Nickname(s):Les Tigres Caladois (The Caladois Tigers)
Founded:1927
Stadium:Stade Armand-Chouffet
Capacity:3,500
1927-2011
2011-2015
2015-Present
FC Villefranche Beaujolais Crest History
The first official crest of Football Club Villefranche, introduced in 1927, took the form of a traditional heraldic shield inspired by the coat of arms of Villefranche-sur-Saône. The badge combined several civic symbols, including the city's castle tower, the lion of Beaujolais, and five fleurs-de-lis representing the historic French royal heritage of the region. The words "F.C. Villefranche" appeared across the top, with "Beaujolais" at the base, underlining the club's strong regional identity. This emblem remained the club's symbol for more than eighty years.
In 2011, following the club's growing ambition at national level, FC Villefranche Beaujolais adopted a modern circular crest. The historic heraldic shield was replaced by a simplified design featuring a rampant lion at its centre, surrounded by the words "Villefranche Beaujolais." A sweeping banner carrying the initials F.C.V.B. crossed the middle of the badge, while a football was incorporated into the ribbon, creating a more dynamic and contemporary identity without abandoning the club's traditional lion symbol.
Since 2015, the club has used a completely redesigned shield-shaped crest. The modern blue badge features the initials FCVB at the top and a white tiger in mid-stride as its dominant element, reflecting the club's nickname, Les Tigres Caladois (The Caladois Tigers). Behind the tiger, radiating lines add depth and energy to the design, while the words "Villefranche Beaujolais" appear beneath to reinforce the club's regional identity.
FC Villefranche Beaujolais Club History
Founded on 25 March 1927, Football Club Villefranche emerged from the football section of the Cercle Sportif de Villefranche, which had been established in 1919 following the First World War. The new club quickly became the leading football institution in Villefranche-sur-Saône, representing the historic Beaujolais region. For many years, it competed in the regional Lyonnais leagues, gradually building a reputation as one of the strongest amateur clubs in eastern France.
The club reached the national divisions for the first time in 1953 after winning the Division d'Honneur championship. That same season, Villefranche enjoyed an impressive run to the Round of 32 in the Coupe de France, announcing itself on the national stage. After several years in the Championnat de France Amateur (CFA), the club returned to the national leagues in 1966 and later competed in the newly created Division 3, establishing itself as a respected semi-professional side.
During the 1980s, the club adopted the name Football Club Villefranche Beaujolais, strengthening its connection with the wider Beaujolais region. The team achieved promotion to Division 2 for the 1984–85 season, marking its first appearance in the second tier of French football. Although the stay lasted only one season, it remains an important milestone in the club's history and demonstrated its ability to compete at a higher level.
After spending many years alternating between the amateur national divisions, FCVB entered a period of sustained growth during the late 2010s. Promotion to the Championnat National in 2018 marked the club's arrival in France's third tier. Under coach Hervé Della Maggiore, Villefranche became one of the division's strongest sides, finishing as runners-up in both 2020–21 and 2021–22. On each occasion, the club reached the promotion play-offs for Ligue 2 but narrowly missed out, first against Chamois Niortais and then against Quevilly-Rouen Métropole.
FC Villefranche Beaujolais's principal rivalry is with FBBP01 (Football Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas 01), with meetings between the two clubs regarded as the most significant regional derby in the area. Fixtures against Lyon-La Duchère have also developed into competitive encounters due to the clubs' frequent meetings in the national divisions.
