A fuel cell includes (1) a stack including (a) an assembly of overlaid electrochemical generators, which are disposed along a stack axis, and (b) end plates axially clasping the assembly, and (2) at least one holding winding. Each holding winding includes at least one taut wire wound around the stack in a plurality of turns. Each holding winding surrounds the stack and bears on the end plates. Each taut wire is formed of at least one layer or sheet, and ends of each taut wire are fixed on at least one of the end plates.