade Bergeyre.