The French Open – one of the tennis world’s four Grand Slams – takes centre stage in Paris at Roland-Garros from Sunday 26 May until Sunday 9 June. Although tickets are in short supply, there are easy ways to catch some of the action or simply embrace the festivities. Here is our guide on how to enjoy this remarkable event.
Landing a Last-Minute Ticket
While most stadium seat tickets are snapped up within minutes of release in March, there is always a possibility of acquiring some during the tournament itself. If you arrive in the week before the main draw begins on 26 May, hard-fought qualifying matches are held daily on the outside courts of Roland-Garros from 20 May. A day pass can usually be bought on the official website (even on the day of play) for €20. These outside court passes are available throughout the tournament and offer close-up action from some of the world’s top-ranked players.
Although you won’t see the likes of Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer playing singles on these courts, you might witness Grand Slam winners such as Serena and her sister Venus competing in early rounds of women’s doubles. Evening passes for access to the outside courts after 5:30 PM each day between 25 May and 5 June are also sure to be available—these don’t go on sale until 72 hours prior to entry (the first batch is up for sale at 5:30 PM on 23 May).
The official website also runs a resale service for people to sell unused tickets, so keep an eye out for any last-minute options throughout the tournament. On the last day of the French Open, which features the gentlemen’s singles final, the ‘We’re all going to the final!’ event takes place—simply buy one of the outside court day passes (€20) online, bring a picnic, and plant yourself in front of a giant screen to enjoy the action with the masses.
It’s important to note that throughout the French Open, no tickets are sold at the gates.
Tennis Stars (and a Zip Line) in Action at the Eiffel Tower
As part of the tournament’s ‘Roland-Garros in the City’ event, a clay court has been constructed beneath the four feet of Paris’ most iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower. From 30 May to 3 June, there will be plenty of action taking place here, including exhibition matches featuring some of the sport’s true legends. Notably, on the evening of 30 May, John McEnroe, Mansour Bahrami, Sergi Bruguera, and Cédric Pioline will take to the court for a men’s doubles match, followed on the morning of 2 June by a mixed doubles match featuring Andre Agassi and Stefi Graf playing Àlex Corretja and three-time French Open champion Arantxa Sánchez. Forty of the world’s top under-13 players will also battle for victory in the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament. The site will include an exhibition covering the history of the French Open at Roland-Garros, as well as intermittent opportunities to have your picture taken with the tournament’s iconic Musketeers’ Cup and Suzanne-Lenglen Cup trophies.
If you’re over 18 and want a unique view, Perrier will be operating a free zip line from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower between 29 May and 2 June. To participate, engage with the main sponsor’s Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook accounts between 20 and 26 May, or be selected at random while at the Eiffel Tower via the same Perrier Instagram account.
Picnic in Front of a Giant Screen at the Hôtel de Ville
In winter, the plaza in front of Paris’ grand neo-Renaissance-style town hall hosts an outdoor skating rink. However, during the French Open, it transforms into a vibrant spot for tennis fans to gather and relax in front of a giant screen. Key matches are broadcast here, allowing you to join the lively, picnic-friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite players for free.
Pick Up a Racket for a Game of Your Own
There is no shortage of public tennis courts in Paris where you can enjoy a friendly match. The six courts nestled within the leafy confines of the Jardin du Luxembourg offer a particularly charming setting. Courts at several other public tennis centers can be booked through the Paris Tennis online service.
When not spectating, playing, or discussing tennis, Paris is abundant with activities and attractions to explore, ensuring that there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.
