Iron Maiden in Paris: La Défense Arena Concert Guide, Phone-Free Show & Tickets
Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are back at the Paris La Défense Arena on Monday, June 22, 2026, bringing their 50th-anniversary Run For Your Lives world tour to Europe's largest indoor venue. After setting the arena alight across two sold-out nights in 2025, the band return for something special: this show is being filmed for release, which is why the floor will be a phone-free zone. With Swedish band Evergrey in support, it promises to be one of the highlights of the metal calendar. Here's everything you need to know - the date and start time, how to get there, the phone-free rules, tickets, and how to plan a trip to Paris around the gig.
Run For Your Lives Returns to Paris
Iron Maiden's Run For Your Lives world tour - a celebration of the band's 50 years - rolls back into Paris on June 22, 2026. It's an AEG Presents concert, and it follows two triumphant, sold-out nights at the same venue in 2025 that drew more than 75,000 fans. The band first played the arena in June 2022, and according to Maiden this will be their 31st show ever in Paris - a city they've had a special bond with since first visiting alongside KISS back in 1980.
"We are all loving this Run For Your Lives Tour. The fans have been amazing, the set list is perfect for the 50th Anniversary, the show is arguably our best ever and ticket demand was incredible."
- Steve Harris, Iron Maiden
One important note for planners: after this busy 2026, the band have confirmed they will take 2027 off from the road entirely - so this is a rare chance to catch Maiden live for a while.
Where: The Paris La Défense Arena
The concert takes place at the Paris La Défense Arena, 99 Jardins de l'Arche, 92000 Nanterre, in the heart of the La Défense business district just west of central Paris. With over 40,000 seats in concert configuration and acoustics built for the biggest bands, it's the ideal setting for a show of this intensity - and it's well served by metro, RER and tramway.
The most direct route from central Paris is the RER A to Nanterre - Préfecture, a short walk from the venue, or Métro Line 1 to La Défense (Grande Arche) followed by a 10-15 minute walk. Allow around 30-40 minutes from the city centre, and expect heavy crowds before and after a sold-out metal show, so build in a buffer.
Getting to the arena at a glance:
- RER A - alight at Nanterre - Préfecture (most direct)
- Métro Line 1 - alight at La Défense (Grande Arche), then walk
- From central Paris - plan for roughly 30-40 minutes door to door
- After the show - public transport beats driving; crowds clear gradually
When: Date & Timings
The concert is on Monday, June 22, 2026, with the show listed to start at 7:20 PM. Arrive early to clear security, sort out the phone-free process on the floor (more on that below), and catch the support set - and always confirm timings with the venue closer to the date.
At a glance:
- Date - Monday, June 22, 2026
- Start - 7:20 PM (confirm with the venue)
- Venue - Paris La Défense Arena, 99 Jardins de l'Arche, 92000 Nanterre
- Support - Evergrey
A Filmed, Phone-Free Show: What to Know
Maiden chose this indoor stadium specifically to capture the best of the production and a great audience: the Paris concert is being filmed for an official release. To keep the footage (and the atmosphere) free of a sea of glowing screens, this is a part phone-free experience using Yondr pouches.
How the Yondr Phone-Free Floor Works
- The floor (general admission / standing) is completely phone-free
- On arrival, phones are secured in a locked Yondr pouch that you keep on you
- Use your phone at designated Phone Use Areas, then re-lock the pouch before re-entering
- Pouches are unlocked at the end of the show (or by security as you exit)
- Anyone using a non-permitted device during the show may be escorted out
- Bring a credit card - it's handy for on-site purchases while phone-free
In the rest of the venue, phones aren't pouched, but the band asks fans to keep them stored away and enjoy the show "in the moment" rather than filming.
Support Act: Evergrey
Opening the Paris show are Swedish progressive metal band Evergrey, known for their atmospheric, melodic sound - a strong warm-up before Maiden take the stage. Note that there are no Trooper VIP experiences on the European leg of this tour, though the venue does offer its own premium hospitality areas.
The Setlist & 50 Years of Maiden
The Run For Your Lives setlist is built as a 50th anniversary celebration, drawing on Iron Maiden's classic early catalogue - their first nine studio albums, from 1980's self-titled Iron Maiden through to 1992's Fear of the Dark. The 2025 leg even resurfaced deep cuts the band hadn't played live in decades, so expect a setlist heavy on era-defining anthems and a few surprises.
Founded in London in 1975, Iron Maiden have released 17 studio albums and become one of the most influential acts in the history of heavy metal. The live line-up is led by Bruce Dickinson on vocals and founder Steve Harris on bass, with Simon Dawson on the drums - stepping in after the retirement from touring of longtime drummer Nicko McBrain. The show pairs the music with the band's trademark theatricality: pyrotechnics, spectacular sets, and of course Eddie.
Eddie's Dive Bar: The Free Pop-Up
Beyond the concert itself, Maiden have been expanding their Eddie's Dive Bar concept - free-access pop-up spaces in many tour cities where fans can gather before and after the show. Expect Trooper Beer and Darkest Red wine, food, exclusive merchandise and extra entertainment. Details for each city are published on the band's official site closer to the date, so it's worth checking ahead if you want to make a full day of it.
Tickets & Premium
Tickets for the 2026 European shows went on sale on September 22, 2025. Given Maiden's track record at this venue - two sold-out nights in 2025 - availability for a single 2026 date is limited. If standard tickets are gone, look to the venue's official resale, premium hospitality areas, and dedicated accessibility tickets.
Specific per-ticket prices vary by seating category and weren't published as a single figure. Expect standard seated and floor (standing) tickets at a range of price points, with premium hospitality priced separately and higher. For exact prices and availability, always use the official Paris La Défense Arena ticketing page rather than third-party listings.
Before the Show: The "Burning Ambition" Documentary
Maiden's 50th anniversary is also being marked on the big screen. Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition, directed by Malcolm Venville, charts the band's five-decade rise "from East End London pubs to the world's biggest stadiums" through archives and interviews - including contributions from actor Javier Bardem, Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Public Enemy's Chuck D. It rolled out worldwide from May 7, 2026 (May 13 in France) - perfect pre-concert viewing if you're getting in the mood for the Paris show.
How to Buy Tickets Safely
For a sold-out, filmed, single-night show, scalpers and scam listings are inevitable. Protect yourself - and your trip - by sticking to official routes.
Smart Buyer Checklist
- Buy only via the official Paris La Défense Arena ticketing and its official resale
- Be sceptical of resale prices far above face value
- Consider official premium hospitality if standard tickets are gone
- If you want to film nothing and stand close, the phone-free floor is for you
- Don't book flights or hotels until your ticket is confirmed
Planning Your Trip to Paris Around the Show
A Monday-night Maiden show is a great anchor for a long weekend in Paris. Mid-to-late June brings long daylight hours and warm evenings, leaving plenty of time to explore before heading out to La Défense. Spend your days on the classics - the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and a stroll along the Seine - then make your way to the arena for the gig.
Base yourself somewhere with an easy RER A or Métro Line 1 connection so the trip out to the arena is effortless. If you'd rather skip the logistics, a guided experience helps you make the most of limited time in the city before the show.
View our Paris tours to build the perfect day around your concert evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Iron Maiden play in Paris?
On Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Paris La Défense Arena, on the Run For Your Lives 50th-anniversary tour with support from Evergrey.
Is the concert really phone-free?
The show is filmed, so the floor (standing) is completely phone-free using locked Yondr pouches you keep on you, with designated phone-use areas. The rest of the venue isn't pouched, but fans are asked to keep phones away.
Who is the support act?
Swedish progressive metal band Evergrey open the Paris show. There are no Trooper VIP experiences on the European leg.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The Paris La Défense Arena, 99 Jardins de l'Arche, 92000 Nanterre. Take the RER A to Nanterre - Préfecture, or Métro Line 1 to La Défense (Grande Arche) and walk - around 30-40 minutes from the city centre.
Are tickets still available?
Tickets went on sale September 22, 2025 and demand is high. Check the venue's official resale, premium hospitality and accessibility tickets for remaining availability.
What time does it start?
The show is listed for 7:20 PM, but always confirm with the venue and arrive early for security and the phone-free process.
For personalized guidance and expertly led tours of Paris's landmarks around your concert date, contact our Tour Concierge at support@onejourney.com.
