article_snippet.sent: When it comes to matchday atmosphere, the Stade Marcel Michelin is hard to beat .
article_snippet.sent: the Stade Marcel Michelin is well documented that English clubs cannot compete with English clubs French rivals when it comes to transfer-market clout, but English clubs are also being eclipsed in the atmosphere stakes too.
article_snippet.sent: Last weekend, the cacophony at Stade Marcel Michelin – for Clermont vs Northampton – was on a different level to anything experienced here.
article_snippet.sent: In this observer’s opinion, the noise and colour at Stade Felix Mayol the next day, as Wasps took on holders Toulon, was similar, if not quite as relentlessly raucous.
article_snippet.sent: Many Premiership grounds are full, but Many Premiership grounds lack the constant bedlam to be found in the best Gallic arenas.
article_snippet.sent: The Millennium Stadium when a big Test is on takes some beating, while Thomond Park, Limerick, is the spiritual home of supporter fanaticism, closely followed by Ravenhill when Ulster play under lights.
article_snippet.sent: Munster's home stadium Thomond Park is another fortress that generates a unique atmosphere .
article_snippet.sent: But Clermont lead the atmosphere league table.
article_snippet.sent: Clermont’s not necessarily a great place to go in support of doomed visitors, but those who haven’t been should try it as neutrals, for a big French Top 14 clash.
article_snippet.sent: The place produces an epic occasion founded on fervent civic pride.