How I Enjoyed the French Open with Inexpensive Tickets
In June 2025, I finally made it to the French Open—Roland-Garros! While I didn’t manage to get into Centre Court (Court Philippe-Chatrier), I spent the day exploring the grounds, watching matches on the outside courts, and soaking up the excitement that fills the air. Best of all? My French Open tickets didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the French Open in person, it’s absolutely worth going—even if you’re not court side for the big matches. In this post, I’ll share how I got affordable tickets, how I got there, and what the experience was like once inside.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. It helps support the running of this website and I do appreciate your help.*
You’ll notice in this post that while I’m not including photos of the actual matches or inside the courts, I do have a few snapshots to give you a feel for the atmosphere—like me in front of the official Roland-Garros photo backdrop, the impressive architecture of the Centre Court building, the enthusiastic crowd watching the giant screen outside all the courts, and the Rafael Nadal sculpture at the entrance. These were all taken in public areas outside the match zones, where photography is permitted.
A quick note about photos and videos at Roland-Garros:
The Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT) has strict rules about sharing match photos or videos taken inside the stadium. I actually had videos removed from Facebook and Instagram, so the only photos I’m sharing are from public areas—no match play or players in action.
Table of Contents
1. How I Got Inexpensive French Open Tickets
In early 2025 I started seeing posts from Roland-Garros about tickets for the French Open (May 18-June 9, 2025). Ticket access depends on who you are:
- French tennis club members-early access from February 10)
- Premium packages-available in early March; include lounge access, gourmet food, and better seating
- Public sale draw-for those who registered in December
- Last minute sales– for Opening Week and second-week outside courts.
What I Did
I subscribed to Roland-Garros emails, downloaded the app, and entered the public sale draw.
My name wasn’t selected but when new tickets were released, I grabbed one for June 6. It gave me access to all the outside courts, shops, and food stands, but not Centre Court).
Grandstand tickets are pricey and often bundled with premium packages, so I was happy with my 33 € ticket (29 € + 4 € fee)—it offered plenty to see.
Tickets For The 2026 French Open
For the 2026 French Open (May 18–June 7), the draw system continues. Here are the main dates:
- Dec 3–17, 2025: Register for the public sales draw*
- Feb 10–16: FFT (French Tennis Federation) member sales
- Late Feb: Successful draw entrants receive 2 designated days to buy tickets
- Mar 3–6: Premium ticket sales
- Apr 1: Sales open for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users (PWD/WCU)
- End of March: Opening Week & 2nd Week Outside Courts tickets
- End of April: Last-minute sales
*How the public sales draw works:
- Register between Dec 3–17
- You’ll be notified by email by the end of February
- If chosen, you’ll get a 2-day slot to access the ticket portal (note: access doesn’t guarantee your preferred tickets)
Important Roland-Garros Web Pages
2. Getting to Roland-Garros: Travel and Arrival
I was staying in the 11th arrondissement near Place de la Bastille, about an hour away by Metro. Entry gates are specific to your ticket, so check the Roland-Garros website before going. Security is thorough—bags are checked, and you pass through metal detectors. You can’t bring large bags, glass containers, or alcohol, but food and non-alcoholic drinks are fine.
3. What I Brought
Some friends suggested bringing food (and I did), but I found plenty of reasonably priced options inside. My ice cream was 4.5 €, and there were sandwiches, drinks, and snacks everywhere. Bring a rain jacket instead of an umbrella—some courts aren’t covered, and Paris weather can change quickly.
4. What It’s Like Inside Stade Roland-Garros
Named after World War I pilot Roland Garros, the stadium was built in 1928 and renovated in 2019, adding several new courts including Court Simonne-Mathieu and updating Court Philippe-Chatrier.
A Distinctive Architectural Style
Court Philippe-Chatrier immediately caught my eye. Its modern wire-mesh façade features laser-cut aluminum letters of varying sizes mounted on a steel frame, repeatedly spelling out “Stade Roland-Garros.” The design gives the stadium a clean and modern look.
Spacious and Easy to Explore
Even with thousands of visitors, Roland-Garros didn’t feel crowded. The complex spans about 21 acres and has 21 courts, so there’s plenty of room to move around. Once inside, I headed straight to Philippe-Chatrier before exploring the rest of the grounds.
I moved easily between courts and found seats for most matches, including Men’s Legends doubles, the Men’s wheelchair semi-finals, and both Women’s and Men’s doubles semi-finals.
Unique Courts and Green Spaces
Some of the courts were open to the sky and some were partially covered. Both Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen have retractable roofs with the latter completed just before the Paris Olympics in 2024. Court Simonne-Mathieu is nestled within the Jardin des Serres and is surrounded by greenhouses.
In the central plaza, spectators lounged on chairs in front of a giant screen showing live matches. Nearby stood sculptures of tennis greats, including Henri Cochet, one of the famed “Four Musketeers” (Les Quatre Mousquetaires) who dominated tennis in the 1920s and 1930s.
Exploring The Grounds
Food kiosks offered sandwiches, pastries, drinks (yes, champagne), and souvenirs. The large two-level merchandise boutique had everything from towels to stuffed animals. i couldn’t resist a dark green Roland-Garros t-shirt. It was a bit pricey, but excellent quality and a perfect momento.
5. The French Open Fan Zone at Place de la Concorde
In 2025, the French Open organization set up a fan area at Place de la Concorde in central Paris, complete with bleachers, a huge video screen showing live matches, a few food trucks, and a Roland-Garros merchandise trailer. It’s a fun, free way to soak up the atmosphere if you can’t get tickets—or just want to extend your French Open experience. Hopefully they’ll continue having this fan zone every year.
6. Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
If you want to visit Roland-Garros here’s my advice:
- Check the weather: bring a rain jacket or hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
- Plan your matches: the app lists each day’s schedule but you’ll enjoy wandering around too
- Pack smart: wear comfortable clothes, sunglasses and maybe a seat cushion for multi-day visits as the seats are plastic and not padded.
- Explore the grounds: some outside courts had many seats available and others did not. It just depends who is playing.
7. Why It’s Worth Going To The French Open
I think the French Open is worth visiting, especially if it’s not your first time in Paris or you’re a tennis fan. General admission gives you plenty to see and a wonderful atmosphere. I didn’t need Centre Court to enjoy it, and my t-shirt souvenir brings back great memories.
This experience was part of my 40th trip to France (read about that trip here: 40th Trip) and, like every visit, I found something new to appreciate about Paris.
8. Planning Your Trip: Where To Stay And Eat In Paris
(a) Where To Stay In Paris
When I attended the French Open, I again stayed again at the Citadines Bastille Marais in the 11th arrondissement. I don’t rent Airbnbs anymore and find Citadines a much better option. I don’t rent Airbnbs anymore and find Citadines a much better option. You can read why in this post:
Better Alternative to Airbnb: Citadines Apartment In Paris
For a place closer to Roland-Garros, consider the Citadines Apart’hotel Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement.
You’ll also find a roundup of other hotels I’ve stayed at here: Hotels In Paris
(b) Where To Eat In Paris
If you’re looking for great food back in the city, check out my guide to my favourite spots by type—bouillons, boeuf bourguignon, soufflés, and more:
Where To Eat In Paris? 12 Must-Try Restaurants (Listed By Type)
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