Guided tours of Clairefontaine: Step behind the scenes of French football

Starting March 28, 2026, the National Football Center of Clairefontaine will open its doors to the public for a special visit. During immersive guided tours, football enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of the French national team—from the legendary Château to the training grounds nestled in the heart of the Rambouillet Forest.

Football fans, get ready to step into the shoes of a French national team player and explore the behind-the-scenes of Clairefontaine, the legendary training center at the heart of French football. Opening its doors to the public from March 28, 2026, this exclusive opportunity offers guided tours lasting nearly two hours. Walk through the grounds usually reserved for elite athletes and coaching staff, the same scenes you only see on TV when the world’s biggest tournaments, like the upcoming 2026 World Cup, are underway.">

Since its opening in 1988, the National Football Center has served as a hub for training, preparation, and innovation. It stands as a world-renowned model where physical training, medical support, technological advancements, and the transmission of sporting values come together. For the first time, the center is opening its doors to the public—aside from the usual open training sessions for supporters—to let fans experience the thrill of football firsthand and fill their eyes with stars!

The estate is vast, and even if you don't explore every corner, you'll have plenty of time to get a good feel for the place. So, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes! You'll discover stunning buildings, including historic hunting lodges and old stables from 1830. Plus, you'll have the chance to enter the Château and walk up the staircase where TV viewers see players arriving at Clairefontaine!

We walk through the various lounges, with the strict rule of not sitting on the sofas, imagining the day-to-day life of the players—whether they're chatting or playing billiards. We also visit the kitchen, where eight kilos of pasta are prepared daily to feed our French team! However, note that going upstairs or visiting the bedrooms is strictly prohibited. Don't be disappointed; some secrets need to be kept! Still, you can catch a glimpse of Kylian Mbappé’s room from the outside.

Our guide shares plenty of stories along the way, but don’t hesitate to ask questions! We also tour the locker rooms, a solemn moment where everyone takes a seat in their favorite national team player’s spot and envisions themselves in their shoes for a moment.

Several areas remain off-limits, such as the Thalassotherapy zone. However, as you step outside the castle, you'll be able to see the facilities dedicated to top-tier physical and mental training, along with training grounds, including one that welcomes the public and boasts a pristine lawn!

You’ll also have the chance to pose with the life-sized replica of the World Cup and the two stars, engraved with the names of the players who lifted them! A memorable keepsake before exploring the museum, where vintage jerseys and the most treasured memorabilia of the French national team through the decades are on display.

An extraordinary visit for football enthusiasts, promising to delight both adults and children alike!

Located in the heart of a vast forested estate in Rambouillet, this site is off-limits to the general public under normal circumstances and is highly secure. Cultival emphasizes that visitors must carry a valid ID at all times and stay with their guides, avoiding any wandering off. Nestled deep within the forest, the center is exposed to the elements, so it's advisable to dress warmly according to the weather forecast during your visit.

Of course, tours won't be offered when members of the French national team are on site. When the players are away, the atmosphere is usually tranquil, but numerous staff members work here daily, so visitors are asked to be respectful. The site also hosts the National Football Institute (INF), a symbol of French excellence in training and knowledge transfer.

Please make sure to arrive on time to avoid being unable to access the center. Parking is available if you're driving, but if you're coming by public transport, take line N to Rambouillet and then catch bus 5334.

So, are you ready to follow in the footsteps of Zidane or Mbappé?

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.