Behind the scenes at the Roland-Garros Stadium

Exploring the Hidden Corners of Roland-Garros: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour

If you’re a tennis enthusiast or simply a lover of iconic sports venues, a tour of Roland-Garros promises a unique peek into the heart of French tennis. While most visitors admire the grandeur from afar, this guided experience takes you into the very spaces where champions are made—from the locker rooms to the presidential box. It’s an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of legends like Nadal, Graf, and Borg, with stories and secrets thrown in along the way.

What we love about this tour is how it offers more than just photos; it’s an intimate look at the inner workings of one of the sport’s most famous stadiums. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, packed with anecdotes about tennis icons and the stadium’s evolution. The chance to see the clay court up close, especially stepping onto it (a little unofficially), makes the experience feel personal and exhilarating. Plus, the new Philippe-Chatrier court’s architecture and high-tech features make this tour a modern marvel.

One thing to consider is that some areas might be inaccessible during busy event days, which can limit what you see. It’s best suited for those with a genuine interest in tennis history or fans eager to get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium’s inner sanctum. If you’re after a comprehensive, well-guided visit that combines sport, history, and architecture, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Key Points

• In-Depth Access: Walk through press rooms, locker rooms, and the corridor leading to the court—areas rarely open to the public.
• Legendary Stories: The guide shares fascinating anecdotes about tennis legends and the stadium’s history.
• Modern Architecture: Discover the technological and architectural features of the Philippe-Chatrier court.
• Authentic Experience: Even the most dedicated tennis fans will enjoy stepping onto the clay court—albeit unofficially.
• Value for Money: At approximately $22.42, it offers a memorable, behind-the-scenes look for a reasonable price.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains a personal, engaging atmosphere.

The Tour Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Point and Group Dynamics

The journey begins at 1 Av. Gordon Bennett, conveniently near public transportation, making it easy to find. Expect to arrive 15 minutes early—latecomers aren’t accepted, and no refunds are given for missing the start. The tour is designed for up to 30 people, so it feels intimate enough to ask questions and get personalized attention.

Guided Tour Highlights

The guide (notably, many reviewers praised guides like Lionel and Mathurin for their enthusiasm and knowledge) leads you through the stadium’s core areas. You’ll step into the press rooms, where post-match interviews are usually conducted, and see the locker rooms where players prepare for their matches. One reviewer fondly remembers the guide sharing tidbits about Nadal and Federer, making the experience feel like a chat with a tennis insider.

Access to the presidential stand is a highlight, giving you a sense of the VIP experience. The corridor that leads players to the clay court—normally off-limits—is a real treat. Multiple reviews mention how loved the way the guide shared stories about the stadium’s historical moments, from the “Four Musketeers” to current legends.

Stepping onto the Clay Court

One of the most memorable moments is actually walking onto the famous clay court. While officially restricted, guides often let curious visitors step onto the surface—a fun, slightly daring moment that fans cherish. Several reviews mention how surreal it felt to stand on the same ground as Rafael Nadal, whose mastery on that court has earned him numerous titles.

Exploring the Modern Philippe-Chatrier Court

The tour also features a detailed look at the new Philippe-Chatrier court, a stunning example of cutting-edge design and technology. Visitors can expect to learn about the stadium’s architectural innovations and how they enhance the spectator experience. Reviewers loved hearing about the stadium’s evolution and the blending of tradition with modern flair.

End of Tour and Opportunities for Shopping

The tour concludes at the Boutique Roland-Garros. It’s a good chance to pick up souvenirs—although the shop is open from 09:30 to 18:30, so plan accordingly if you want to browse after or before your tour.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides and Stories

Many reviews highlight the guides’ expertise—some mentioned guides like Lionel knowing every detail and even speaking multiple languages. They bring the stadium alive with stories about players, historic matches, and the architecture. It’s like chatting with a tennis history buff who loves sharing inside tidbits.

Authentic, Behind-the-Scenes Experience

Unlike typical stadium tours, this one gets you into the spaces players see, such as the locker rooms and press rooms. Several visitors noted how special it was to walk the corridors players walk, and even step onto the court—memories that stay with tennis lovers long after the visit.

Visual and Architectural Marvels

The new Philippe-Chatrier court’s design and technological features fascinate visitors. This part of the tour emphasizes how innovation plays a role in modern tennis, making it appealing to fans of architecture and sports technology alike.

Value and Accessibility

At around $22.42 per person, the tour offers a lot for its price. For tennis fans, it’s a chance to connect with the sport on a level most visitors miss. The small-group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere and allows meaningful interaction with guides.

Considerations and Tips

While most reviewers had positive experiences, a few pointed out potential drawbacks. During busy event days, some areas might be off-limits or inaccessible, so it’s worth checking ahead if there’s a specific part you want to see. Also, to maximize your experience, arrive early and be prepared for about 1 hour 30 minutes of guided exploration.

Some reviews mention the unofficial step onto the clay court—this isn’t officially permitted, so do so at your own risk. If you’re a die-hard tennis fan, though, you’ll probably find this small “rebellion” a highlight.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience suits tennis enthusiasts eager to see more than just the scoreboard and seats. It’s ideal if you appreciate history, architecture, and stories behind the game. Family groups, especially those with children who love tennis, find it engaging and memorable. It’s also a good choice for travelers wanting a more personal, behind-the-scenes look at a legendary stadium.

If you’re looking for a quick, superficial visit, this tour might be too detailed. But for those who want to really feel the stadium’s pulse and learn about its storied past, it offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to see key areas and hear stories without feeling rushed.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, entrance to the stadium, and access to various behind-the-scenes areas, such as press rooms and locker rooms.

Are the areas accessible during busy days?
Some spaces might be inaccessible if there are events or activities, so it’s wise to confirm availability or check in advance.

Can I walk on the clay court?
While it’s generally restricted, guides often allow visitors to step onto the clay—an unofficial but cherished moment for tennis fans.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and it appeals particularly to those interested in tennis history and architecture. Be mindful of the tour’s duration if traveling with very young children.

How do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is at 1 Av. Gordon Bennett. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start; late arrivals won’t be able to join the tour.

Final Thoughts

A behind-the-scenes tour of Roland-Garros is a fantastic addition to any tennis lover’s trip to Paris. You’ll get exclusive access to areas normally closed to the public, hear captivating stories, and walk onto the legendary courts. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make it a lively experience, especially for those eager to learn the nuances of tennis’s most famous stadium.

For fans wanting to connect with the sport on a personal level and see the stadium’s architecture and history firsthand, this tour offers great value. Even non-tennis fans can appreciate the design and stories, making it a well-rounded cultural experience.

Overall, if you’re visiting Paris and love tennis, this tour is a worthwhile investment that promises memorable moments and insider insights. Just remember to arrive early, keep expectations flexible around event days, and enjoy stepping into the world of champions.