Born in Arpajon, Essonne, Hamel started his career at AS Monaco as a trainee in 1991 before turning professional in 1993.
He failed to make an appearance in his one professional season with Monaco and joined fellow Ligue 1 side, Le Havre, in the summer of 1994.
After failing to make an appearance in any competition, he left to join fellow Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient in 2001.
Hamel played inconsistently at Lorient, appearing for them in 15 league matches, and after Lorient were relegated at the end of the season, Hamel again moved to preserve his top flight status, joining UEFA Champions League qualifiers AJ Auxerre.
Whilst at Lorient Hamel played in the 2002 Coupe de France Final in which they beat SC Bastia.