The fixtures for the 2023-24 Ligue 1 season have been released, with the action starting on the weekend of August 13.

For the first time since the 2001-02 campaign, the division will be comprised of 18 teams instead of 20 after a vote at the LFP's general assembly.

Auxerre, Ajaccio, Troyes and Angers all dropped down to Ligue 2, while Metz and Le Havre secured promotion to the big time.

Ahead of what is sure to be another memorable French top-flight campaign, we run through some of the key dates to look out for.

Le Classique

One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in the European football calendar, champions Paris Saint-Germain and their bitter rivals Marseille lock horns at the Parc des Princes on September 24. 

The reverse fixture at the Stade Velodrome is scheduled for March 31 — a game which could play a significant role in the title race. 

PSG will enter the campaign without Lionel Messi after his move to Inter Miami and they will likely have a new manager too, with Christophe Galtier set to be sacked.

Marseille, who knocked the Parisians out of the 2022-23 Coupe de France, will also have a new head coach after Marcelino was confirmed as Igor Tudor's successor.

Top dogs

Lens ran PSG mighty close in the title race last season and they will hope to do so again in 2023-24.

The two do battle in Paris on August 28 and meet again on January 14.

Still going strong

Will Still's Reims were one of the unexpected stories of last season and they begin with a tough away trip to Marseille on Sunday, August 13.

However, the 30-year-old manager will be without 21-goal Folarin Balogun after the striker returned to Arsenal following the conclusion of his successful loan spell.

Derby du Nord

The rivalry between Lille and Lens is one of the fiercest in French football.

Lens host the first of the two encounters on October 8, while the second meeting is scheduled for March 31.

Derby de la Cote d'Azur

The derby featuring the two teams from the French Riviera, Nice and Monaco, will see both sides itching to impress after failing to qualify for European competition last term.

Monaco welcome their local nemesis to the Louis II Stadium on September 24.

Meanwhile, the reverse fixture is booked in for February 11.

*All dates subject to change.