Roland Garros - French Open - Behind the Scenes Tour & Surrounding Areas
Today I wanted to explore the more residential areas and parks of Paris, to get a good feel for daily life in the city and avoid the tourist attractions. I enjoy walking and figuring out what to do along the way so I can take my time and visit whatever comes up.
Because it is located in a residential area on the west side of Paris, I decided to walk to Roland Garros, where the French Open takes place. Hoping to get a glimpse of the tournament grounds was my only expectation, since the French Open is May.
About 2 miles from my hotel, the walk to Roland Garros took me through several parks with waterfalls, beautiful reflections on the lake, children taking a break from school and playing in the park, dogs roaming and making friends of their own, locals having a picnic lunch, and small food and coffee stands.
I got lucky today because when I finally arrived at the tennis courts (2 hours after leaving my hotel), I discovered that the museum was open and had a guided tour starting 15 minutes after I got there. For 15 euros, you get access to the museum and tour guide gives tournament history and takes you to the main courts, through private player entrances to the grounds and courts, inside the press facilities, and into the locker rooms. As a tennis fan, I really enjoyed hearing the little facts and stories about some of the players.
Some pictures of the Musee Roland Garros, tournament grounds, player locker rooms, press rooms, and the parks and neighborhood surrounding Roland Garros are below. Interesting facts I learned along my tour are also included.
A wall covered in racquets used in tennis history and the composition of the red clay courts that the French Open is famous for.
Rafael Nadal's original outfit - cutoff shirt and capri pants. Court 4 is where Nadal always practices and does not mind having his practices open to the public. Nadal also has the same locker (#159) every year at the French Open.
Roger Federer practices on Court 2, but holds his privately. One time Roger was so sad that he lost in the final at the French Open, he forgot to stop on his way out and pick up his prize money.
Roland Garros is not a tennis club, meaning that you have to be a professional tennis player in order to play on the red clay courts here. Indoor courts are also available for the players to train in the winter months. Roland Garros is being used this week for the men to practice in the morning before playing at the indoor tournament, BNP Paribas in Bercy, Paris.
Court Suzanne Lenglen
Player Entrance Area
The private player restaurant is said to be where Andre Agassi and Stefi Graff started there romance.
Men's Locker Room and Lounge Area.
Court Philippe Chartrier
Stairs taken by the players on to Philippe Chartier - the walls are covered with autographs of all the players who signed it as they made there way on to the court.
Past Roland Garros Logos
A local couple setting up a picnic lunch in the park, with the Eiffel Tower in sight.
Past Winners
Outfits of Bjorn Borg and Lacoste
