Stade Jean-Bouin

The Jean-Bouin Stadium in Paris, inaugurated in 2013, hosts 19,904 spectators in a decidedly modern and designer venue. This glass and steel cathedral, located in the 16th arrondissement, stands out with its bold architecture and fully glazed facade, giving it the appearance of a spaceship. For Red Star, the current tenant, it's a luxury setting that contrasts with the club's popular history.

The atmosphere at Jean-Bouin oscillates between cold modernity and attempts at popular warmth. Despite its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional comfort, the stadium sometimes struggles to generate that electric atmosphere that characterizes historic arenas. For OM, this type of away game represents a test against a team playing in an environment far superior to its usual division.

The stadium's ultra-modern configuration, with its individual seats and generous VIP areas, prioritizes comfort over intimacy. This typically Parisian approach creates a hushed atmosphere that can unsettle teams used to traditional cauldrons. The pitch, meticulously maintained, offers perfect playing conditions all year round.

The architecture of Jean-Bouin impresses with its technical feats: adaptive facade, LED lighting, controlled acoustics. These technological innovations make the stadium a showcase of French modernity, even if they do not necessarily guarantee a memorable atmosphere. The exceptionally high-standard locker rooms testify to this desire to place comfort at the heart of the project.

The proximity of the Parc des Princes creates a particular emulation in western Paris, where two football philosophies coexist: the glitz of PSG and the claimed authenticity of Red Star. This duality is felt in the atmosphere of Jean-Bouin, torn between its modern ambitions and popular roots.

For our trips to Paris, Jean-Bouin represents more of an architectural curiosity than a true sporting challenge, in this venue where the beauty of technical skill can be fully expressed.