Les Herbiers

Les Herbiers VF is a professional football club based in Les Herbiers, a small town in the Vendée department of western France. Founded in 1919, the club has spent the majority of its history in the lower tiers of French football, but has gained recognition for its remarkable runs in the Coupe de France.

The club was initially established as Les Herbiers Football Club, before merging with Vendée-Pouzauges Football in 2006 to form Vendée Les Herbiers Football. The club's colors are red and black, and they play their home games at the Stade Massabielle, which has a capacity of 5,000 spectators.

Les Herbiers VF has primarily competed in the Championnat National, the third tier of French football. However, the club's most notable achievements have come in the Coupe de France, the premier knockout cup competition in French football.

In the 2017-2018 season, Les Herbiers VF made a historic run to the final of the Coupe de France, defeating several clubs from higher divisions along the way. Despite being a semi-professional team from the third tier, they reached the final at the Stade de France, where they faced off against Paris Saint-Germain, one of the most successful clubs in French football history. Although Les Herbiers VF lost the final 2-0, their journey to the final was a remarkable achievement that captured the attention of the French footballing world.

The club's success in the Coupe de France has been a testament to their resilience and determination, and it has brought significant attention to the small town of Les Herbiers. The team's run to the final was described as a "fairytale" by many in the media, and it highlighted the potential for smaller clubs to compete with their more established counterparts.

Despite their success in the cup competitions, Les Herbiers VF has faced challenges in the league. Following their historic run in the Coupe de France, the club was relegated from the Championnat National at the end of the 2017-2018 season. They currently compete in the Championnat National 2, the fourth tier of French football.

Les Herbiers VF continues to be a symbol of the potential for smaller clubs in French football. Their commitment to developing local talent and their success in the Coupe de France have made them a beloved fixture in the Vendée region. Despite their struggles in the league, the club's spirit and determination continue to inspire their loyal fan base.