Five Classic Coupe de France Finals

The Coupe de France, steeped in history since its inaugural edition in 1917, has long been a theatre for drama, romance, and giant-killing acts. From amateur fairy tales to titanic tussles between Ligue 1 heavyweights, the final at the Stade de France—or formerly the Parc des Princes—has hosted unforgettable spectacles. As another final approaches, we look back at five of the most memorable Coupe de France finals.

Calais RUFC 1–2 Nantes (2000)

The amateurs who nearly conquered France

No list would be complete without the 2000 final, arguably the most romantic in Coupe de France history. Calais RUFC, a fourth-tier amateur side, defied all odds to reach the final, knocking out top-flight opposition along the way. In front of a captivated nation, Calais even took the lead through Jérôme Dutitre. But FC Nantes, led by future France coach Raynald Denoueix, struck back through Antoine Sibierski and won it late with a penalty from Olivier Monterrubio.

A heartbreaking ending—but Calais' journey lives on in legend.

PSG 2–2 Marseille (aet, PSG win 2–1 on penalties) (2006)

Le Classique at the Coupe de France summit

A rare Coupe de France final Classique, this 2006 edition pitted Paris Saint-Germain against Marseille, and it did not disappoint. Pegged as one of the tensest finals in recent memory, it featured drama, late goals, and penalty shootout heartbreak. PSG’s Bonaventure Kalou and Vikash Dhorasoo were among the scorers, while Marseille responded through Toifilou Maoulida. In the shootout, PSG held their nerve to lift the trophy in a fiercely fought encounter.
A high-stakes, emotionally charged showdown between French football’s fiercest rivals.

Auxerre 2–1 Nîmes (1996)

The peak of Guy Roux's golden generation

AJ Auxerre’s finest hour arguably came in 1996 when they completed the league and cup double. Coached by the iconic Guy Roux, Auxerre were led by a generation that included Laurent Blanc, Sabri Lamouchi, and Lilian Laslandes. Facing Ligue 2 side Nîmes Olympique, the favourites had to come from behind after Nîmes struck first. Goals from Laurent Blanc and Lilian Laslandes secured a historic win, cementing Auxerre’s place in French football folklore.

A golden season crowned at the Parc des Princes.

Bastia 2–1 Saint-Étienne (1981)

Corsican pride conquers the capital

In one of the most iconic finals of the early 80s, SC Bastia shocked AS Saint-Étienne, who were still reeling from their dominant 70s era. With the Stade de France still a dream, the match was played at the Parc des Princes. Goals from Louis Marcialis and Roger Milla gave Bastia a stunning win, as Les Verts—featuring legends like Michel Platini—fell short.
A milestone for Corsican football, and a farewell to a great Saint-Étienne side.

PSG 1–0 Monaco (2010)

Hoarau's heroics launch a dynasty

This tight, tactical final marked the beginning of PSG’s modern love affair with the Coupe de France. Before the QSI era, the capital club were already cup specialists. Guillaume Hoarau was the hero, scoring the extra-time winner to hand PSG their eighth Coupe de France title. The victory set the tone for the club’s 2010s dominance, with multiple record-breaking cup titles following.

A key step in PSG's journey to becoming domestic juggernauts.

READ MORE:

>>Coupe de France Preview: PSG Seek Repeat, Reims Chase First Cup Since 1958