How popular is padel in France?TrustPadel▾
Padel is growing but still behind Spain and Sweden. The FFT reported around 20,000 licensed padel players in 2023, but the exact figure fluctuates. In terms of facilities, France has 1336 padel venues and 4301 courts in the current directory. The sport is particularly popular in the south-east and around Paris.
Where should I start if I want to play padel in France?TrustPadel▾
Start by checking the FFT's club directory or using this page's venue list. For beginners, book a 'découverte' session at a local club; most offer taster lessons. You don't need your own racket initially. Currently France has 1336 venues and 4301 courts, so there is likely one near you. If you live outside a major city, look for tennis clubs that have converted one or two courts.
Which French cities are the biggest padel hubs?TrustPadel▾
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux have the largest number of padel courts. In Paris alone, you can find more than a dozen dedicated centres. Nationally, France has 1336 venues and 4301 courts; the biggest concentration is in Île-de-France and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. However, no single city dominates the scene, and new courts are opening across the country.
Is there a padel governing body in France?TrustPadel▾
There is no separate padel federation. The Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) governs padel in France, having integrated it into its structure in 2014. The FFT manages competition, licensing, and coaching qualification. That means padel courts are often found at tennis clubs, but you do not need a tennis licence to play padel for fun.
How do padel court prices in France compare with Spain and Sweden?TrustPadel▾
Prices in France are roughly mid-range for Europe. A 60-minute court hire typically costs €6–€12 per person in France, compared with €4–€8 in Spain and €10–€15 in Sweden. Because France has 1336 venues and 4301 courts, availability and price vary by region; city centres are more expensive than suburban clubs.
What is the indoor vs outdoor split for padel courts in France?TrustPadel▾
France has a higher proportion of outdoor courts, especially in the south, but indoor and semi-covered courts are common in northern and central regions. The exact split is not published nationally, but in the 1336 venues tracked here, most feature at least one covered court. You can play all year round, though outdoor courts can close during wet weather.
