Sports Roadie: The French Open Edition

on Oct 25, 2017

Take an epic road trip to the French Open tennis tournament in Paris

If you’re a fan of tennis, attending the French Open must be high on your bucket list. Known in French as the Roland-Garros, the highly popular tournament takes place in Paris across two weeks in late May and early June. Much-celebrated on the tennis scene it’s a highlight of the sport’s annual calendar. What makes the French Open so appealing? The players are uniquely challenged by clay courts, adding an extra element of difficulty. Plus, the elegant event attracts all the greats - both on and off the courts. So, if you’re keen to see the likes of Nadal, Federer and the Williams sisters battle it out, make the trip to Paris for this late springtime event - and discover some of France’s most beautiful sights via motorhome at the same time.

 

An RV will give you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, with everything you need in one place. Cook, sleep and drive your way through stunning France and enjoy world class tennis for the trip of a lifetime.

Getting to the tournament

Make the journey a simple one with a Paris motorhome rental. Or, if you want to extend your trip and travel across Europe, you could always hire your motorhome from another city and work your way to Paris in time for the French Open - after all, half the fun is getting there.

 

The French Open is held at the Stade Roland Garros, which is located at 51 Boulevard d'Auteuil, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt. This area is in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, part of the western suburbs, about 8 kilometres from the centre of the city. Conveniently, there’s a motorhome park just ten minutes’ drive from the Stade Roland Garros at Camping Paris Bois de Boulogne, so all the facilities you need are right at your fingertips. Exploring this area offers the perfect chance to get off the beaten track and see the ‘real’ Paris, away from its bustling tourist attractions. The area surrounding the Stade is known for its historic buildings, parks and lavish residences with lush gardens, so it’s definitely worth getting out and about. Book ahead to secure your space!

 

Roland Garros is the stadium where the French Open takes place

Image: Roman Boed

The city of romance

Naturally, you’ll want to make the most of your motorhome to check out more of this iconic capital city. Tick off your Paris motorhome ‘must-see’ list: stroll the atmospheric halls of the Louvre, stare out in awe from the top of the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the intricacy of Notre Dame Cathedral. Other highlights include a trip to the artsy Montmartre district, catching a show at the Moulin Rouge, wandering alongside the River Seine and gazing down the Champs-Elysee from the Arc de Triomphe.

 

 

Take the chance to explore beautiful Paris

Driving further afield

Remember, there’s more to France than Paris alone - so once the tennis is done, jump in the driver’s seat and hit the road as it’s time for the France RV trip of a lifetime. About an hour west of the city is the majestic Palace of Versailles, with its jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors, galleries, residences, gardens and artwork. Continue west and you’ll happen upon beautiful national parks, such as the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche and the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, both famed for their scenic landscapes, wildlife and heritage. Prepare to see some beautiful old castles and estates.

 

If relaxing at picturesque beaches is more to your liking, head south from Paris to the coast to visit glamorous destinations like Nice, Cannes, and St Tropez, where you will be swept away by gorgeous Riviera sights and incredible seaside charm.

 

 

Enjoy the glamour of the French Riviera

 

For an even more diverse experience of France, drive east towards Strasbourg, a stone’s throw from Germany. The striking city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with stunning and architecturally diverse buildings - there are medieval, gothic, Roman and Renaissance influences, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Your European motorhome rental

There’s nowhere quite like Europe for hiring a motorhome - you can easily cross borders and travel from place to place on a smooth network of roads, spending each night at a well-equipped campground in a new and fascinating place. Book your French Open tickets and start planning your journey for a French motorhome trip you’ll never forget.