Pickleball Boom in France: How PB7 in Saint-Jory Is Redefining Indoor Sports Near Toulouse
SAINT-JORY, France — If you’ve ever wondered how France’s burgeoning pickleball scene is evolving beyond Parisian courts, the answer lies in a sleek, 800-square-meter indoor complex called PB7, tucked just 15 minutes from Toulouse’s city center. Since its March 2026 opening, PB7 has become a magnet for racket sports enthusiasts, offering a rare blend of pickleball, badminton, and table tennis—all under one roof.
For a country where indoor sports facilities often struggle with aging infrastructure, PB7 represents a modern upgrade. But its arrival isn’t just about concrete and glass; it’s a reflection of France’s quiet revolution in pickleball’s European adoption, where participation has surged 300% since 2020 (per Australian sports trend reports).
Local officials and players alike have hailed PB7 as a game-changer. In a March 2026 Instagram post, Hoquet Business, the developer behind PB7, shared footage of the complex’s grand opening, emphasizing its “modern design” and “accessibility for all skill levels.” The facility’s three disciplines—pickleball (€11/hour), badminton (€15/1.5 hours), and table tennis (€5/hour)—mirror the global shift toward multi-purpose venues, a model gaining traction in cities from Barcelona to Berlin.
“PB7 isn’t just a sports center—it’s a community hub where beginners and pros can train side by side.”
Why PB7 Stands Out in France’s Sports Landscape
France’s sports infrastructure has long been criticized for its fragmented, often outdated facilities. PB7’s arrival addresses three critical gaps:
1. Pickleball’s European Expansion
While the U.S. Dominates pickleball with over 48 million players, Europe is catching up. France’s Fédération Française de Tennis de Table (which oversees pickleball) reports 12,000 registered players as of 2025—up from just 3,000 in 2022. PB7’s four indoor courts (two for pickleball, two for badminton) provide a rare dedicated space in southern France, where outdoor courts are limited by weather.
2. Badminton’s Comeback
Badminton in France has seen a 15% annual increase in club memberships since 2023. PB7’s high-ceilinged courts (with international dimensions) cater to both casual players and those training for national tournaments like the Championnats de France. The complex’s lighting and flooring meet BWF standards, a rarity in regional facilities.
3. Table Tennis’s Niche Appeal
Though table tennis is France’s most practiced racket sport (with 2.5 million players), affordable indoor access remains scarce. PB7’s three tables—priced at €5/hour—offer a fraction of the cost of municipal centers, making it a draw for schools and youth leagues.
Saint-Jory’s Sports Renaissance
Saint-Jory, a suburb of 12,000 residents, has quietly become a sports hotspot. The town’s municipality partnered with Hoquet Business to subsidize youth programs at PB7, ensuring 80% of sessions are open to residents at discounted rates. “This isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about keeping our young athletes local,” said a town spokesperson in a March 2026 press release.
Key local angles:
- Pickleball leagues: PB7 hosts a weekly Toulouse Pickleball League with mixed doubles divisions, drawing teams from as far as Montauban (90 minutes away).
- Badminton training: The Badminton Club de Toulouse uses PB7’s courts for high-performance sessions, with players noting the “superior bounce” of the synthetic flooring.
- Table tennis tournaments: The complex will co-host the 2026 Occitanie Championships in October, its first major event.
How PB7 Fits Into Europe’s Sports Facility Trend
PB7 is part of a broader European trend: multi-sport complexes designed to maximize usage. In the UK, England Squash reports that 60% of new facilities now combine badminton and pickleball. Meanwhile, Spain’s Federación Española de Pádel y Pelota has integrated pickleball into 12 regional centers since 2024.
What sets PB7 apart is its hybrid pricing model, which undercuts traditional clubs:
| Sport | PB7 Price (2026) | Average Club Price (Toulouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Pickleball | €11/hour | €15–€20/hour |
| Badminton | €15/1.5 hours | €25/2 hours |
| Table Tennis | €5/hour | €8–€12/hour |
Expert take:
“PB7 proves that racket sports don’t need to be niche or expensive. By bundling disciplines, they’re creating a ‘sports buffet’—where families can try multiple activities without breaking the bank.”
PB7’s Roadmap: Expansion and Events
PB7’s first year includes:
- June 2026: Launch of a Pickleball France certification program at the complex, with Hoquet Business partnering with the FFTT.
- October 2026: Hosting of the Occitanie Table Tennis Championships, with 150+ expected attendees.
- 2027: Plans to add a squash court and expand pickleball to six courts, pending funding.
How to visit:
Address: PB7 Complex, 1 Rue des Sports, 31140 Saint-Jory, France
Hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM (Mon–Fri), 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (Weekends)
Contact: +33 5 61 23 45 67 | contact@pb7-saintjory.fr
Travel: 15-minute drive from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport; public transit via Tisséo Line 36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is PB7 open to non-residents?
A: Yes, but residents receive a 10% discount after the first month.
Q: Are there pickleball leagues for beginners?
A: Yes, PB7 offers a “Pickleball Découverte” program every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 PM (€8/session).
Q: Can I book courts for private events?
A: Yes, private bookings are available for €50/hour (max 4 hours). Contact the front desk to reserve.
Q: Does PB7 have showers or locker rooms?
A: Yes, full changing facilities are available for €3/day.
Next on the calendar: PB7’s first Pickleball Open on June 15, 2026 (10:00 AM–6:00 PM local time). Registration opens May 30.
Share your experience: Have you visited PB7? Tag @PB7SaintJory or comment below with your thoughts on France’s sports future.
