Padel: Paris to Host 3 New International Tournaments, Including Youth Event & Challenger Series

Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region are rapidly establishing themselves as a major hub for the burgeoning sport of padel, with plans for a significant expansion of international tournaments in the coming years. Building on the success of the Alpine Paris Major at Roland-Garros, the region will now host three additional international padel events, solidifying its position on the global padel circuit.

The development comes following validation between the International Padel Federation (FIP), the French Tennis Federation (FFT), and the clubs involved. This expansion underscores France’s growing commitment to padel, a sport gaining popularity across Europe and beyond. The move aims to capitalize on the increasing interest in padel and establish the Île-de-France as a premier destination for both players and fans.

Youth Development Takes Center Stage with FIP Promises Paris

One of the key additions to the calendar is the FIP Promises Paris by WME, a major international youth tournament that will be held in Lesigny (Seine-et-Marne) from July 15-19. This marks the second consecutive year Lesigny will host the event, demonstrating its suitability for showcasing young padel talent. The tournament, catering to players from U12 to U18 age groups, attracted 340 participants from 13 nations in its inaugural edition, making it the largest youth padel tournament outside of Spain and the second-largest in the history of the “NextGen” circuit.

“We aim for to do something big, be a reference for young players. The goal is to become ‘Les Petit As’ of padel,” explained Guillaume Solis, Vice-President of the Île-de-France Tennis League, referencing the prestigious youth tennis tournament. Organizers anticipate even larger crowds this year, with a new central court being constructed to accommodate hundreds of spectators.

A Stepping Stone to the Pros: FIP Bronze and Silver Tournaments in Marnes-la-Coquette

Further bolstering the region’s padel calendar are two new international tournaments planned for Marnes-la-Coquette (Hauts-de-Seine) in 2026. A FIP Bronze tournament is scheduled for May 18-24, followed by a FIP Silver tournament from August 31 to September 6. These tournaments, positioned in the lower tiers of the FIP circuit – comparable to the Challenger circuit in tennis – will provide valuable opportunities for up-and-coming players to gain experience and ranking points.

The FIP Silver tournament holds particular significance, taking place just one week before the Alpine Paris Major (September 7-13). Victor Teboul, the tournament organizer, emphasized the opportunity this presents. “We have that chance. It’s up to us to seize it to have a good first year and establish ourselves over time,” he said. “The objective is to attract players ranked in the Top 30/40/50 in the world. A week before a major tournament, some will want to come and get a feel for the conditions here.”

The Marnes-la-Coquette events will be held at the Forest Hill club, which boasts twelve outdoor courts, located less than ten kilometers from Roland-Garros. The FIP Silver tournament will feature a 32-team main draw, with qualifying rounds open to amateur players from France, offering a pathway for local talent to compete against international professionals.

Building on Momentum: Padel’s Growth in France

This expansion of the padel calendar in Île-de-France is part of a broader trend of growth for the sport in France. Cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille have already established themselves as hosts for major padel competitions, and Paris is now poised to take a leading role. The FFT and FIP are clearly focused on developing padel at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite competition.

All of these tournaments will be open to the public and free to attend, making them accessible to a wide audience. This commitment to inclusivity is a key factor in the sport’s growing popularity. The Île-de-France region is investing heavily in padel infrastructure, recognizing its potential to attract tourism and boost the local economy.

The success of these events will not only elevate the profile of padel in France but also contribute to the sport’s global development. With its strategic location, world-class facilities, and enthusiastic fan base, the Île-de-France is well-positioned to become a leading destination for padel enthusiasts worldwide.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on delivering successful tournaments and attracting top players to the region. The Alpine Paris Major remains the flagship event, but the addition of the FIP Promises Paris and the FIP Bronze and Silver tournaments will create a comprehensive padel ecosystem in Île-de-France, fostering growth and inspiring the next generation of players.

The next major event on the calendar is the FIP Promises Paris by WME, scheduled for July 15-19 in Lesigny. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the development of padel in France and around the world. Share your thoughts on the growth of padel in the comments below!