Sport in Paris

The famous 24-hour races at Le Mans, 185 km south of Paris, are normally run in April (motorbikes), June (cars) and October (lorries).
 
If you are not in Paris when the Le Mans 24 hour races are under way, you can always buy souvenir cars to take home with you.

There is a large number of major cycling events in Paris every year, not least the Tour de France which always finishes in the French capital.

Paris’ big team is Paris Saint-Germain, or PSG. See them play at the Parc des Princes stadium against Nice, Monaco, Rennes and other big teams. The French national team also play their home matches at Parc des Princes.

There is a host of splendid courses around Paris where even foreign nationals will be warmly welcomed.

 

Apremont Golf Course. Beautiful golf course in woodland 20 minutes from Charles de Gaulle airport. Apremont.

 

Golf de Fontainebleu. One of the very best courses in Paris, close to the famous castle. Route d'Orleans, Fontainebleau.

 

Golf de Raray. Play in the gardens of the castle that was home to the original beauty and the beast. Domaine de Raray. Raray.

 

Paris International Golf Club. Varied 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. About 35 minutes north-west of the city. Route du Golf, Baillet-en-France.

Some of the most famous horse races in the world are held in Paris. For example, the Prix de l´Arc de Triomphe race at the Hippodrome de Longchamps in October. Or the Prix d´Amerique at Vincennes in January.

Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. The largest green spaces in Paris, complete with paths, woods and lawns.

Jardin des Tuileries. Stretch your legs in the centre of Paris, in the Tuileries garden with its winding pathways between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde.

First, a small number of enthusiasts started to criss-cross Paris on rollerblades; now, 4-5,000 people venture out en masse every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

For details of where, when and how, please go to:
www.pari-roller.com

The French Open is played in May and June at the Stade Roland Garros, whilst the Paris Masters is held in October/November in Bercy. If you want to play yourself, ask your hotel to check the times of the nearest public tennis court to you - there are over 40 in Paris.

Espace Vit'Halles Fitness Club. Runs four of the finest gyms in France, locations include old Les Halles. Place Beaubourg, 48 rue Rambuteau. Metro: Rambuteau.

 

Gymnase Club-République. English-speaking instructors. All types of life-fitness machines.10 Place de la République (entrance 2, rue du Faubourg du Temple). Metro: République.

 

Piscine Club Pontoise-Quartier. Fine pool, four squash courts and all the treadmills, rowing machines and other pieces of equipment you could possibly imagine. 19, Rue de Pontoise.