An international tennis tournament not to be missed.
The French Open, also known as Tournoi de Roland-Garros is one of the most important events in the tennis calendar, attracting competitors and fans from around the globe. Held annually over two weeks through late May to early June, the tournament pits the world's top tennis seeds against each other in a frenetic display of skill, effort and determination played out on its famous bright orange clay courts.
The French Open is the only one of tennis's prestigious grand slam tournaments to be held on this unique and challenging surface.
Over the two-week period in which the French Open is held, more than 60 world-class tennis players compete across five rounds, all striving to win one of five prestigious titles. Winners must be found in men's and women's singles tournaments and men's, women's and mixed doubles.
Past Winners
Fantastically an Englishman only known as, H. Briggs won the first ever French Open in 1891 against Frenchman Monsieur Baigneres. Björn Borg is arguably one of the most famous winners, after he was crowned men's singles champion six times; first in 1974, then 1975, and then from 1978-1981.
Today, Spanish player Rafael Nadal has smashed the Swede's record, becoming a seven-time French Open men's singles champion winning every year since 2005, apart from in 2009 when Roger Federer came out on top.
The women's singles championships have also seen its share of legendary players, including Suzanne Lenglen, who from 1920 to 1926 won six times. The French player's impact was so great that one of the Roland-Garros courts is named after her, and the tournament regularly sees it packed with up to 10,068 excited spectators. More recently Germany's Steffi Graff took the women's title six times during the 80s and 90s.
Where to Stay
Queens Hotel is located right in the heart of the 16th Arrondissement of Paris in the Village d'Auteuil. The 22 guest rooms are sophisticated and offer modern comfort and are decorated with a piece of original art work from a contemporary artist. Each room is equipped with a television, mini bar, air-conditioning, bath or shower with Jacuzzi and free Wi-Fi Internet access. Rooms are available from €116.
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Hotel Lutetia is located on the Left Bank right in the heart of the 6th Arrondissement. The Hotel has excellent facilities which include air conditioning and soundproofing, direct telephone in room and bathroom, 220 voltage, hairdryer, individual safe, computer hook-ups, minibar, radio, television with satellite channels, pay-TV, non smoking rooms and 24-hour room service.
Hotel Eiffel Kennedy, Located in Auteuil-Passy, is a charming 3 star hotel is owned by a family offers a warm atmosphere. Each room is equipped with a 23-inch LCD television (with international channels), free Wireless high-speed Internet access, air conditions, mini bar, hair dryer and a modern bathroom. With friendly staff and homemade breakfast buffet you'll be sure to enjoy your stay. Rooms are available from €100.
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Where to get Tickets
The best way to get tickets for the French Open is on the Roland-Garros website.
Other things to do with kids in Paris
Paris is an amazing place to go and although known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, it is a place where the whole family can go and have fun. Apart from the obvious choice of Disneyland® Paris, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in the city.
In the summer, head to the Tuileries Gardens to find a selection of fairground rides in a spectacular setting, including a merry-go-round and trampolines. Not forgetting the gorgeous water fountain and pond with plenty of ducks to throw leftover baguette to. Although you'll probably have trouble parting with any of the delicious products you can find in Paris' fantastic patisseries and cafes.
Be sure to head to La Patisserie des Reves, translated as the 'Pastry shop of dreams', an amazingly decadent and exciting place to take the little ones, giving them a taste of Paris that they are unlikely to forget. We recommend the Orange tart to really get your taste buds tingling.
Getting there and around
The Roland Garros stadium is 2 hours 44 minutes' drive from the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle's Calais terminal. Follow the A16 and be aware that this road has toll sections.
There is a lot of parking around the Roland Garros stadium and this map shows all of the available ones. The closest car park is at Parking Porte d'Auteuil in Carrefour located at 1-3 Avenue du Général
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