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A Small Club In Central France Is Developing One Of Europe’s Most Beautiful Stadiums

France’s Clermont Foot is a forward-thinking club. Between 2014 and 2017, the side was managed by the current coach of the women’s national team, Corinne Diacre, making her the first woman to coach a men’s professional team in a competitive match in France.  

After Diacre left to take charge of France, she was replaced by Pascal Gastien. Under Gastien, Clermont finished second in Ligue 2 during the 2020-21 season, achieving promotion to the top division for the first time in its 110-year history.

Given the club’s previous lack of experience in the top division, it should come as no surprise that its home ground — the Stade Gabriel Montpied in Clermont-Ferrand — is an incredibly modest ground that seats a little over 10,000 and features only one permanent stand. 

Stade Gabriel Montpied

Photo: Fabien1309 | Wikimedia Commons

But that’s all changing with Clermont’s place in Ligue 1. With Atelier Ferret Architectures providing the vision, the club is launching a three-phase redevelopment plan that’s ultimately going to make the Stade Gabriel Montpied one of Europe’s most eye-catching grounds.

Clermont Foot stadium

Photo: Atelier Ferret Architectures 

Clermont Foot stadium

Photo: Atelier Ferret Architectures 

Clermont Foot stadium

Photo: Atelier Ferret Architectures 

Clermont Foot stadium

Photo: Atelier Ferret Architectures 

Add it to the bucket list.

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