Even without being a football fan, living in Marseille makes it obvious pretty quickly why the Vélodrome holds a special place in the city: it isn't just a stadium, it's a symbol of collective identity, almost a place of worship for part of the city. Visiting it is a different way of understanding Marseille, far from the Vieux-Port and the Calanques.
Why the Vélodrome, even if you're not a fan
Opened in 1937 and extensively modernized since, notably for the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016, the Orange Vélodrome is today one of the largest stadiums in France. What stands out most is the intensity of Marseille locals' attachment to their club, Olympique de Marseille, a fervor that goes well beyond sport and runs through much of local culture, from street tags to café conversations.
What you'll see on the tour
The standard tour lasts 45 to 90 minutes depending on the package, with priority access through gate 18 on the more complete formulas. The route generally takes you through the players' official locker rooms, the tunnel leading to the edge of the pitch, a moment that even visitors with little interest in football find impressive, as the size of the stadium reveals itself all at once, and the presidential lounge. The highlight remains the trophy room, where you can see the Champions League won by OM in 1993, still the only French club to have won the competition.
Tickets and prices
Prices vary by package (simple tour, tour with access to extra areas, combined ticket with another city site). We recommend booking online through the club's official website rather than on site, especially on days close to a match or during peak season, when slots fill up fast. Watch out for informal resellers around the stadium on match days: tickets are sometimes invalid or heavily overpriced, always go through an official channel.
Where to eat and grab a drink in the neighborhood
The area around the Vélodrome isn't the most touristy part of Marseille, our tested addresses save you the guesswork.
See all the spotsAttending a match
Watching a match at the Vélodrome on an important night remains a unique experience, hard to compare to any other French stadium, the wall of sound, the chants starting before kickoff, the fervor of the stands. If your trip coincides with a home match, it's clearly worth the detour, even without knowing football in detail. Book early: seats for the big matches sell out fast, only through official ticketing.
Around the stadium
The Vélodrome neighborhood, in the 8th arrondissement, is residential and fairly far from the classic tourist areas (Vieux-Port, Le Panier). Plan on about 20-25 minutes by tram or metro from the centre. It's not worth dedicating a full half-day to it outside of a match day: the stadium tour pairs well with a morning or afternoon, before heading back to the centre for the rest of your plan.
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Unlock the complete guideFrequently asked questions about the Vélodrome
How long does the Vélodrome tour take?
Plan on 45 to 90 minutes depending on the package, covering the locker rooms, the players' tunnel, the pitch-side and the trophy room.
Do you need to book the Vélodrome tour in advance?
Yes, better to book online ahead of time, especially close to a match day or during peak tourist season, when slots fill up fast.
Where can you buy reliable Vélodrome tickets?
Only through the club's official website or verified partner ticketing. Be wary of street sellers around the stadium on match days, who often sell overpriced or invalid tickets.