Elite Archers Gather in Torpes as French Village Hosts Major International Competition
By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport
TORPES, France — The quiet village of Torpes in eastern France is set to become the epicenter of international archery this week as 260 elite archers from Switzerland and beyond descend on the Pas de la Chaule for a three-day competition beginning Friday. The event, organized by local club Les Compagnons de la Combe aux Faives, promises to showcase some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic medalists and world-ranked competitors.
A Village Steeped in Archery Tradition
Torpes, a commune of just 1,000 residents in the Doubs department near Besançon, has long been a hub for archery in France. The village’s club, Les Compagnons de la Combe aux Faives, was founded in 1972 and has since become a training ground for top-tier talent. The club’s president, Marie-Antoinette Degrandis and her son Jocelyn De Grandis, a key organizer of this week’s event, have spent months preparing for the influx of competitors and spectators.
“This competition is a celebration of our community’s passion for archery,” Jocelyn De Grandis told L’Est Républicain. “We’re honored to welcome archers from across Europe and to showcase Torpes as a destination for the sport.”
Olympic Medalists and Rising Stars in the Field
Among the confirmed participants is Jean-Charles Valladont, a two-time Olympic silver medalist and one of France’s most decorated archers. Valladont, who began his career in Torpes at the age of eight under the tutelage of Pascal de Grandis (Jocelyn’s father), will compete in the individual and team events. His journey from a small village club to the Olympic podium has made him a local hero, and his presence this week is expected to draw significant attention.
Valladont’s career highlights include his silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he finished second in the individual competition, and another silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics as part of the French team. He also holds the distinction of being the first person to receive the médaille de citoyen d’honneur (Citizen’s Medal of Honor) from his hometown of Boussières in 2016, a testament to his impact on the sport and the region.
In addition to Valladont, the competition will feature archers from Switzerland and other European nations, though the full list of participants has not been publicly released. The event will include categories for both recurve and compound bows, with divisions for seniors, juniors, and para-archers.
What to Expect: Format, Schedule, and Stakes
The competition will unfold over three days, from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3, at the Pas de la Chaule, a purpose-built archery range in Torpes. The schedule is as follows:
- Friday, May 1: Qualifying rounds (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Saturday, May 2: Elimination rounds and semifinals
- Sunday, May 3: Finals and medal ceremonies (afternoon)
Archers will compete in outdoor target events at distances of 50 meters and 70 meters, depending on the category. The competition follows the rules set by World Archery, the sport’s international governing body, with targets measuring 122 cm in diameter for recurve events and 80 cm for compound events.
Although the event is not part of the official World Archery calendar, it carries significant prestige due to its reputation for high-level competition and the participation of elite athletes. For many archers, it serves as a critical tune-up ahead of major international tournaments, including the European Championships and the World Cup series.
The Local Connection: How Torpes Became an Archery Hub
Torpes’ rise as a center for archery is no accident. The village’s club, Les Compagnons de la Combe aux Faives, has cultivated a culture of excellence, with a focus on youth development and high-performance training. The club’s facilities, including the Pas de la Chaule range, are among the best in the region, attracting archers from across France and beyond.
Marie-Antoinette Degrandis, the club’s president, has been instrumental in its growth. Under her leadership, the club has expanded its training programs, offering sessions for beginners and licensed archers alike. Weekly training sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with separate slots for adults and juniors. The club’s inclusive approach has helped it secure an agrément Jeunesse et sports (Youth and Sports Accreditation) from the French government, further cementing its reputation as a model for grassroots sports development.
For Torpes, the competition is more than just a sporting event—it’s a chance to showcase the village’s hospitality and its deep ties to archery. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, are preparing for an influx of visitors, with many offering special packages for competitors and spectators.
Key Storylines to Watch
As the competition approaches, several narratives are emerging that could shape the outcome:
- Valladont’s Form: The Olympic medalist has had a mixed season, with strong performances at the European Indoor Championships but a disappointing showing at the World Cup in Antalya. This week’s event will be a critical test of his readiness for the upcoming World Championships.
- Swiss Contingent: While the full list of Swiss participants has not been released, archers from neighboring Switzerland have historically performed well in Torpes. Maintain an eye on rising stars like Florian Faber, who won gold at last year’s European Outdoor Championships.
- Local Pride: Torpes’ own archers, including members of Les Compagnons de la Combe aux Faives, will be competing for top honors. For many, this is a chance to prove themselves against some of the best in the world.
- Weather Conditions: Outdoor archery is highly sensitive to wind and rain. With forecasts predicting variable conditions, archers will need to adapt quickly to maintain their accuracy.
How to Follow the Competition
For fans unable to attend in person, the competition will be streamed live on the French Archery Federation’s official website. Updates will also be posted on the federation’s social media channels, including Twitter and Instagram.
Spectators attending the event are advised to arrive early, as seating at the Pas de la Chaule is limited. Admission is free, and food and beverage stands will be available on-site. For those traveling from outside the region, the nearest major city is Besançon, approximately 15 kilometers away, with ample parking available near the venue.
What’s Next for Torpes and Its Archers?
For Torpes, this week’s competition is a chance to reinforce its status as a premier destination for archery in Europe. The event also serves as a precursor to the 2026 French National Championships, which will be held in nearby Montbéliard later this summer. Many of the archers competing in Torpes will use this event as a final opportunity to fine-tune their form before the nationals.
For Jean-Charles Valladont, the stakes are even higher. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, this competition is a critical step in his preparation. A strong performance in Torpes could solidify his position as a favorite for France’s Olympic team, while a disappointing showing could open the door for younger archers to challenge his dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Who: 260 archers from Switzerland and beyond, including Olympic medalist Jean-Charles Valladont.
- What: A three-day international archery competition featuring recurve and compound bow events.
- When: May 1–3, 2026. Finals on Sunday, May 3.
- Where: Pas de la Chaule, Torpes, France (15 km from Besançon).
- Why It Matters: A critical tune-up for elite archers ahead of major international tournaments, including the World Championships and 2028 Olympics.
- How to Watch: Free admission for spectators; live stream available on the French Archery Federation’s website.
Final Thoughts
Torpes may be a small village, but this week, it will play host to some of the biggest names in archery. For the athletes, it’s a chance to test their skills against elite competition. For the organizers, it’s an opportunity to showcase the village’s passion for the sport and its world-class facilities. And for fans, it’s a rare glimpse into the world of competitive archery, where precision, focus, and mental toughness separate the best from the rest.
As the competition kicks off on Friday, all eyes will be on the Pas de la Chaule—and on the archers who call Torpes a second home. Don’t miss it.
Have you attended an archery competition before? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let us know which archers you’re most excited to watch this week!
