Paris’s Grand Slam In May: Your Complete Guide To Roland-Garros

For Londoners planning a spring weekend in Paris, the French Open is one of the easiest Grand Slams to attend. Taking place from 24 May to 7 June 2026 at Roland-Garros presented by BNP Paribas – one of the longest-running title sponsorships in international sport – the championship signals the start of the European summer tennis season.

The stadium takes its name not from a tennis player but from the pioneering French aviator celebrated for completing the first solo flight across the Mediterranean in 1913. Since 1928, the tournament has been held in the 16th arrondissement, and Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam played on clay – a surface closely associated with Rafael Nadal, who won the title a record 14 times here. Clay courts slow the ball and produce longer rallies and more tactical matches, making Roland-Garros one of the most demanding titles in tennis.

The tournament attracts major partnerships too: Rolex, Lacoste, Perrier and Mastercard all feature prominently. And with direct Eurostar services from London to Paris in just over two hours, it’s one of the most accessible Grand Slams to experience in person.

Carlos Alcaraz Lifts The Musketeers’ Trophy After Winning Back-To-Back Roland-Garros Titles. (Rolex 2025)

Who’s Playing At The French Open 2026

The official entry list already points to a strong field across both singles competitions, with all Top 10 men currently included. In the men’s tournament, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominate, with Novak Djokovic also among the leading names expected in Paris alongside Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas, all of whom have reached the Roland-Garros final in recent years.

In the women’s competition, Iga Świątek has been a standout player on clay in Paris, having won the title four times. Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff, who returns as defending champion following her 2025 win, are also included this year. British interest comes from Cameron Norrie and Jack Draper in the men’s draw, and Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu in the women’s.

Stade-Roland-Garros. (Rolex)

What To Expect At Roland-Garros

The tournament runs across two weeks, with early-round matches spread across the main show courts and outer courts, so spectators can view several top players in a single day. Court Philippe-Chatrier is the main stadium, where the biggest matches are played, including the women’s and men’s singles finals on the final weekend.

The opening week includes a special ‘Gaël & Friends’ evening on 21 May on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with Gaël Monfils hosting a mix of tennis, music and entertainment as part of his final Roland-Garros season.

New for 2026, the tournament is hosting the Jardin des Chefs, a terrace dining space beside Court Simonne-Mathieu where leading French chefs and pastry chefs will present signature dishes throughout the fortnight.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Roland-Garros 2025. (Rolex)

Where & When

The French Open takes place from 24 May to 7 June 2026 at Stade Roland-Garros, 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, France.

Do I Need Tickets?

Tickets must be booked in advance through the official Roland-Garros ballot system. Early-round grounds passes provide the most flexible access across multiple courts, while second-week sessions and finals weekend sell out quickly. For those planning a longer visit, official hospitality packages include reserved seating on Court Philippe-Chatrier, private lounge access and dining experiences across the grounds. Book tickets at rolandgarros.com

Coco Gauff at Roland-Garros 2025. (Rolex)

How To Get There From London

Eurostar services run directly from St Pancras International to Gare du Nord in just 2.5 hours. From there, Metro Line 10 runs to Porte d’Auteuil, within easy walking distance of the stadium. Taxis from central Paris typically take around 30 minutes.

Ritz Paris

Where To Stay

If you’d like to stay conveniently close to the courts, Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris is within walking distance of Roland-Garros and sits in the same 16th arrondissement neighbourhood as the tournament itself.

Classic Paris addresses such as the Ritz Paris (home to the ultra-chic David Mallett salon for a pre-match pamper and blowout) and Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme are among the 5-star player favourites in a central location.

Roger Federer wins Roland Garros 2009. (Rolex)

What To Wear

Roland-Garros has a more relaxed dress code than Wimbledon. Think tailored separates, linen suiting and light summer dresses – keep it French with brands like Gérard Darel, Sézane, Maje and Rouje. Don’t forget sunglasses and a good, structured hat or a stylish Borsalino visor for long afternoons in the stands.

How To Watch At Home

In the UK, coverage of the French Open is broadcast live on Eurosport and streamed via Discovery+ throughout the tournament.