France offers far more than two weeks of tennis at Roland-Garros. Across the year, fans can watch Grand Slam champions on Parisian clay, see top players compete on indoor hard courts, and discover smaller clay-court events in cities such as Rouen and Saint-Malo.
The biggest tournaments in France are the French Open and the Rolex Paris Masters, but the best event for you depends on the season, surface and atmosphere you want. Here’s a practical guide to the main tournaments, what makes each one different, and what to consider when planning a visit.
Major tennis tournaments in France
France’s tennis calendar covers several levels of the sport, from Grand Slams and ATP and WTA Tour events to Challenger and WTA 125 tournaments. Dates and event status can change from year to year, so check the official tournament schedule before booking travel.
| Tournament | Location | Typical surface | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Open (Roland-Garros) | Paris | Outdoor clay | One of the four Grand Slam tournaments |
| Rolex Paris Masters | Paris area | Indoor hard | High-level ATP event late in the season |
| Open Occitanie | Montpellier | Indoor hard | Fast, close-up ATP tennis |
| Open 13 Provence | Marseille | Indoor hard | Strong serving and attacking play |
| WTA Strasbourg | Strasbourg | Outdoor clay | Women’s tour event before Roland-Garros |
| WTA Rouen | Rouen | Indoor clay | A distinctive clay event under a roof |
French Open: the country’s biggest tennis event
The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is played in Paris each year in late May and early June. It is the only Grand Slam tournament held on clay. The surface slows the ball and creates a high bounce, so players often need to build points patiently rather than finish them with one powerful shot.
That makes the matches rewarding to watch in person. A rally can shift several times as players use heavy topspin, angles and drop shots to move an opponent out of position. Sliding into shots is common, and fitness matters: a player may need to win a point through several changes of pace and direction.
The tournament takes place at the Roland-Garros grounds in western Paris. The main courts draw the biggest crowds, but smaller outside courts can offer an excellent view of rising players and doubles matches. For a first visit, compare ticket options carefully: access to a show court is different from grounds admission, and popular sessions can sell quickly. Book through the tournament’s official channels and check the entry details before you go.
Rolex Paris Masters: indoor tennis in the autumn
The Rolex Paris Masters is a major men’s ATP tournament played on indoor hard courts, usually near the end of the season. Unlike Roland-Garros, it rewards quick reactions and aggressive tennis. The indoor conditions remove wind and sun from the equation, while the surface encourages players to take the ball early and look for short points.
Since 2025, the tournament has been held at Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre, west of central Paris, rather than its former home at Bercy. Check the current venue and transport advice when planning a trip, especially if you are staying near central Paris. The event is part of the ATP Masters 1000 series, so the draw often includes many of the leading men’s players.
Other French ATP tournaments
Open Occitanie in Montpellier
Montpellier’s Open Occitanie is an indoor hard-court event, generally held early in the season. The compact arena makes it easy to follow the action, and the conditions often suit players who serve well and attack from the baseline. It can be a good choice for fans who want high-level tennis without the scale of a Grand Slam crowd.
Open 13 Provence in Marseille
Marseille’s Open 13 Provence is another indoor hard-court tournament. Fast courts and a roof tend to put a premium on the serve, first-strike tennis and quick movement toward the net. It’s a useful event for watching how players handle a different challenge from the slower clay courts that dominate the French spring.
Metz and other events
Metz has also hosted an ATP tournament, while France regularly stages Challenger events that give fans a closer look at players working their way up the rankings. The professional calendar can change, so treat older event listings as a starting point rather than a guarantee that a tournament will run in the same city or week every year.
Women’s tournaments beyond Roland-Garros
Strasbourg and Rouen are two useful events to know for women’s tennis. The Strasbourg tournament is played outdoors on clay in the run-up to Roland-Garros. Its timing makes it a chance to see players tune their movement and rally patterns on the surface before the Grand Slam begins.
Rouen offers a less common setup: clay courts indoors. That combination can produce longer clay-style rallies without the weather interruptions that can affect outdoor events. France also hosts WTA 125 tournaments, including events that have been held in places such as Saint-Malo and Limoges. These tournaments are smaller than WTA Tour events but can be a rewarding way to see emerging players up close.
How to choose a tournament to attend
- For the biggest occasion: Choose Roland-Garros, but plan well ahead for tickets and accommodation.
- For fast, attacking tennis: Look at the indoor events in Paris, Montpellier or Marseille.
- For clay-court tactics: Consider Roland-Garros, Strasbourg or Rouen.
- For a smaller venue: A WTA 125 or Challenger event can offer a more relaxed day and a close view of the court.
When comparing dates, check the official event site for the session schedule, ticket conditions, venue address and transport options. If you’re choosing between a day and an evening session, think about what you want to see: a day session may include several matches, while an evening session is usually more focused on a headline match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest tennis tournament in France?
The French Open at Roland-Garros is France’s biggest tennis tournament. It is a Grand Slam event and the only one played on clay.
When is the French Open held?
It usually takes place in late May and early June. Exact dates change each year, so check the tournament’s official calendar before making travel plans.
Is the Paris Masters played on clay?
No. The Rolex Paris Masters is played on indoor hard courts. Its quick conditions create a very different style of tennis from Roland-Garros.
Can I watch professional tennis in France outside Paris?
Yes. Montpellier, Marseille, Strasbourg and Rouen have hosted tour events, and France also stages smaller professional tournaments. Confirm the current season’s schedule, as locations and dates can change.
Final Thoughts
French tennis has a strong mix of surfaces, cities and tournament sizes. Roland-Garros is the essential stop for fans of clay-court tennis, while the Paris Masters and indoor events in Montpellier and Marseille offer a faster game. Strasbourg, Rouen and smaller tour events provide more ways to see professional tennis beyond the capital. Check the latest calendar before you book, then choose the event that suits the kind of tennis—and trip—you want.
