A Visitor’s Guide to the French Open at Roland Garros

May 16, 2025

Each spring, tennis fans from around the world flock to Paris for one of the sport’s most prestigious events: the French Open, or as the locals call it, Roland-Garros. Set against the elegant backdrop of Paris’s 16th arrondissement, the tournament offers not only thrilling matches but a uniquely French atmosphere that makes it unlike any other Grand Slam. This year, the tournament will take place from May 25 through June 8, 2025.

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A Brief History of Roland-Garros

The French Open began in 1891 as a national competition limited to French tennis players. It wasn’t until 1925 that it opened to international competitors, quickly gaining prestige. The current venue, Stade Roland-Garros, was inaugurated in 1928 and named after Roland Garros, a pioneering French aviator and World War I hero. (So, not a tennis player!)

But what truly sets this tournament apart are the iconic red clay courts. Slower than grass or hard courts, clay is a different challenge for these world champions. It’s a battleground where legends are made—and often humbled.

Here is a fun video (in English) that I show my students from “French Connections” by France 24 to sum up some of the history of this iconic sporting event:

When Is the French Open?

The French Open typically takes place from late May to early June, lasting two weeks. In 2025, the main draw is scheduled to begin on May 25, with the finals wrapping up on June 8.

Key dates to note:

Qualifying rounds: May 19–23

Main tournament: May 25 – June 8

Men’s Final: June 8

Women’s Final: June 7

How to Get Tickets to Roland-Garros

Tickets go on sale to the general public in March, and they sell out fast—especially for the main courts (Philippe-Chatrier, Suzanne-Lenglen, and Simonne-Mathieu).

Where to buy tickets:

The official site: tickets.rolandgarros.com. Buyers should be wary of resellers if possible, to avoid counterfeit tickets.

Types of Tickets

The Grounds Pass is more affordable and gives access to outside courts and practice sessions. The Stadium Tickets allow you to reserve a seat in one of the main stadiums and still enjoy the rest of the grounds. You could consider attending during the first week for a better chance to see top players up close on smaller courts.

Getting There

Stade Roland-Garros is located in the 16th arrondissement, near the Bois de Boulogne.

Metro access:

By metro, the stops are Line 10/ Porte d’Auteuil and on Line 9 Michel-Ange Auteuil or Michel-Ange Molitor. From here it’s about a 10-minute walk from the metro stations to the stadium. Bus lines 22, 32, 52, 62, 72, or 123 also serve the area. Go to RATP.fr for public transportation itineraries.

What Else to Expect

Food options range from casual stands to upscale bistros. Don’t miss the Roland-Garros Boutique for official merchandise. Dress comfortably, but Parisians do chic sportswear well—think linen, sunglasses, and layers.

Roland-Garros Legends

Rafael Nadal holds the record with 14 French Open titles. Other iconic champions include Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Björn Borg, and Justine Henin. However, the French have a particular love for Yannick Noah, the French player who won Roland Garros in 1983.

Final Tips for Visitors

Arrive early as security lines can be long. Bring a hat and sunscreen as the clay courts reflect the sun intensely (although, you could just as easily have rain in May/June!). Most of all, know your tennis etiquette as a spectator – manners are a must!

Whether you’re a tennis aficionado or a curious traveler, attending the French Open is a great ‘bucket-list’ item, especially if you’ve been to Paris several times and are looking for a new adventure in the City of Lights.

Where to Stay in Paris?

Here is a short list of hotels in the 8th, the 16th and the 17th, which are in very close proximity to the French Open:

Hôtel Raphael (currently closed for renovation until Spring 2026)

Address: 17 Avenue Kleber, 75016, Paris, France (16th Arr. – Arc de Triomphe)

Hôtel L’Eldorado Paris

Address: 18 Rue Des Dames, 75017, Paris, France

Miss fuller

Address: 11 avenue Mac Mahon, 75017, Paris, France, (17th Arr. – Parc Monceau/Place Clichy)

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