Écouen Hosts French 3D Archery Championship Amid Surge in Regional Sports Events
The town of Écouen in northern France will host the 2023 Championnat de France de Tir à l’Arc 3D, marking the first time the event has been held outside Paris since 2018, according to the French Archery Federation (FFA). The competition, scheduled for April 15-16, will feature over 300 athletes from 25 regions, with organizers citing a 20% increase in participation compared to last year’s event in Lyon.
The decision to move the championship to Écouen was announced in December 2022 by FFA president Marie Lefevre, who emphasized the town’s “ideal combination of historical venues and modern infrastructure” for archery. Écouen’s Parc de la Verrerie, a 120-hectare park with dedicated archery ranges, has been adapted to meet international 3D archery standards, including three new shooting stations and a spectator amphitheater.
3D archery, which involves shooting at life-sized, three-dimensional targets placed in natural settings, has seen a 40% rise in registered participants across France over the past two years, according to FFA records. The Écouen event will include both individual and team competitions, with prizes awarded to top finishers in categories spanning age groups and skill levels.
Why This Event Matters for Regional Sports Development
The selection of Écouen reflects broader efforts by French sports authorities to decentralize major competitions and boost local economies. A 2022 study by the National Institute for Sports and Physical Education found that hosting national events can generate up to €2.3 million in local revenue through tourism and hospitality. Écouen’s mayor, Jean-Pierre Dubois, stated the event will “put our town on the map as a hub for precision sports.”
The championship also aligns with the FFA’s 2025 strategic plan to increase youth participation by 15%. Local schools have partnered with the federation to offer free archery workshops during the event, with 200 students already enrolled. “This is about more than competition—it’s about inspiring the next generation,” said FFA spokesman Julien Moreau.
Key Competitors and Tactical Insights
Defending champion Thomas Lemoine of Lyon returns to Écouen as a top favorite, having won the 2022 title with a score of 287 out of 300. Lemoine, 34, is known for his precision in “long-range” 3D challenges, where targets are placed up to 60 meters away. His main rivals include regional standout Amélie Dufresne from Brittany, who holds the national record for fastest 30-arrow sequence (1 minute 12 seconds).
Tactical analysis from the FFA’s technical committee highlights the importance of terrain adaptation in 3D archery. “Unlike traditional target archery, competitors must account for elevation changes, wind patterns, and natural obstacles,” explained coach Marc Girard. “Écouen’s varied topography—ranging from forested areas to open meadows—will test athletes’ versatility.”
Logistical Preparations and Safety Measures
Over 150 volunteers have been trained to manage the event, with additional support from the French Red Cross. Safety protocols include mandatory equipment inspections and a 50-meter exclusion zone around shooting ranges. The FFA has also partnered with local emergency services to ensure rapid response times, citing a 2021 incident in Grenoble where a minor injury occurred due to equipment failure.
Public transportation has been adjusted to accommodate attendees, with free shuttle services operating between Écouen’s central train station and the Parc de la Verrerie. Parking will be limited to designated areas, and organizers urge spectators to arrive early to avoid delays.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The 3D archery championship in Écouen follows a trend of similar events across Europe. In 2022, the European 3D Archery Championships were held in Slovenia, drawing over 500 athletes from 18 countries. The FFA has since pledged to host a European qualifier in Écouen in 2024, pending approval from the European Archery Association.
For Écouen, the event represents a milestone in its sports infrastructure development. The town, with a population of 18,000, has invested €1.2 million in park renovations over the past three years, including the installation
