Stade Roland-Garros

Overview

Stade Roland-Garros is the legendary tennis complex in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, home to the French Open (Roland-Garros), one of the four Grand Slam tournaments. The complex spans 12.5 hectares in the Bois de Boulogne area and features 18 courts, including the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier with its retractable roof completed in 2020, and the semi-underground Court Simonne-Mathieu nestled within greenhouses designed by architect Marc Mimram.

Highlights

• Court Philippe-Chatrier: The 15,000-seat center court, rebuilt between 2018 and 2020 with a retractable roof, named after the former French Tennis Federation president.
• Musée de la Terre Battue: The on-site museum tracing the history of tennis and the tournament since 1891, with interactive exhibits, vintage rackets, and champion memorabilia.
• Court Simonne-Mathieu: A 5,000-seat court surrounded by four botanical greenhouses representing different continents — a striking fusion of sport and nature.

History

The stadium was built in 1928 specifically to host the Davis Cup final, after the "Four Musketeers" — Lacoste, Cochet, Borotra, and Brugnon — won the trophy in 1927. It was named after Roland Garros, a pioneering French aviator who was the first to fly solo across the Mediterranean in 1913 and who died in World War I. The complex has undergone major renovations since 2015 under a modernization plan that expanded its footprint into the adjacent Jardin des Serres d'Auteuil.

Visitor Tips

• Behind-the-scenes tour: Guided tours (approximately 90 minutes) take you through player tunnels, press rooms, and courtside areas — book in advance on the official website.