Michelin Group
Michelin reinvents itself, future Quartier des Pistes
100 years of history - what comes next? Le Quartier des Pistes, the fourth component of the Michelin Innovation Park - Cataroux, is undergoing a major transformation. The Saguez Group is redeveloping a former industrial site into new urban, cultural, and leisure destinations. Scheduled for completion in 2029. From the outset, the right questions had to be asked: what story should the place embody? What kind of programming can truly create a neighborhood? How can it be rehabilitated without tearing everything down? How can greening help decontaminate the site? Positioning, programming, master planning, development, urban design: since 2021, Saguez & Partners has been supporting Michelin on this unprecedented project for a major industrial group, designed to help the metropolitan area shine at the local, national, and even international levels.
Cover photo © MICHELIN 2025 - Patrick DELAPIERRE
Key information
opening in 2028
400,000 visitors expected
10 hectares of industrial wasteland
12 runways built in 1925
30 meters high
450 meters maximum
8 operators
Michelin is Clermont-Ferrand. Clermont-Ferrand is Michelin
In Auvergne, everyone knows someone who works or once worked at Michelin. Built in 1925 on a 10-hectare site, the Quartier des Pistes brought together buildings dedicated to R&D, tire production, and storage. Long hidden behind its walls, this emblematic site closed in 2001.
At its north-eastern entrance stand the famous test tracks, nicknamed “the slides.” Here, tires were tested on carts weighted with lead. Length: 450 m – Height: 30 m - Construction: reinforced concrete. A technical feat that was unique in the world at the time.
Today, these monumental concrete and steel structures are preparing to be reborn as the heart of the Quartier des Pistes—a new piece of city. In 2021, Michelin entrusted Saguez & Partners with the mission of enhancing this site, the fourth component of the Michelin Innovation Park - Cataroux.
The Quartier des Pistes tomorrow
An ambitious 10 hectares project structured around three major complementary components:
- Parc des Pistes, a landscaped park of more than 3 hectares
- Pistes à Ciel Ouvert, rehabilitating the former test tracks across 2.5 hectares
- A 4 hectares activity hub focused on tourism, culture, and hospitality
“The future Quartier des Pistes will stimulate both mind and body, shake up the neurons, awaken the taste buds, and open new horizons through a mix of programming that blends physical activities with cultural, playful, accessible, and inclusive discoveries—learning and growing through movement.” Virginie Parisot, director of client strategies, Saguez & Partners
2029 feels far away. How do you get people on board right now?
How do you create desire for a place that is still under transformation? How do you tell a shared story and bring all stakeholders together through several years of construction? Saguez & Partners imagined a series of manifesto posters to reveal the spirit of the future Quartier des Pistes. A pop, graphic, and colorful identity, set in contrast with the raw power of concrete. A reinterpretation of architectural elements: shed roofs, metal structures, and a play of cubes and levels.
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A collection of manifesto posters, inspired by the strong color codes of the factories, and a way of life!
A unifying narrative
The springboard for active cultures
As early as 2021, the mission focused on defining the founding narrative of the Quartier des Pistes: a story built around uses, experiences, and the perspective of future visitors. This identity-driven narrative is based on four key levers:
- Broad reach: programs open to everyone (tourists, families, residents, and local communities).
- Experiential content: interactive pathways, artistic encounters, physical activities, and shared moments.
- Popular programming: diverse, accessible, and collective.
- A discovery experience: the Michelin story, Clermont-Ferrand, the artistic and non-profit ecosystem, and learning through the body and biodiversity.
Programming of uses
An innovative, cultural, and inclusive district
Each operator of the future Quartier des Pistes was selected by Michelin, with Saguez & Partners acting as AMO. Every activity within the Quartier des Pistes will stand out for its creativity, inviting residents of Clermont-Ferrand and visitors alike to enjoy original and enriching experiences, perfectly aligned with the needs of the metropolitan area.
Cité du Mouvement: a project dedicated to health and well-being, led by ASM Omnisports.
Cité Verte and the Légumerie d’Auvergne: an organic urban horticultural operation, including a community garden and a processing workshop for local fruits and vegetables.
L’Aventure Michelin: a new setting for an exceptional heritage site and a completely reimagined visitor experience.
O26: a modular performance hall and event space.
The Groundpistes, bringing together two projects: Halle F4, a friendly, multi-activity third place, and Very Food Trip, an innovative dining concept centered on world cuisines and travel.
Master plan
Building on the identity narrative and the programming of uses, Favretto Architecture and Asphalt Architecture et Urbanisme designed the master plan for the future Quartier des Pistes, coordinated by Saguez Favretto. Through this oversight and the organization of exchanges with all stakeholders (Michelin, Clermont Auvergne Métropole, and other local players), the project reconnects abandoned industrial heritage with the city.
“This district will excite the mind, body, and taste buds." Virginie Parisot
A manifest identity: the Quartier des Pistes’ posters
How do you tease and win people over in a new place undergoing transformation during a long period of construction? How can we tell a common story and unite all the players around this project? The agency came up with a pop, graphic identity that contrasts with the concrete buildings. A reinterpretation blending architecture and geometric forms: shed roofs, metal structures, cubes and levels.
A collective effort: the Saguez Group
To deliver a comprehensive and well-managed project, Saguez & Partners has assembled and led the Saguez Group since 2021, bringing together recognized players in urban planning, landscape design, and architecture.
Who does what?
Saguez & Partners: identity narrative, programming of uses, project management
Saguez Favretto: coordination of master plan studies
Favretto Architecture: architect and urban planner, co-architect of the Pistes
Asphalt Architecture et Urbanisme: urban planner
Atelier Franck Boutté: environmental engineering
Christian Laporte - CLAP: heritage architect, co-architect of the Pistes
Atelier Format Paysage: landscape architect
setec organisation: planning, regulations, and legal framework
setec hydratec, setec tpi: technical and environmental studies
Tecta Vertical Sea: technical studies for public spaces, networks, and stormwater management