A football stadium can host much more than just matches: some also house works of art or historical objects. In Lens, the geographical and institutional proximity between a sports venue and an international museum disrupts the traditional hierarchy of cultural and gathering places.
Every year, more visitors pass through the doors of the Louvre Lens than there are residents recorded in the city. Meanwhile, the Bollaert-Delelis stadium stands out with an interior organization and access plan that meet both sports and heritage requirements.
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An iconic place where sports passion meets culture
It is impossible to cross the mining basin without noticing the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, a true pillar of Lens and the North. Here, football goes far beyond mere competition: it tells the story of a territory forged by sweat, brotherhood, and working-class memory. The RC Lens, also known as the Artois club, resonates with an entire population. Every goal, every chant in the stands, reminds us of the strength of a united community.
Exploring the plan of the Bollaert stadium in Lens allows one to feel this unique energy. The arrangement of the stands, in a rectangle around the pitch, brings the public and players closer together like nowhere else. Locker rooms, press room, every space overflows with memories and emotions. Guided tours, rooted in the history of the RC Lens and the mining basin, revive both sporting exploits and the stories of former miners.
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The Bollaert-Delelis stadium does not just host matches. Its proximity to the Louvre Lens adds a new dimension to the experience. Here, culture and sports passion intertwine to shape a unique identity, difficult to find elsewhere in France. Discovering the topography of the stadium is to dive into the soul of Lens and understand what intimately connects the city to its club.
What to see and experience during a visit to the Bollaert stadium and the Louvre Lens?
The guided tour of the Bollaert-Delelis stadium offers a unique path, rare in the French landscape. One crosses the locker rooms, where each match is prepared, where excitement builds before kick-off. The press room reveals another facet of the club: live analyses, heated debates, and decisive announcements. As for the stands, they provide a striking view of the fervor that animates Lens at every match.
The tour does not stop there. It also includes the players’ tunnel, this airlock where tension rises before entering the pitch, as well as the lounges where the coach and President devise their strategies. Some areas, like the prestige lounges of the Lepagnot stand, remain closed to the public during visits. Note that the circuit is not accessible to wheelchair users due to structural constraints.
Right next door, the Louvre Lens has settled on a former mining site, transforming the landscape. In this museum, visitors discover major works of art, showcased in a building bathed in light. Here, industrial history and contemporary creation meet, extending the experience well beyond the stadium. In Lens, the dialogue between sport and culture is not a theory: it is a reality that everyone can experience, just a few steps apart.
Highlights not to be missed for a truly unforgettable experience
To fully enjoy the discovery of the Bollaert-Delelis stadium, one must plan ahead. Tours run from April 8 to May 13, 2026, at various times: 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, or 3:30 PM. Each time slot allows the group to soak in the unique atmosphere of the place.
Expect 1.5 hours for the guided tour, the time to explore the behind-the-scenes of the Racing Club de Lens and immerse oneself in the legend of the stadium. The prices are clear: €12 for a standard ticket, €9 for those under 18, free for children under six. Reservations can only be made through the online ticketing: simple, quick, and above all, it avoids any unpleasant surprises at the entrance.
The route may evolve depending on the events hosted at the stadium. Some areas may be temporarily closed during sporting or institutional events. To avoid any disappointment, it is advisable to check availability before booking.
Here are the key moments to experience during the visit:
- The discovery of the RC Lens locker rooms, the beating heart of the stadium.
- The passage through the players’ tunnel, where the tension rises before stepping onto the pitch.
- An unobstructed view from the stands, to feel the collective passion of the city.
- The time spent in the press room, the central space for post-match reactions.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users: some areas remain difficult to access for visitors with reduced mobility.
On the concrete of the stadium as well as in the light of the museum, Lens continues to blend traditions and emotions. Here, every visitor leaves with the impression of having touched what makes the heart of an entire city beat.