The estate of the Château d’Écouen in the Val-d’Oise department serves as the dramatic backdrop for the 2026 French 3D Archery Championships, bringing national competition to a historic Renaissance setting through August 16, 2026, according to regional tourism authorities.
A National Championship in a Renaissance Setting
Organized by the local club Archers d’Écouen, the tournament transforms the sprawling domain and surrounding forests into an extensive outdoor competitive course. Unlike traditional target archery held on flat, manicured ranges, 3D archery requires competitors to navigate natural terrain while aiming at three-dimensional animal targets. The setup tests precise distance estimation, elevation reading, and immediate technical mastery across varied outdoor environments.
Athletes to Watch on the Écouen Course
Several notable figures headline the entry lists across the multi-day competition, anchored by local standout Nino Molard. According to regional listings, Molard enters the event carrying titles as the 2024 French champion in both field archery and 3D archery, establishing him as a prominent athlete in the Val-d’Oise region. Additional top-tier competitors on the course include Charlotte Auriat-Garin, who captured the U18 3D national silver medal in 2025, alongside veteran parcours specialist Patrick Rogier and former individual 3D world champion Françoise Perrinel.
Public Access, Timelines, and Free Cultural Events
Competition action runs daily through August 16, featuring qualification rounds followed by elimination brackets and final medal ceremonies. Admission to the spectator areas and courses is entirely free for the public.
Beyond the competitive lanes, organizers have scheduled an array of supplementary public activities throughout the weekend. Visitors can access beginner archery initiation sessions, specialized demonstrations highlighting adaptive archery for visually impaired participants, and guided tours of the local Écouen forest and the 16th-century stained glass at Saint-Acceul Church. Furthermore, the National Renaissance Museum, located directly inside the Château d’Écouen, is hosting themed archery tours and youth workshops.
Cultural Programming and Practical Visitor Information
The tournament schedule pauses for a large public celebration on Friday, August 14, featuring live cultural performances. Scheduled highlights include a concert by local Val-d’Oise band Ember Drive, an artistic fencing demonstration by Compagnie Cyclone, and a Celtic rock performance by Trouz Ar Mor.
For spectators planning to attend the remaining days of competition at the Domaine du Château d’Écouen (Allée du Château, 95440 Écouen), on-site food and beverage options are available. Travelers arriving from Paris can reach the venue via a 20-minute train ride on the Transilien Line H, followed by a 20-minute walk from the local railway station.
Official updates and final medal results are published directly through the official portals of the Archers d’Écouen club as the championship concludes on August 16.
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