Paris 2024 Olympic Games: France’s Olympic team led by Thierry Henry is set to base itself near Aix-en-Provence

Before even looking at the list of players available for the Paris Olympics (July 24-August 11), the French Football Federation is taking steps in the base camp allocated during the first round of the tournament to the team led by Thierry Henry since August 2023. . According to our information, the choice of building should fall on the Mercure Aix-en-Provence Sainte-Victoire hotel (Accor group is a premium partner of Paris 2024).

This 4-star establishment, located in Châteauneuf-le-Rouge, 15 minutes from the city of Aix, is due to undergo validation this Friday during the FFF Comex ahead of the general assembly scheduled for this Saturday, December 16th. Situated at the foot of Mount Sainte-Victoire, immortalized by almost 80 works by the artist Paul Cézanne, the hotel has a swimming pool and 61 rooms, 29 of which are located in a completely restored historical building. Tricolors will be able to enjoy all modern amenities in a healthy atmosphere where six-century-old stone reigns.

For reference, the French national team will play two matches of the first round on July 24 and 30 in Marseille, a city 35 kilometers away, and another in Nice on July 27, 160 kilometers away. He will likely benefit from the facilities at the Gardi Stadium in Tretz. Renovated in recent years, this sports complex is located just 15 minutes from the Mercure Hotel. If France progresses to the quarter-finals, which will take place on August 2 in Bordeaux or Paris, depending on their ranking, there are various options currently possible, one of which would result in a return to Clairefontaine.

In the coming days, FFF President Philippe Diallo also planned a meeting with the presidents of French clubs. On October 27, in an interview with our newspaper, he, in particular, assured that he already has agreements in principle with some of them who are ready to let their players go to the Olympics.

Is the French women’s national team based in Lyon?

In recent months, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann have also shown interest in taking part in the Paris 2024 Olympics football tournament, an event in which three players over the age of 23 have the right to qualify. But since this is not part of FIFA’s timetable, clubs are not obliged to release their players.

Diallo confessed about this. “Since these are the Olympic Games in France, which are held in our country once in a century, our duty in the FFF is to do everything possible to have the best players. We began to solve this problem with the support of French professional football. Presidents are or will be convinced that they are participating in a mission of common interest to support our national selection and ensure that at least one medal is received (…) I have received messages from presidents who have told me: “You can count on us. »

In addition, the French women’s national team, led by Hervé Renard, is to settle in Lyon and train in Tola-Volog at the former OL base. The Blues will play two first round matches on July 25 and 31 and a third in Saint-Etienne on July 28.