France Judo will bring its premier domestic competition to the Vendéspace in Mouilleron-le-Captif for the first time on Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29, 2026, bringing the country’s top senior judokas to the region near La Roche-sur-Yon, infos-media-nantes.fr reported. Competition starts at 9 a.m. local time on both days, with afternoon final blocks deciding national champions across fourteen weight classes.
The tournament serves as a key domestic benchmark and acts as a selection qualifier for the Paris Grand Slam scheduled for February 5, 6, and 7, 2027, according to federation criteria. France Judo also positions the weekend as an essential preparatory checkpoint for the broader 2027 international season.
The previous edition of the senior first-division championships took place in Saint-Étienne in December 2025. Moving the tournament to the Vendéspace places the national showcase in the Vendée department, drawing mobilization from local sports clubs and regional volunteers.
Opening Day Schedule and Weight Classes for November 28
The opening day on Saturday, November 28, 2026, features the lighter women’s divisions and four men’s weight categories. Elimination rounds begin at 9 a.m., followed by the final block for bronze medals and national titles at 2:30 p.m.
The women’s program for Saturday covers the under-48 kg, under-52 kg, and under-57 kg categories. The men’s schedule features the under-60 kg, under-66 kg, under-73 kg, and under-81 kg divisions. As is standard in single-elimination tournament formats, exact match durations can shift the timing of the afternoon finals.
Competition Resumes with Final Weight Classes on Sunday
Competition resumes on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. with preliminary rounds for the remaining weight classes, leading into a final block starting at 2 p.m.
Sunday’s bouts complete the fourteen-division lineup. The women contest the under-63 kg, under-70 kg, under-78 kg, and over-78 kg classes, while the men close out the weekend in the under-90 kg, under-100 kg, and over-100 kg categories.
Ticket Prices and Spectator Admission Options
France Judo has set standard single-day adult admission at 14 €. Tickets for children under 12 cost 8 €, while children under 4 enter free of charge.
Groups of more than ten people qualify for a reduced rate of 11 € per person. Organizers also offer a two-day pass priced at 25 € covering general admission for both Saturday and Sunday, according to the conditions of the organizer.
Travel and Arena Access at Parc de Beaupuy
The Vendéspace sits within the Parc de Beaupuy in Mouilleron-le-Captif, just outside La Roche-sur-Yon. Drivers can reach the venue via the A87 motorway, with parking available directly on site.
Public transit users can rely on the Impulsyon bus network, which serves the Vendéspace stop via lines 1, 2, 7, and 12, alongside nighttime routes N1 and N2 depending on the evening. Spectators arriving by train at La Roche-sur-Yon station must arrange a connecting bus or another means of transport to reach the arena.
Worth a look
