What Happened: A Tradition of Precision and Pageantry

The Tir du Roi (or “Abat oiseau,” meaning “bird shoot”) is a ritual unique to French archery clubs, where competitors take turns firing arrows at a little wooden bird—typically crafted from wood, cork, or foam—perched atop a pole. The archer who strikes the target first is crowned “Roi” for the year and earns the honor of crafting next year’s bird. If a competitor wins three consecutive titles, they are elevated to “Empereur” (Emperor), a rare and prestigious achievement.

This year’s event, held on April 26, 2026, saw archers shoot in order of seniority within the club. Baptiste Juste, whose background in the sport was not detailed in club records, claimed the title after a tense round. Two other archers also hit the target, but Juste’s shot secured his victory. The competition drew 31 participants, including children and adults, reflecting the club’s commitment to fostering the sport across generations.

Following the competition, the club hosted a communal “proceedûter” (afternoon snack), where participants shared homemade pastries and drinks provided by the association. The gathering reinforced the event’s dual purpose: a test of skill and a celebration of community.

The Rules: How the “Tir du Roi” Works

For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the Tir du Roi follows a strict set of rules that have been preserved for generations:

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  • Target: A small, handcrafted bird (often no larger than a sparrow) is placed atop a pole, typically 30 to 50 meters from the shooting line. The bird is created by the previous year’s “Roi.”
  • Order of Play: Archers shoot in descending order of seniority within the club, ensuring that newer members do not have an advantage over veterans.
  • Winning the Title: The first archer to strike the bird is declared “Roi.” If no one hits the target, the archer who lands closest to the bird is crowned.
  • Three-Peat Rule: A “Roi” who wins three consecutive years becomes an “Empereur,” a title that carries lifelong prestige within the club.
  • Crafting the Bird: The new “Roi” is responsible for creating next year’s target, a task that blends artistry and tradition. Materials vary, but wood, cork, and foam are common.

The Les Archers de Chevalereuse have upheld these rules for decades, with the event serving as both a competition and a rite of passage for members. The club’s website notes that the tradition dates back to at least the early 20th century, though its origins are likely older, rooted in medieval archery contests that once determined local leaders.

Why This Event Matters: More Than Just a Competition

The Tir du Roi is more than a sporting event—it’s a living piece of French cultural heritage. For the Les Archers de Chevalereuse, the competition is a bridge between past and present, connecting modern athletes to the archers of centuries ago. The club, founded in 1978, has grown into one of the most active archery organizations in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, with over 80 members as of 2026. Its events, including the Tir du Roi, attract spectators from across the Trieves and Grésivaudan areas, fostering a sense of pride and continuity.

Why This Event Matters: More Than Just a Competition
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The event also highlights the inclusive nature of the sport. Unlike many competitive archery tournaments, which often focus on elite performance, the Tir du Roi welcomes archers of all ages and skill levels. This year’s competition included children as young as 8 years old, demonstrating the club’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of archers. The shared meal afterward, where participants bring homemade dishes, further strengthens the bonds within the club and the broader community.

Key Moments from the 2026 Competition

While the Tir du Roi is a single-round event, the 2026 edition featured several standout moments:

  • Juste’s Victory: Baptiste Juste’s winning shot was met with cheers from the crowd, particularly from younger archers who looked up to him as a mentor. Juste, who joined the club in 2018, had previously finished as runner-up in 2023.
  • Youth Participation: Several young archers, including Léa Morel (age 10) and Hugo Lambert (age 12), made their debut in the competition. While neither claimed the title, their performance drew praise from club veterans.
  • The Bird’s Craftsmanship: The 2025 “Roi,” Dorian Magnin, had crafted a meticulously detailed wooden bird for this year’s event. Its intricate carvings, including feather patterns, were a testament to the artistry involved in the tradition.
  • Community Turnout: The event drew over 50 spectators, including local officials and former club members, underscoring its significance in the region.

What’s Next for the Chevalereuse Archers

With Baptiste Juste now crowned “Roi,” his first task will be crafting the bird for the 2027 Tir du Roi. The club has already announced that next year’s event will take place on April 25, 2027, at the same Parc Senes location. Juste’s bird will be unveiled at the club’s annual general meeting in November 2026, where members will acquire their first look at the target they’ll aim for next spring.

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In the meantime, the Les Archers de Chevalereuse will continue their regular training sessions and host a series of smaller competitions leading up to the 2026 French Archery Federation (FFTA) regional championships, scheduled for September 2026 in Grenoble. The club is also planning a “Journée Découverte” (Discovery Day) on June 14, 2026, aimed at introducing new members to the sport.

How to Follow the Club

For those interested in learning more about the Les Archers de Chevalereuse or attending future events, here’s how to stay connected:

Key Takeaways

  • Baptiste Juste was crowned the new “Roi” at the 2026 Tir du Roi, succeeding Dorian Magnin, who had held the title since 2024.
  • The event drew 31 participants, including children as young as 8, and over 50 spectators from the Trieves and Grésivaudan regions.
  • The Tir du Roi is a centuries-old tradition that blends archery skill with community celebration, culminating in a shared meal.
  • If Juste wins again in 2027 and 2028, he will be elevated to “Empereur,” a rare and prestigious title within the club.
  • The next Tir du Roi is scheduled for April 25, 2027, with Juste responsible for crafting the target bird.