The Accor Arena Podcast
February 29, 1984: the Accor Arena opened its doors in the heart of Paris’ 12th arrondissement.
Forty years later, the venue has become an iconic landmark of the capital. To celebrate this anniversary as it should be, the Accor Arena launched its first podcast, MYTHIQUES, inviting you to revisit the legendary events that shaped the venue.
Dive behind the scenes of this mythical arena…
Designed as a soundwalk, MYTHIQUES immerses you in the unforgettable moments that made the Accor Arena vibrate.
Through ambient soundscapes, rare archives and intimate interviews, (re)discover 6 legendary events that unfolded inside the Accor Arena.
Step into the secrets of the backstage, stroll with those who bring the events to life — through the concourse, across the pit, and into the stands. A journalist guides the experience, becoming your eyes and ears.
Through the magic of audio, relive the intensity of each event — as if you were there.
Scorpions
The first heartbeat of the Accor Arena
On February 29, 1984, the Accor Arena opened its doors — and they’ve never closed since.
Back then, it wasn’t yet called the Accor Arena: it was the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. And such a venue deserved an opening night to remember. Something big, something that would make history. So to inaugurate the hall, the chosen act was none other than Scorpions, the iconic hard rock band.
For this first episode, and to celebrate the Arena’s 40th anniversary, MYTHIQUES takes you 40 years back, to the night of the grand opening, guided by musical journalist Philippe Manoeuvre, Accor Arena former CEO Nicolas Dupeux, and Isabelle & Stéphane, two fans who attended that unforgettable evening at just 20 years old.
NBA
Paris, the NBA capital of Europe
On January 11, 2024, the NBA landed in Paris. For one night only, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets took to French soil for a regular-season game. And for the third time, the NBA chose the Accor Arena.
That winter evening, basketball fans crowded the entrance, ready to watch both teams go head-to-head. More than a game, the players offered a true spectacle.
To (re)live this event as if you were courtside, MYTHIQUES takes you among the fans, Mary Patrux, journalist, and Romain Tranchant, Event Manager at the Accor Arena.
Aya Nakamura
Queen of France
In 2017, after several standout releases, Aya Nakamura exploded onto the scene. With her debut album Journal intime, a whole generation found itself humming her songs and dancing to her rhythms.
Many thought it might be a passing trend. But years later, Aya Nakamura is the most-streamed Francophone artist on Spotify worldwide. In May 2023, she announced three dates at the Accor Arena — 45,000 tickets sold out in just hours.
On stage, she revealed a powerful persona: close to her audience, unapologetic, and magnetic. Hit after hit, surprise guests, outfit changes, razor-sharp choreography…
To understand her impact on today’s music landscape, MYTHIQUES brings you to meet her fans, journalist and filmmaker Rokhaya Diallo, and Arnaud Millard, Head of Programming at the Accor Arena.
Madonna
The pop icon
In 2023, Madonna celebrated 40 years of career. To mark the occasion, she launched the Celebration Tour: 81 concerts, 14 countries, a five-act show filled with hits, costumes and dazzling lights. For her French dates, Madonna chose the Accor Arena.
On November 12, 13, 19 and 20, 2023, Paris held its breath, waiting to see — or see again — the Queen of Pop. Inside the Arena, the audience was treated to over 2 hours and 20 minutes of pure show: spectacular costumes, nonstop hits, voguing, piano solos…
To relive what made Madonna the icon she is today, MYTHIQUES takes you to meet her fans, journalist and author Morgane Giuliani, and Mounia Mohieddine, Event Manager at the Accor Arena.
UFC
It was the Accor Arena or nothing
MMA has quite a story in France. Long banned, then finally legalized in 2020, the sport took its first official steps in the country on one stage only: the Accor Arena — the venue chosen by the UFC from the very beginning.
On September 2, 2023, the Arena trembled as 20,000 fans roared for the fighters stepping into the octagon. It wasn’t just a competition — it was a spectacle, a moment of pure intensity shared by an entire crowd.
To understand the rise of this phenomenon, MYTHIQUES takes you into the heart of that unforgettable night, meeting the fans who brought the atmosphere to life, sociologist Yann Ramirez, and Marion Virard, Head of Public Reception & Safety at the Accor Arena.
Elton John
His last goodbye to France
On June 21, 27 and 28, 2023, during the final French dates of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, Elton John took his final bow — after 52 years of career.
And to bid farewell to the audience he cherished so deeply, he didn’t choose just any venue…
The Accor Arena glittered with boas, sequins, heels and oversized glasses. For more than two hours, behind his grand piano, Elton John revisited his greatest hits and delivered a spectacular, colourful show, true to his legendary identity.
To relive this historic moment, MYTHIQUES takes you backstage with music journalist Samuel Regnard, Hospitality Manager Lauriane Pinault, and lifelong fans gathered on the arena forecourt.