WHERE TO PLAY GOLF IN PARIS
If you’d like to play golf in Paris there are plenty of exquisite golf clubs to choose from but not all are open to non-members year round. We’ve curated a list of the best clubs that have either year round availability or seasonal availability, plus where you can simply hit some balls at a driving range.
As for tennis, Paris has hundreds of excellent clubs but they are hard to access and most are members only, so we’ve provided some tips to help you figure out how to play. It all depends on how long you will be in Paris for.
So here is our shortlist of the best golf clubs (and ranges) as well as tennis clubs in and around Paris.
1) GOLF PARIS LONGCHAMP
Golf Paris Longchamp is a driving range and training centre for golfers of all ages and skill levels. It’s located in the Bois de Boulogne (Boulogne Forest) in the West of Paris and consists of 80 spaces as well as a sizeable putting green. While they do not have a golf course this is the closest location to central Paris you will find if you just want to hit some balls and relax.
2) LE GOLF NATIONAL
Le Golf National is France’s official golf hub and host of major golfing events such as the 2018 Ryder’s Cup and French Open. A lot of work has gone into making this club the jewel in the crown of French golf including ensuring it is big enough and has the amenities to host international events. As such, Golf National is by far the most accessible of any club in Paris since it is open year round to non-members. It’s also the most ‘democratic’ with it’s cheapest course, Oiselet, starting around 30 euros per person. If that isn’t enough, Le Golf National also offers year round packages allowing golfers to ‘stay and play’ hotel packages.
3) PARIS COUNTRY CLUB
The Paris Country Club is the closest golf club to central Paris and is located in Saint-Cloud in the western outskirts of Paris. Despite being a posh member’s club, they offer non-member access depending on time of day, week and year so you simply need to inquire as availability to non-members is based on availability. The club is beautiful and offers a 9 hole course as well as a driving range. They also have swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, children’s lounge, and cinema! It’s about 30 minute taxi/uber ride from central Paris.
Paris Country Club website (in French)
4) GOLF DE SAINT-CLOUD
Like the Paris Country Club, the Golf de Saint-Cloud is located very close to central Paris in Saint Cloud and is an elegant 18 hole club with expertly manicured grounds. It is only open to non-members during the summer months of July and August. That said, they have a beautiful driving range with 46 spaces which is open to visitors year round.
5) GOLF DE DOMONT
Golf de Domont is located a 30 mins drive north of central Paris in the town of Domont. The club boasts a lovely 18 hole, par 71 course which can be played for a very reasonable 65 euros. The club also has a few putting greens and a driving range. It’s accessible for non-members but one has to book in advance. They usually allow non-members to play during the week day.
Golf de Domont website (in French)
NOTE: Most other golf clubs around Paris are private. The best way to access is via 3rd party site like Private Caddie.
WHERE TO PLAY TENNIS IN PARIS
PUBLIC COURTS
Paris has many excellent courts (mainly French clay) to play on. There are roughly 200 public courts in Paris but it takes time to register and costs roughly 9 euros per hour for an uncovered public court and 17 euros for a covered court. Note that rates are reduced for anyone under 26 years of age and for those happy to play before 11am.
All you need to do is to obtain a ‘Carte Paris Tennis’ card which allows you to reserve any court in Paris for one per week.
Click on link below to get your card:
As for best private tennis clubs:
1) TENNIS CLUB DE LA CHATAIGNERAIE
La Chataigneraie is a friendly private club located in the Western suburb of Paris of Rueil-Malmaison. They have 10 courts, lovely facilities (including a fun bar), and are open until midnight. This is a great club for year round tennis and while not in central Paris it’s not too far from central – only a 20 minute drive, depending on where you are staying.
2) FOREST HILL
With 7 clubs around Paris, Forest Hill is a force to be reckoned with. Besides tennis courts and a gym, they also offer badmington, racquet ball and squash. The one in Nanterre is spacious but can get very busy during the week since its in a business area but its very quiet on weekends so a great time to go. Note that the one in La Defense is a good 15 walk from the La Defense RER/metro.
Forest Hill La Defense website
3) CERCLE AMICAL DE VINCENNES
Located in the Southeast near the Vincennes castle and park, this is nice club with 13 courts and many other sports on offer including petanque, billiards (pool/snooker) and table tennis. It’s a posh yet accessible and friendly club with a good sportsmanship attitude.
Cercle Amical de Vincennes website
FINDING A TENNIS PARTNER/TAKING A LESSON
If you want to play but don’t have time to register for a public pass or don’t have time to join a private club, then the next best thing is to find a partner who is a already a member via an online tennis group like Global Tennis Network or Meet Up. Reach out and offer to buy a drink after, or pay court fees and bring some water. People are always looking for new people to play with.
Another quick fix is to sign up for a class! Most clubs offer lessons and if you already know how to play then just ask your instructor to just play a game or rally. Sorted!
GLOBAL TENNIS NETWORK
MEET UP GROUP – GREATER PARIS TENNIS
https://www.meetup.com/paristennis/
If you simply want to hit the gym or sign up for a spinning or boxing class, there are many excellent clubs across Paris. In fact over the last 5 years we’ve seen an explosion in clubs, from your general, all-purpose gym to more specialised boxing or spinning clubs. Paris now has tons to choose from and we of course have done our homework to bring you a list of the best gyms and fitness clubs in Paris.
Finally, if you’re looking for a good deal, you can purchase the Paris City Card which includes a cruise along the seine via Bateaux Parisiens, Louvre museum access plus access to the Eiffel Tower and an audio guide (app). And if you have a kids or just looking for something a bit more relaxed, the Paris Family Fun Pass, which includes access to the Paris Zoo (world class and not to be missed!), Gallerie D’Evolution at the Natural History Museum (skip the line) and the Grevin Wax museum. Click below for more details!