Behind the scenes at the Roland-Garros Stadium

Behind the Scenes at the Roland-Garros Stadium: An Insider’s Look into Tennis’s Most Iconic Venue

Imagine stepping onto the same clay courts where legends like Rafael Nadal and Steffi Graf have showcased their talents. For tennis fans and curious travelers alike, the Behind the Scenes at Roland-Garros tour offers a rare glimpse into this legendary stadium in Paris. For just around $22.42, you get approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of access to areas normally closed to the public, from the presidential stand to the player corridor leading onto the famous clay. It’s a guided experience that combines history, sport, and a touch of celebrity glamour—all in a compact, manageable format.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it reveals the hidden aspects of the tournament, from the locker rooms where players prepare to the press rooms where champions are made. Our guides, often praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, make the experience both informative and fun. Plus, being able to walk onto the clay court—even if unofficially—adds a tangible and memorable element that’s hard to match elsewhere.

One possible consideration is that access can sometimes be limited due to ongoing events or stadium activity. Also, the tour is designed for groups no larger than 30, so booking in advance helps ensure a spot. This experience is best suited for tennis fans, sports enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for an authentic, behind-the-scenes peek at one of the sport’s most storied venues.

Key Points

• Authentic Access: Tour behind the scenes at Roland-Garros, including locker rooms, press areas, and the players’ corridor.
• Rich Stories: Guides share tales about tennis legends from Borg to Nadal, making history come alive.
• Stunning Views: See the majestic Philippe-Chatrier court and get a feel for what it’s like to be a player or official.
• Value for Price: At just over $22, the tour offers a unique insider experience for tennis lovers and curious visitors.
• Limited Accessibility: Some areas might be inaccessible on the day of your visit, especially during busy event days.
• Ideal for Fans: Perfect for anyone who appreciates tennis history and wants to see the stadium from a different perspective.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Location and Booking

Starting at 1 Av. Gordon Bennett in the 16th arrondissement, the tour is conveniently near public transportation, making it easy to access for most travelers. With a duration of about 90 minutes, it’s a manageable outing that fits well into a day of sightseeing in Paris.

Booking is usually done well in advance—around 65 days on average—and costs roughly $22.42 per person. For that price, you get guided entrance tickets and a knowledgeable guide who keeps things lively and informative. It’s a small group experience (max 30 travelers), which means more personal attention and a better chance to ask questions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your ticket covers access to the press rooms, changing rooms, presidential stand, and the corridor to the clay court. The guide shares stories about tournament legends like Björn Borg, Chris Evert, and Rafael Nadal, weaving in anecdotes about their victories and memorable matches.

You’ll also get to see the majestic Philippe-Chatrier court, a modern architectural marvel with cutting-edge technology. Our guides often highlight the new court’s design, explaining how it’s a blend of innovation and tradition—something that tennis fans will find particularly interesting.

However, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to grab a snack nearby before or after your tour. You can also browse the stadium shop either before or after the experience, which is open from 09:30 to 18:30.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at the main stadium entrance, where the guide will gather everyone and give a quick overview of what’s to come. The first stop is the locker rooms, where we loved the way guides shared insights into players’ routines and the atmosphere they experience before matches. You might even get a peek into the interview rooms, where champions deliver their post-match thoughts—though these are often empty during tours.

Next, you’ll visit the press rooms, essential spaces where players and media meet. The guides often spin stories about famous press conferences, making you feel like a part of the tournament’s buzz.

The presidential stand offers a spectacular view of the court and the stadium’s architecture. From here, it’s easy to imagine the roar of the crowd during a heated match. Our guide, Lionel, was praised for his charisma and in-depth knowledge, sharing anecdotes about key moments and players that brought the experience to life.

One highlight is walking down the players’ corridor—a corridor that evokes the thrill of stepping onto a major court, with a sense of history and anticipation. While walking on the clay surface might be unofficial, some guides have been known to encourage a quick step onto the court itself, adding an element of excitement.

Authentic Stories and Anecdotes

Throughout the tour, guides share fascinating stories—from the legendary French Musketeers to the current crop of champions. Several reviews praised guides like Lionel for their entertaining and informative narration. Ellis, one reviewer, noted, “We got to tour Chartrier stadium, the locker rooms, press rooms, and even step on the clay surface. That last part was not officially allowed but our guide did not object when some of us did it. He told us some good stories about Nadal, Federer, Graf, etc.”

Others appreciated the behind-the-scenes glimpse into tournament preparations and the secrets that make Roland-Garros special. This is more than just a walk through a stadium—it’s a chance to connect with the sport’s history and its top players in a way that formal museum visits can’t match.

The Experience for Tennis Enthusiasts

For those who love tennis, this tour offers a unique perspective—seeing the player’s journey from dressing room to court, feeling the weight of history beneath your feet, and understanding what it takes to compete at this level. Several reviews highlight that even visitors who aren’t die-hard fans left feeling impressed by the stadium’s grandeur and history.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is generally praised, some reviews mention occasional access issues, especially during busy event days or if the stadium’s schedule is packed. Plus, since the main court may be covered or under construction during certain times, some features might be temporarily unavailable.

Arriving 15 minutes early is essential—latecomers are not accepted, and refunds aren’t offered for missing the start. The tour also doesn’t include transportation or food, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is particularly well-suited for tennis fans eager to see the inner workings of Roland-Garros. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of sports, architecture, and history, and want an authentic look behind the scenes rather than just a standard stadium visit. If you’re looking for an engaging, knowledgeable guide and a glimpse into the world of professional tennis, this tour delivers.

It’s less suitable for those with limited mobility or those expecting a full stadium tour with access to every area. Due to operational constraints, some areas might be off-limits, and the overall focus remains on the player’s journey and tournament spaces.

Final Thoughts

For a moderate price, Cultival’s behind-the-scenes tour of Roland-Garros gives tennis lovers a chance to see the stadium’s secret spaces and learn stories from past and present champions. The small group setting and the storytelling skills of guides like Lionel make this experience both informative and engaging.

The access to locker rooms, press areas, and the player’s corridor elevates this beyond a simple stadium visit, making it a worthwhile outing for anyone keen on understanding what makes Roland-Garros a truly special place in the tennis world. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of the sport and its history—and maybe a story or two to impress your friends back home.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is engaging for tennis enthusiasts of all ages. However, young children should be comfortable walking and standing for the duration.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which is a manageable amount of time to explore the stadium’s key behind-the-scenes areas.

Are tickets included in the price?
Yes, guided entrance tickets are included, but food and drinks are not.

Can I visit the stadium shop before or after the tour?
Absolutely. The stadium shop is open from 09:30 to 18:30 and can be visited before or after the tour.

What happens if I am late?
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted, and no refunds are offered for missing the tour.

Is the tour accessible during busy tournament days?
Some areas may be unavailable if there are ongoing events or preparations, so access isn’t guaranteed every day.

Can I walk on the clay court?
While officially not allowed, some guides have been known to encourage visitors to step onto the court during the tour.

How many people are in each group?
The group size is limited to 30 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The primary tours are conducted in English, with guides often able to speak multiple languages to accommodate international visitors.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Whether you’re a tennis fanatic or just love discovering hidden corners of famous venues, this behind-the-scenes tour at Roland-Garros is a memorable way to connect with the sport’s history—without ever leaving Paris.