For nearly three and a half years, FC Versailles has been without a consistent home. The club, currently competing in France’s National division, hasn’t played a competitive match at its traditional stadium, the Stade Montbauron, since the summer of 2022. The reason? A surprisingly complex situation involving the nearby Palace of Versailles and regulations surrounding light pollution. The story of FC Versailles’s stadium predicament is a unique blend of sporting ambition, historical preservation, and local politics.
The issue arose following the club’s historic promotion to the National league – the third tier of French football – in 2022. National league regulations require adequate stadium lighting for Friday night matches, a standard fixture in the division. However, implementing this lighting at Stade Montbauron proved far more challenging than anticipated. As club president Alexandre Mulliez explained to Le Figaro, the situation stems from an “unusual” constraint related to the iconic palace.
The initial narrative, as Mulliez clarified, involved a decree from the French architects of the Bâtiment de France (the national heritage authority) prohibiting any light source from being visible from the King’s chamber within a five-kilometer radius. Whereas the rumor of a strict five-kilometer rule proved inaccurate, the core issue remains: concerns about light impacting the views from the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Stade Montbauron is located approximately one kilometer from the palace.
However, the problem isn’t simply about preventing light from shining towards the palace. Mulliez explained that the concern centers on potential constructions – specifically, lighting masts – obstructing the view from the former chamber of Louis XIV. “There is a solution that has been around for a long time,” Mulliez stated, referring to the possibility of retractable lighting masts.
The Bâtiment de France had, in fact, previously approved plans for masts up to 18 meters in height. The club has identified a lighting technology utilizing LED screens with a contained halo of light, minimizing potential disruption. “As the Palace of Versailles is a listed historical monument, every time You’ll see works or projects carried out, you must have the agreement of the ABF (architects of the Bâtiment de France),” Mulliez detailed. “They gave their agreement a few years ago for masts up to 18 meters.”
The proposed masts would also be retractable, allowing them to be lowered to 15 meters quickly – a feature Mulliez highlighted as essential for future ambitions. “Obviously, we will set up retractable masts, as if one day we have to play in Ligue 2, they require to be able to go up to 25 meters,” he said, referencing the potential for further promotion to the professional second division.
Despite the technical solutions, the project has faced opposition from local residents concerned about potential noise and light pollution. In response, FC Versailles has pledged to implement various mitigation measures, hoping to secure approval from the local municipality following the upcoming municipal elections. The club, currently 5th in National as of March 12, 2026, is eager to return to its home ground.
The story of FC Versailles’s stadium situation highlights the challenges faced by modern sports clubs operating in historically sensitive areas. Balancing the needs of a growing football club with the preservation of a national treasure requires careful negotiation and compromise. The club’s predicament isn’t simply a logistical issue; it’s a reflection of the complex relationship between sporting ambition and cultural heritage.
Founded in 1989 through the merger of Racing Club de Versailles and Compagnons Sportifs Versaillais, FC Versailles has a history rooted in the local community. The club’s origins trace back even further to 1941 with the formation of Entente Sportive Versaillaise. While the club experienced periods of success, including reaching the third division in 1986, it also faced financial difficulties and a descent to the eighth division. A 2004 takeover by Daniel Voisin marked a turning point, eventually leading to a return to the national leagues in 2017.
The current ownership, led by Alexandre Mulliez – who acquired the club in 2023 – has brought renewed ambition and investment. Mulliez, an heir to the Auchan retail empire, has also attracted investment from Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly, demonstrating the club’s growing profile. The desire to provide a stable and modern home for the team is central to their vision.
The Stade Montbauron, while currently unavailable for competitive matches, remains a vital part of the club’s identity. Returning to play in Versailles, rather than being forced to use alternative venues, is seen as crucial for building a strong local fanbase and fostering a sense of community. The club’s current situation underscores the importance of collaboration between sporting organizations, heritage authorities, and local communities to find solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
As FC Versailles awaits a decision from the municipality, the club continues to compete in the National league, striving for promotion and a return to its rightful home. The outcome of the upcoming elections and the subsequent discussions will determine whether the club can finally overcome this unusual obstacle and play under the lights at Stade Montbauron, without casting a shadow on the Palace of Versailles.
FC Versailles’s next match is scheduled for March 19th, 2026, against Bastia-Borgo. The club will continue to play its home matches at a temporary venue until a resolution is reached regarding the stadium lighting. Fans can find the latest updates and information on the club’s official website, fcversailles.com.
