Bonjour à tous! The French League 2025/26 is here. The next Ligue 1 season will bring plenty of exciting stadium stories. From small, historic venues to modern arenas, we’ve ranked all the stadiums from the least impressive to the very best. Expect picturesque stadiums by the sea or in the mountains, and even two stadiums just a few dozen meters apart!

Our journey considers everything: spectator comfort, modern amenities, stadium condition, and overall atmosphere. From the iconic Orange Vélodrome in Marseille to the modest Stade Francis-Le Blé in Brest, we’ll dive into the history, renovations, and lesser-known facts about each venue. Discover unique stadium features like Stade Océane’s blue illumination in Le Havre and Stade Louis II’s luxurious setting in Monaco.. Ready? Here we go!

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0:00 Intro
0:44 18. Stade Francis-Le Blé, Stade Brestois 29 (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_francis_le_ble)
1:17 17. Stade du Moustoir, FC Lorient (https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_du_moustoir)
1:50 16. Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps, AJ Auxerre (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_de_labbe_deschamps)
2:16 15. Stade Raymond Kopa, Angers SCO (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_raymond_kopa)
2:46 14. Stade de la Meinau, RC Strasbourg (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_de_la_meinau)
3:21 13. Stade Saint-Symphorien, FC Metz (https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_saint_symphorien)
3:51 12. Roazhon Park, Stade Rennais FC (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_route_de_lorient)
4:27 11. Stade Louis II, AS Monaco (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_louis_ii)
5:21 10. Stade Jean Bouin, Paris FC (https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_jean_bouin)
6:06 9. Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau, FC Nantes (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_de_la_beaujoire)
6:40 8. Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse FC (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_de_toulouse)
7:20 7. Stade Bollaert-Delelis, RC Lens (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_felix_bollaert)
8:02 6. Stade Océane, Le Havre AC (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_oceane)
8:49 5. Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/parc_des_princes)
9:48 4. Groupama Stadium, Olympique Lyon (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/parc_ol)
10:48 3. Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/allianz_riviera)
11:47 2. Stade Pierre Mauroy, OSC Lille (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/grand_stade_lille)
12:59 1. Orange Vélodrome, Olympique Marsylia (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/fra/stade_velodrome)
14:14 Outro

Bonjour à tous! The next Ligue 1 season will 
bring plenty of exciting stadium stories. Two stadiums just a few dozen meters apart, 
picturesque venues by the sea or in the mountains, and much more. Discover what awaits us in the 
upcoming season of France’s top football league. Our journey presents a 
ranking of all the stadiums, from the least impressive to the very 
best. We considered factors such as spectator comfort, modern amenities, 
and overall condition. Let’s begin! StadiumDB.com presents: Ranking Ligue 1 
McDonald’s Stadiums Season 2025/2026 18th place, Stade Francis-Le Blé, 
capacity: 15,220, Stade Brestois 29 Francis-Le Blé is undoubtedly the worst 
stadium in the league – outdated, neglected, and far too inadequate to meet UEFA standards. 
It’s a shame, as Micah Richards’ favorite team plays there. Last season, it wasn’t 
approved to host Champions League matches and Stade Brestois had to find an alternative venue. A 
new stadium is planned for completion by 2027. 17th place, Stade du Moustoir, 
capacity: 16,895, FC Lorient Stade du Moustoir in Lorient has a capacity of 
16,895, and it was here that a tragic accident occurred in 2020 – after a match against Rennes, 
a lighting rig fell, killing a volunteer. Despite the new south stand, the stadium remains one 
of the weakest in the league, although there is a project to build a new 17,000-seat venue.
16th place, Stade de l’Abbé Deschamps, capacity: 18,541, AJ Auxerre
Stade Abbé Deschamps, named after the club’s founder, saw renovations in 2023, 
including new lighting and modified seating. Plans are underway to expand the Louault stand and 
surrounding infrastructure, including relocating the tennis section and building a car park.
15th place, Stade Raymond Kopa, capacity: 19,800, Angers SCO
Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, known as the home of the “Black and Whites,” is a stadium 
with a rich history, having undergone numerous renovations since the 1920s. The latest phase 
began after the 2016/17 season, including the refurbishment of the Colombier stand. The pitch 
has also been converted to hybrid natural turf. 14th place, Stade de la Meinau, 
capacity: 20,000, RC Strasbourg This stadium has a long history – hosting 
matches for the 1938 FIFA World Cup, Euro 1984, the 1988 Cup Winners’ Cup final, and even a Mass 
by Pope John Paul II. Renovations are underway, including a new roof and 196 photovoltaic panels 
made from recycled Airbus A340 material. The work is scheduled for completion in 2026.
13th place, Stade Saint-Symphorien, capacity: 28,786, FC Metz
Stade Saint-Symphorien is the largest stadium in Lorraine and the main sports 
venue of the Metz metropolitan area. Since 2019, it has been undergoing renovation to increase its 
capacity. Although the work has been completed, there are still very ambitious plans 
for a modern and even larger stadium. 12th place, Roazhon Park, 
capacity: 29,778, Stade Rennais The stadium in Rennes, formerly known as 
Stade de la Route de Lorient, has been the home of Stade Rennais since 1912, although 
it underwent major modernization between 1999 and 2004. It achieved its current form in 
2004, and the name was changed in 2015 through a public vote. It was a venue for the 2019 
Women’s World Cup and Top14 rugby matches. 11th place, Stade Louis II, 
capacity: 18,523, AS Monaco In 1979, Prince Rainier III of Monaco decided 
to build a sports complex on reclaimed land in the Fontvieille docks. This vision led to 
the creation of the iconic Stade Louis II, inaugurated in 1985. The distinctive arches, 
visible from afar, have become a symbol of the venue. Despite its prestige and unique location 
in glamorous Monaco, the stadium struggles with attendance, filling only around half its capacity 
– a stark contrast to the sporting potential of AS Monaco. The luxurious Monaco venue will soon 
appear in rankings of the most beautifully located stadiums in the world, thanks to its 
unique location between the sea and cliffs. 10th place, Stade Jean Bouin, 
capacity: 20,000, Paris FC Paris FC, acquired by the Arnault family 
and Red Bull, reached an agreement with Stade Français to share Stade Jean 
Bouin – a venue dating back to 1925, originally for athletics and later for rugby, 
modernized between 2010 and 2013 and clad in concrete prefabricated panels. Located 
just 30 metres from Parc des Princes, it creates the world’s closest derby.
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the channel, and turn on notifications – that way, you won’t miss the next stadium rankings!
9th place, Stade de la Beaujoire, capacity: 35,322, FC Nantes
Louis Fonteneau in Nantes, opened in 1984, is the home of FC Nantes and sits opposite the Parc 
des Expositions. Built as a modern alternative to the old Stade Marcel-Saupin, it provided 
better comfort and larger capacity. Despite a proposal to host Euro 2016, the city rejected 
it due to UEFA’s demanding requirements. 8th place, Stadium de Toulouse, 
capacity: 33,150, Toulouse FC “Mini Wembley” – that’s what the stadium in 
Toulouse was called, opened in 1937 on the Garonne Island in the city’s central park. It 
gained its reputation as early as 1938, hosting the World Cup. Years later, it again hosted World 
Cup matches in 1998. The stadium has undergone several renovations, the largest in 1997, and 
another for Euro 2016. It features purple and white seats and the Brice Taton stand.
7th place, Stade Bollaert-Delelis, capacity: 38,223, RC Lens
In Lens stands a stadium whose capacity exceeds the population of the city. Originally 
built through the efforts of the local community and a large Polish immigrant population – they 
created the embankments under the RC Lens stadium, opened in 1933 with the French and Polish national 
anthems. Named after Félix Bollaert, later joined by André Delelis. The venue underwent renovations 
before Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup. 6th place, Stade Océane, 
capacity: 25,181, Le Havre AC Stade Océane in Le Havre, opened in 2012, is a 
modern venue designed by SCAU and KSS. Located near the waterfront, it features blue illumination 
and an exterior film reflecting the city’s port character. Its futuristic appearance and capacity 
of over 25,000 create a unique atmosphere. The project budget increased from €90 to €101 million, 
but the final result is eye-catching – both the seating and the illuminated blue façade 
symbolize the sea and Le Havre’s dynamism. 5th place, Parc des Princes, 
capacity: 47,929, Paris Saint-Germain Parc des Princes, home to Paris Saint-Germain, 
boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Around 1897, the area 
served as a recreational retreat for kings and princes. By 1855, it gained new urban 
infrastructure with the construction of a road, and the name “Parc des Princes” emerged, inspired 
by Route des Princes and Porte des Princes in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Initially a 
velodrome, the modern stadium, opened in 1972, impresses with its concrete “shell” design and 
two-tiered stands. It has hosted the World Cup and Euros. Also, PSG fans gathered there to watch 
the 2024/25 Champions League final on big screens in Santiago Bernabeu style.
4th place, Groupama Stadium, capacity: 59,186, Olympique Lyonnais
The prize for the most unique roof in France goes to: Groupama Stadium! This sprawling, 
irregular structure resembles a crown of trees, protecting spectators while collecting rainwater. 
Built on the outskirts of Lyon, the stadium took nine years to complete, facing financial 
challenges and opposition from Décines-Charpieu residents. Of its 60,000 seats, 6,000 are 
premium, bringing multi-million euro annual revenues. It hosted UEFA Euro 2016 matches, 
the 2024 Olympic Games football tournament, and the Europa League final. Despite the massive 
capacity, it reached 75% occupancy in the 23/24 season, with a 10% increase the following 
year – will the trend continue next season? 3rd place, Allianz Riviera, 
capacity: 36,178, OGC Nice The lowest step on our ranking podium goes to 
Allianz Riviera in Nice. Built for Euro 2016, the stadium’s construction lasted nearly 
two years and was completed in 2013. Designed by Willmotte et Associees, it features a 
simple structure with semi-transparent panels and eco-friendly solutions, such as solar panels and 
wooden elements in its structure. Its capacity of over 35,000 seats is spread across three tiers, 
allowing flexible attendance management. Despite hosting major events, including concerts by Céline 
Dion, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott, football match attendance remains among 
the lowest in France, with the stadium filling only around two-thirds of its capacity.
2nd place, Decathlon Arena Stade Pierre-Mauroy, capacity: 50,000, OSC Lille
Second place in our ranking goes to Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille – a stadium that 
stands out for both its design and functionality. Built between 2009 and 2012, it can accommodate 
50,000 spectators. It was constructed through an agreement with Eiffage, which, in return for 
co-financing until 2043, profits from managing the venue. Designed by Valode & Pistre and 
Atelier Farret, the stadium features an illuminated structure and a retractable pitch 
that reveals an indoor sports arena beneath. It can be transformed into an indoor venue 
thanks to its retractable roof. Since 2013, it has been named after Pierre Mauroy, a 
former French prime minister. Interestingly, the stadium offers up to five different 
configurations, adapting to various sporting and cultural events. Its impressive 7,400-ton 
roof can be closed in just 30 minutes. 1st place, Orange Vélodrome, capacity: 
67,394, Olympique de Marseille Stade Vélodrome is one of the most iconic 
stadiums in France. Its distinctive silhouette is highlighted by a vast roof resembling a rippling 
umbrella and the elegant, streamlined shapes of its façade. Modernized for Euro 2016, the venue 
features spacious three-tiered stands offering excellent views from every seat. The Vélodrome 
consists of four main stands: west (Gustave Ganay), east (Jean Bouin), and the two behind the 
goals, known as Virage Nord and Virage Sud. Known as the “volcano” of emotions, the stadium’s 
incredible atmosphere is driven by the passionate supporters of Olympique de Marseille. The 
Vélodrome also serves as a hub for social integration, bringing together Marseille residents 
from all walks of life. Velodrome hosted ten Tour de France finishes before 1967, the 1972 World 
Track Cycling Championships, and the start/finish of a 2017 Tour de France time trial.
That’s the end of our journey! Back to Monaco – is it the best-located stadium in 
the world? Check out the discussion in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe – we’re on 
our way to 100,000 subscribers! See you soon!

32 Comments

  1. We don’t know yet which teams will play in Ligue 1. Lyon, Angers and Nantes could play in lower division due to accountings and financial issues. This is the way it works in France!

  2. Vraiment complet comme vidéo. J'ai appris plein de choses en temps que français.
    And I add in English :
    Thank you for this video. It is very interesting, and I find that this year the video is more complete and more detailed.

  3. Allez Paris SG ! Plus grand club Français
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    🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜️🟥🟥⬜️🟦🟦🟦🟦
    🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜️🟥🟥⬜️🟦🟦🟦🟦
    🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜️🟥🟥⬜️🟦🟦🟦🟦
    🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜️🟥🟥⬜️🟦🟦🟦🟦
    🟦🟦🟦🟦⬜️🟥🟥⬜️🟦🟦🟦🟦

  4. Hehehe my stadium is #1! Entertaining video, many interesting details, and congratulations for your pronounciation of french names, that I know are often difficult for non-native speakers, it is excellent !

  5. Nothing similar to Marseille Velodrome in France , one of the best in Europe by far. Ive been 2 times in Europa league: noise Atmosphere ultras animations .. crazy expérience for football fans Glad they back in ucl

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