On Thursday evening, the French national football team is set to face Brazil at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston. Prior to this match, the ‘Bleus’ (as the team is known) have settled into the Four Seasons Hotel in Massachusetts’ capital, which will also serve as their base camp for the upcoming World Cup this summer. This location holds significant importance for the finalists of the last World Cup.
Located at 200 Boylston Street, this address is poised to become a focal point of attention in Boston in three months. It’s here that the French national team players will establish their base camp during the World Cup. On a calm Wednesday morning, this bustling commercial street was quiet, with temperatures just above freezing. Outside the red-stone façade of the five-star hotel, security personnel for the French team were seen making rounds, while other staff members returned from a jog in the public park directly opposite the establishment. The setting is serene, with few onlookers venturing near the exclusive venue – a stark contrast to the crowds that greeted the team bus upon its arrival on Tuesday.
Upon entering through the green swing doors, the hotel lobby immediately conveys a tranquil atmosphere, illuminated by numerous chandeliers casting soft light. To the left, the reception lounge features a distinctly American style, adorned with various colored armchairs and a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. on the wall. Large, vibrant carpets partially cover a beautiful green and blue tiled floor, setting a luxurious scene. Currently, the hotel is not fully privatized, but other guests maintain a discreet presence, seemingly oblivious to the distinguished visitors staying for a few days in Boston.
The Culinary Team
Inside this meticulously decorated room, the culinary team responsible for the players and staff during the competition greeted visitors. The team includes Xavier Rousseau, the French national team’s regular chef, highly regarded by the players for his willingness to personally prepare their favorite pasta dishes. For this occasion, he is joined by Chef Patrice Martineau, who normally oversees the cuisine at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston throughout the year. Chef Martineau, originally from Troyes, expressed his excitement about the collaboration.
Chef Martineau shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to host the Bleus. I’m pleased to be working with their chef. We’ve prepared dishes inspired by Massachusetts, but also very French cuisine.” He added, “We’ve catered to many sports teams before, but for football players, the portions are smaller. Our menu includes a lot of pasta, rice, local fish, and seafood. In June and July, we’ll also have access to numerous local farms, allowing us to utilize their fresh produce.”
A Piano for Tchouaméni and Camavinga
After the introductions, the two chefs led the way upstairs via a grand staircase, featuring a large chandelier at its center. Outside, a black tarp had been erected to deter curious onlookers from spotting the players. The first floor of the hotel is designated as the primary activity hub for the players in Boston, featuring a new reception area called ‘Aujourd’hui’ (Today).
Players will gather here before proceeding together to the dining hall, another spacious room furnished with multi-colored seating. Exiting this impressive room, a beautiful black piano stands prominently. “This one isn’t moving!” joked a member of the French team’s staff, hinting at its importance. The French squad boasts several piano enthusiasts, including Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Alphonse Areola.
Accommodating Elite Guests
Accommodation for the team will span two floors: one dedicated to staff and another exclusively for the players. During the visit, a typical room, number 407, was showcased. It features a king-size bed adorned with the hotel’s logo on the linens, a large screen, a side table, and a bathroom located just inside the entrance. This comfortable space offers amenities without being overtly luxurious. While some of these rooms will house team staff, larger suites will also be allocated to the squad members.
The hotel in the Massachusetts capital also boasts a large indoor swimming pool with a cold plunge, and a well-equipped gym. On Wednesday morning, goalkeeper Mike Maignan was observed cycling alongside regular guests. A video analysis room is also fully set up and ready for use before the match against Brazil. Tania Matthews, the Four Seasons Hotel’s Director of Sales, expressed her excitement: “We are very excited and proud to have been chosen to host the team. Our brand is proud. It’s truly an honor. I hope they will be happy with our services and our team. It’s great for our brand. We are accustomed to this type of guest. I haven’t yet met the players, but I quickly passed by the gym this morning. Everyone seems truly lovely.”
Potential Change in Training Center?
While the hotel seems to be a perfect fit for the French team, negotiations for the training center are ongoing and proving to be more protracted than anticipated, primarily due to financial aspects.
Reports indicate that all contracts between FIFA, the French team, and the private Babson College facility have not yet been signed. This situation could see further developments in the coming hours. Should this impasse continue, the French national team may need to revise its plans and opt for an alternative training center, which has already been identified.
