Yes: You can play pickleball in Paris, even as a visitor, even as an American (for now anyway lol), even as a beginner, and even as a non-francophone.
Those Frenchies are tough! And they love their racquet sports, so expect a high level of competition, even from the retired guy with the sports glasses held together with masking tape (true story/true hero). Here’s where to go:
Where to Play Pickleball in Paris
There are a number of clubs in and just outside Paris, with varying degrees of openness to non-members. Sessions often fill up, so check the organization’s website in advance to book your spot and pay (primarily by credit card and occasionally by PayPal.)
Here are a few that should be on your radar, ranked by ease of entry:
Pickleball Paris
Your first stop should be Pickleball Paris, which offers many sessions every week for players at a variety of levels, all at the Paris Event Center in the 19th. All sessions are 15€ and run 90 to 120 minutes, divided by ability, from “Session initiation” to Advanced. You can also rent courts here, for €60 an hour — not bad if you’re splitting it four ways. In my experience the crowd here is predominantly francophone, though less so than the clubs below. It would be worse to be ignorant of pickleball’s rules than to be ignorant of French: If you know how to play, you’ll get by!
Pickleball Paris Ouest
Pickleball Paris Ouest offers open sessions way in the city’s west (as the name suggests), in Vaucresson, Ville d’Avray, and St Cloud. Note open sessions are released to members first, so non-members can’t always get a spot — look for the dreaded épuisé (sold out). Lower key than Pickleball Paris though the level of play is still very high! €10 for non-members.
Pickleball Vexin
Pickleball Vexin (which has a little US flag in its Instagram bio, merci messieurs/mesdames) offers open play and workshops to members — yes, members, though the annual fee (€100) is low enough that if they haven’t maxed out their membership, and you’ll be in the Val d’Oise, north of Paris, for long enough the it might make sense. Some big ifs but a warm, active community.
Pickleball Ivry-sur-Seine
Reachable by métro line 7, Pickleball Ivry-sur-Seine offers open sessions on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons at TC Ivry. Note this website is under development; see their Instagram for updates.
What to Expect Playing Pickleball in Paris
A high level of play. Even coming from a sporty, pickleball-loving place, I was impressed by the competitiveness and ability of the people I met playing pickleball in Paris, along with a thorough knowledge of the rules and strategy. Come dressed to play, as dressing rooms can be comparatively minimalist, and bring water.
I encountered a mix of Parisians, long-term residents from other countries (mostly anglophone, mostly the U.S. and U.K.), and Americans passing through the city looking for a workout: 50/25/25. The language on the court was predominantly French, as you would expect, while instructions were offered mostly in French with some English. As pickleball is such an American sport, there were more English on offer, more anglophones on the court, and a higher-than-usual willingness to communicate en anglais: “The kitchen” est le kitchen, if you know what I mean.
If you have questions or concerns prior to attending and you don’t speak/write French, just throw your questions into Google Translate or similar, email the club, and you’ll probably get a response.
Where to Buy Pickleball Equipment in Paris
Any big sporting goods stores will have what you need. Most centrally located, and with the biggest range of equipment, would be Décathlon, with large shops in the city and across France — or you can order online, if you’ll be in town long enough. Same thing with Pickleball Eurosphere, which is based in France and offers a huge assortment of racquets and related items.
Should I Play Pickleball in France?
If you’re wondering if you should play pickleball in France — you must! It is so fun.
I would at least try to have the basics of both the language and the game in hand — but if I had to choose between them, I would actually choose the rules of the game. A non-francophone but excellent player would probably find just as warm (if not warmer!) a welcome than a francophone but poor, or unsporting, one.
I found it to be a great workout as expected, but also an exceptional way of meeting locals in a city where it can be tricky, especially this sort of local — regular Parisians, otherwise busy with family and work. Everyone says Parisians aren’t friendly, and for sure, it is in some ways a more reserved culture, but this also mostly a reflection of the tourist-facing Parisian — shop clerks, wait staff. In reality, they can be decidedly warm, and welcoming to outsiders. The best passport here: a willing spirit, a good attitude, and a great serve.
Pickleball in Paris: The FAQ
Can tourists play pickleball in Paris?
Yes! It would be great if you can bring either a knowledge of French or a knowledge of pickleball, but you can get by with one or the other. Be sure to do your research and book your spot well in advance.
Do you need to book pickleball sessions in advance in Paris?
Almost always, yes. Sessions often book up in advance, and some clubs limit registration until members have had their chance. Find a club offering a convenient time/place and then jump on it.
Are there free pickleball courts in Paris?
Try the Pickleheads website for ideas. Of the free options, I haven’t been to Club Villemin at 101 Quai de Valmy.
What level of play should I expect in Paris?
I experienced quite a high level of play, across all sessions.
Is pickleball popular in France?
Not as popular by far as in the U.S., but certainly growing.
