Inside France’s Boston World Cup base, panoramic views and an eighth-floor pool | OneFootball

France have shown off the Boston hotel that will serve as their World Cup base from 11 June to 19 July, highlighting light-filled spaces and fitness and recovery facilities to come. According to L'Equipe, the visit took place on Wednesday, the day before their 21:00 meeting with Brazil.

They will reside at the Four Seasons in the city centre, sharing it with a few long-term residents, including Shirley, an octogenarian who will stay during the tournament.

The choice, informed by Budapest at Euro 2021, aims to avoid a sense of confinement. That may work for two weeks, after which squads usually need air.

Players are set to spend downtime on the first floor, where large rooms will become dining and relaxation areas once set up by the FFF. There will be dedicated zones for staff, kit managers, communications and video analysts.

Décor is plush in an American style, with thick carpets, big armchairs, mirrors and paintings, including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Menu planning is in the hands of chefs Xavier Rousseau and Patrice Martineau, who plan to prioritize local produce.

A fitness suite designed by Cyril Moine’s team will be installed on this level. Rooms for players and staff, spread over two floors, span around 20 square metres, with a single bed and a private sitting area, spacious rather than luxurious.

Pale grey corridors feature columns, and there are no quirky fire extinguishers in sight. The pool and cold baths sit on the eighth floor, with a panoramic view over the park.

The federation stands by its city-centre choice, citing reduced travel times. Security considerations have been under review for months by the FFF and Mohamed Sanhadji.

Source: L'Équipe