The most electric stadium in France
Stade Vélodrome in Marseille stands as one of the most famous sports venues in France. It is a genuine point of pride for locals in this coastal city, known for its massive scale and the intensity of the matches played on its pitch.
The stadium was originally built to hold 35,000 spectators, but several rounds of renovations have pushed its capacity to more than 67,000 seated spots.
The history of Stade Vélodrome
In 1935, architect Henri Ploquin began construction on the Olympic Vélodrome stadium in the 8th arrondissement of Marseille. In 1937, Stade Vélodrome was officially inaugurated with a gala match for OM.
For the 1984 European Championship, the 1998 World Cup, and again for Euro 2016, the venue was expanded and the stands were covered by an impressive roof that has become its signature look. Through naming rights deals, the stadium was renamed Orange Vélodrome in 2016, and then CEPAC Vélodrome in 2026. Locals still just call it the Vélodrome.
The identity of Olympique de Marseille
Stade Vélodrome is iconic to the people of Marseille because its history and identity are tied directly to OM. The Marseille football club, founded in 1899, is one of the most decorated in French history with eleven French championships, ten French Cups, three Champions Trophies, and one UEFA Champions League title.
Visiting the stadium outside of match days
You do not need to wait for a match day to step onto the pitch at the Vélodrome. A stadium tour grants access to areas usually reserved for players and staff, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of OM.
The self-guided tour lasts about one hour and starts at Gate 18, at the top of the parvis Jean Bouin on boulevard Michelet. It includes access to the player locker rooms, the entry tunnel the team uses to reach the field, and the press conference room where players and coaches take questions after every match.
The highlight is the presidential suite, where the UEFA Champions League trophy won by the club is on display. A ticket with priority access allows you to use the online reservation line to skip the wait during peak times.
- Access to player locker rooms
- Walk through the tunnel to the pitch
- Tour of the press conference room
- View the presidential suite and the UEFA Champions League trophy
Pro tip: The final admission is one hour before the ticket office closes. Book your time slot in advance, especially during match weeks or peak tourist season in Marseille, as availability fills up quickly.
Best for
- OM fans seeking an immersive experience
- Families, as the stadium is wheelchair accessible
- Visitors looking to skip the line with priority access
Less ideal for
- Visitors without a booking, as slots fill up fast
- Those looking for flexible tickets, as they are non-refundable and non-exchangeable
Tour ticket pricing
| Option | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Express tour with priority access | 1 hour | from 21 EUR (about $23) |
Prices are subject to change.
I participated in the famous Marseille-Cassis race, and the official start is right in front of the Orange Vélodrome stadium.
It is a must-see spot in Marseille, especially iconic for soccer fans.
The stadium is truly imposing. Seen from the outside, you feel almost tiny.
I did not have the chance to tour it, but I can easily imagine the incredible atmosphere on match nights.
The vibe at the start of the race was exceptional, in any case.