Postcard from Paris: All eyes on Mbappe on eve of Rugby World Cup

ICI C'EST PARIS – three words emblazoned across the top tier of the magnificent Parc des Princes.

This is Paris, indeed, especially when compared to the usual stomping ground for the France national team, Stade de France, situated north of the city, beyond the Périphérique, residing in the town of Saint Denis.

"A pleasure to play here," beamed France boss Didier Deschamps at the press conference, despite his team being bumped down the pecking order of the 80,000 arena to the more modest 48,000 of Parc des Princes.

Dating back to 1897, the stadium was originally called Stade Vélodrome du Parc des Princes and hosted the 1900 world cycling championships, while taking its name from the 16th arrondissement [district] and the adjacent Bois de Boulogne, which was frequented by royalty before the Revolution.

The current design of the stadium dates back to 1972 and its elliptical roof aids the remarkable atmosphere that can be generated, described by the locals as a 'box of sound’.

France expecting three points as they "close in on their goal" of qualification for Euro 2024. Probably bang on with their predicted teams too. pic.twitter.com/STn8yjcPux

Not too dissimilar to Hampden Park in Glasgow with a big distance behind both goals to the seats, but otherwise it proves to be a top-class football stadium, which is currently home to Paris Saint-Germain.

The stadium has hosted World Cup matches dating back to the 1938 tournament, while it was also home to huge rock concerts including the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, and most importantly, the man credited with bringing rock and roll to France, Johnny Hallyday.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Porte de Saint-Cloud Metro station, the short hop along the number 9