An emblematic sports site

The mythical stadium of the legendary soccer team "Les Verts", with its rich, passionate past has always been adept at rising to the occasion. After a complete refurbishment for the World Cup in 1998, its vocation is now extending to new spheres.

"Le chaudron" and its history

In 1930, a plot of land covering 38 000 square meters was bought from the family of the Baron of Rochetaillée on the domain of Etivallière by Actosia and Mr Geoffroy Guichard and was then sold for a symbolic French franc to the Saint-Etienne Sports Association (which became the ASSE). The stadium project began to take shape and in 1957, Saint-Etienne became the French champions for the first time. The town of Saint-Etienne acquired the stadium in 1965.

Since then, the 1998 World Cup has taken place, accompanied by considerable renovation work on the stadium, giving it the "impressive face-lift" we are all familiar with.

Projects for the future

Saint-Etienne Métropole, who manages the site since 2001, wished to give local residents the opportunity to enjoy their stadium differently. In addition to the resident club matches, several major sports events (France/Fidji rugby test match in November 2001, France / England ladies' football World Cup in November 2002, the Confederations' Cup from 19 to 28 June 2003), the stadium organises other big events (Johnny Hallyday concert in July 2003). The Rubgy World Cup is scheduled for 2007.

Saint-Etienne Métropole takes responsibility for any major investments and is also responsible for any day-to-day maintenance work and repairs to keep the stadium in good condition.

• seating : 35 616
• pitch : 36 000 grass strips (450 tonnes)
• lighting / buildings : 70 km of electric cables
• stand : 261 tons of steel
• 4 x 41 m high portal structures

Saint-Etienne Métropole subtly combines town and country areas, stretching to the west of the Rhône-Alpes Region as far as the beginning of the Haute Loire and the Auvergne region.

Saint-Etienne Métropole has set its target : to identify and promote interesting tourist sites, sites that reveal the wealth and charms of the industrial heritage of the region and its natural environment.

Le Corbusier heritage at Firminy-Vert : a unique site in Europe

Classified as a "historical monument" in its current state, Le Corbusier church at Firminy-Vert, the only posthumous work of the famous architect, is the key-stone to the architectural heritage of Firminy and completing the church has been declared "in the community's interest" by Saint-Etienne Métropole.