Roland-Garros 2026: Complete Guide to the French Open in Paris

Roland-Garros is the second Grand Slam of the tennis season and the crown jewel of the clay-court swing. Unlike the fast hard courts of the Australian and US Opens or the grass of Wimbledon, the crushed-brick clay at Roland-Garros produces slower play, higher bounces and longer rallies, rewarding stamina, patience and tactical intelligence. This surface has produced some of the sport's greatest champions and most memorable marathon matches.

The tournament is played across the stadium's showcourts, headlined by Court Philippe-Chatrier with its retractable roof, followed by the striking sunken Court Suzanne-Lenglen and the intimate Court Simonne-Mathieu set within botanical greenhouses. Matches run daily from the qualifying rounds through to the singles finals, with men's and women's singles, doubles, mixed doubles, junior and wheelchair competitions all sharing the schedule.

For 2026 the main draw is scheduled to run from late May into early June, preceded by a week of qualifying. As always, exact daily orders of play are confirmed by the organisers as the tournament approaches.

Tickets for Roland-Garros are sold primarily through the official rolandgarros.com website. The public sale is preceded by priority windows for members of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and newsletter subscribers, so registering in advance improves your chances for the most popular days. Demand is high, particularly for the second week and the finals weekend.

Ground passes offer the best value, giving access to the outside courts and the grounds, with prices typically starting around EUR 35 for early-round days. Seated tickets for Court Philippe-Chatrier and Court Suzanne-Lenglen cost more and rise steeply for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, ranging up into the hundreds of euros depending on the session and seat category.

Early-round days during the first week are the sweet spot for fans who want to see many stars up close on the outside courts for a modest price. If you're set on the latter stages, plan and budget well ahead, as those sessions sell out quickly.

The stadium sits in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, next to the Bois de Boulogne. The most convenient way to arrive is by public transport: Metro Line 10 (Porte d'Auteuil) and Line 9 (Michel-Ange-Molitor) are within walking distance, and additional shuttle and bus services operate during the tournament. Driving and parking near the venue are heavily restricted during the event, so public transport is strongly recommended.

Paris is served by Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, both well connected to the city centre by train and bus. Once in the city, the efficient Metro network makes reaching the stadium straightforward from almost anywhere. Allow extra time on busy days, as security checks and crowds can slow entry.

Gates typically open a couple of hours before play begins. Arriving early lets you explore the grounds, visit the Roland-Garros museum and watch practice sessions before the day's matches.

Late May and early June in Paris bring warm but variable weather, with the chance of both sunshine and rain. Court Philippe-Chatrier's roof keeps play going on its centre court, but outside courts are exposed, so bring sun protection, a hat and a light rain layer. Comfortable shoes are essential for a day spent walking between courts.

The grounds offer a range of restaurants, cafes and food stands serving French classics alongside international options, and the atmosphere in the fan zones between matches is lively and family-friendly. Standard security rules apply, with restrictions on large bags and outside items, so travel light.

Beyond the tennis, allow time to soak up the setting. The complex blends modern arenas with gardens and the greenhouse-framed Court Simonne-Mathieu, making it one of the most attractive Grand Slam venues in the world.

Roland-Garros pairs naturally with a broader Paris getaway. The tournament's location on the western edge of the city puts you within easy reach of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the museums of the Rive Droite. Many visitors build a long weekend or week around a match day, combining tennis with sightseeing, dining and shopping.

Accommodation across Paris fills up during the tournament, so book early, especially for the finals weekend. Neighbourhoods with strong Metro links to Line 9 or Line 10 make commuting to the stadium simple. Staying central also lets you enjoy the city's evening atmosphere after the day's play concludes.

Whether you're a lifelong tennis fan or a first-time visitor, experiencing a Grand Slam in one of the world's great cities makes Roland-Garros 2026 a memorable trip well beyond the baseline.