Orange Velodrome Stadium

The basics

Some travelers see the Orange Velodrome Stadium during cycling or walking tours that highlight the landmarks of Marseille. Rather than taking you into the venue, these often just showcase the stadium’s exterior and reveal a bit about its history. For a more comprehensive experience, some visitors go on a guided tour to see usually out-of-bounds areas, such as the locker rooms and press room, or head there to catch a game.

Things to know before you go

• If you want to eat before or after a visit to the stadium, then the most diverse options nearby are along Avenue du Prado.
• The Orange Velodrome Stadium is a wheelchair-accessible venue.
• It’s possible to arrange children’s birthday parties at the stadium with a cake, special games, and a gift.
• Guided tours of the arena typically last around 75 minutes; check the schedule in advance, and look for a day without major events at the venue.
• Be sure to arrive early if you’re seeing a sporting match or performance, as there are security checks upon entry.

How to get there

To reach the Orange Velodrome Stadium, around 2 miles (3.5-kilometers) south of Marseille's city center, take metro line #2 from Saint-Charles train station to Rond-Point du Prado or Sainte Marguerite Dromel, which are each located at different sides of the stadium. If you’re starting at the Old Port, it’s a 30–45-minute walk along Rue de Rome and Avenue de Prado, or you can get a taxi.

When to get there

If you just want to explore the interiors, then it’s best to book a tour—preferably on a weekday morning outside peak summer months or major tournaments. For a fuller experience of the stadium's atmosphere, consider looking at the events schedule and attending a game or concert.

Where to stay near the Orange Velodrome Stadium

There are plenty of hotel options near the Orange Velodrome Stadium. Within a 10-minute walk, there’s the 4-star AC Hotel by Marriott Marseille Prado Velodrome, or the Hotel Mercure Marseille Centre Prado Velodrome. For a more budget-friendly option, the 3-star Hotel B&B Prado Velodrome is close by too. If you don’t mind staying a bit further away, the Novotel on Avenue du Prado is closer to the center.