Why is Groupama Stadium a must-visit attraction?

Even if you don’t follow football, Groupama Stadium is one of those “this is actually fun” Lyon experiences. It’s modern, massive, and designed to pull you into the world behind matchday without needing a ticket to the game.

A standard stadium tour is the main draw. You’ll move through spaces most visitors never see on event days, like player areas, media zones, and VIP sections, then finish with pitch-side access for photos.

To round it out, the OL Museum, the club’s museum, is designed to be interactive and family-friendly, so it feels more like an immersive club story than a traditional trophy room.

Then there’s OL Vallée, the entertainment complex around the stadium with places to eat, browse, and hang out. It’s a big reason this visit can feel like a proper half-day plan, not just a quick tour.

In short: it’s behind-the-scenes access, modern stadium architecture, and a full entertainment district rolled into one. Surprisingly enjoyable for non-fans too.

What to see at Groupama Stadium

Player tunnel and pitch-side access

This is the “goosebumps” section. You follow the tunnel route used on matchdays, then step out pitch-side for photos. Even on a quiet day, it’s the closest you’ll get to the matchday feeling.

Dressing rooms

The dressing rooms give you a glimpse into how professional teams prep. It’s a simple stop, but it’s one of the most memorable for fans.

Media zone

If you’ve ever watched post-match interviews, this is the room. Tours often include the press area and conference setup used for media briefings.

VIP lounges

These areas show the premium side of the stadium experience. They’re also a great place to take in the scale of the stadium from a different vantage.

OL Museum

The museum is a must-see to know the story behind the stadium. Expect trophies, memorabilia, and multimedia exhibits that cover club history in a more interactive format.

Offside Gallery (street art inside the stadium)

Yes, there’s an art gallery inside a stadium. The Offside Gallery features large murals by street artists painted on stadium walls.

Brasserie des Lumières

A restaurant overlooking the pitch is exactly as fun as it sounds. Brasserie des Lumières is a Bocuse-branded brasserie at the stadium, ideal if you want to turn your visit into a longer plan. Reservations help on busy days.

Highlights of Groupama Stadium

Stadium seating and field at Olympique Lyonnais OL stadium, Lyon, France.
Tunnel leading to the field at Olympique Lyonnais OL stadium, Lyon, France.
Olympique Lyonnais stadium entrance, Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France.

Brief history of Groupama Stadium

Groupama Stadium was inaugurated in 2016 as Olympique Lyonnais’ modern home ground in Décines-Charpieu, on the eastern edge of Lyon.

Since opening, it has hosted far more than regular club matches. It was a UEFA Euro 2016 venue and later hosted Rugby World Cup 2023 matches, alongside major concerts.

Over time, the stadium has also grown into a broader destination through OL Vallée, positioning the venue as “more than a stadium” with dining, entertainment, and visitor experiences like guided tours and the club museum.

Architecture of Groupama Stadium

Groupama Stadium is a contemporary bowl-style arena built for strong sightlines and an immersive crowd atmosphere across about 59,186 seats.

The design focuses on a modern event experience with wide concourses, good visibility from upper tiers, and a sleek exterior that reads immediately as a major venue.

What makes it feel different is how it connects with OL Vallée. Instead of being a standalone stadium, it works as part of a sports-and-entertainment district, so it’s easy to extend your visit with food, shopping, or time in the surrounding complex.

Additional information

Your experience can change a lot depending on what’s on at the stadium that day. Tours are often impacted by matchdays, concerts, and private events. Entry flow can be slower when the venue is hosting something major.

If you’re planning a tour, check the event calendar first, aim for a non-event day where possible, and arrive early if you’re visiting during a busy period. Security checks and transport queues tend to be the main bottlenecks.

Frequently asked questions about Groupama Stadium

Tours are usually suspended on matchdays, and access is generally limited to guests with a valid match ticket. Even on event days, expect longer queues due to security checks.