Paris Accommodation 1-bedroom apartment (pa-1882)
Paris Accommodation 1-bedroom apartment (pa-1882)
As any Parisian will tell you, the start of summer is not marked by the solstice or a spell of hot weather, rather the season is kicked off on the courts of Roland Garros. The French Open is truly a national event, especially when an upstart Frenchman upsets a favorite or a native campion is crowned. Roland Garros Stadium has one of the most recognizable clay tennis courts in the world, holding an annual tournament rivaled only by the Australian and Wimbledon championships (sorry, US Open). Tickets are hard to come by, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be found outside the stadium or from a seller on the internet for a fair price. Billets or not, the energy of the tournament encapsulates Paris at a time when good weather already has Parisians sporting uncharacteristic smiles.

This year, the 80th anniversary of Roland Garros Stadium, the tournament begins on May 20th and runs until the championship game on the 8th of June (won this year by Rafael Nadal). Taking place in the sophisticated 16th arrondissement, the French Open, or just Roland Garros as the French call it, is a who’s who of international celebrities, never mind the world-class tennis players. With a new crop of French talent on both the men’s and women’s side, an upset of either of last year’s champions, Rafael Nadal and Justine Henin, would be a major event.

Should a Frenchman or woman advance deep into the tournament expect a show of Parisian solidarity reserved for World Cup victories or national rail strikes. Those unwilling to shell out 50 euros for a seat at the Open can visit the stadium all year long. For €7,50 visitors can take a behind the scenes guided tour of the legendary Roland Garros in English or French. Tours take guests into the athlete’s locker room, media center and among the ghosts of past champions on the mythic clay court. Roland Garros is located in the Bois de Boulogne, a massive, forest-like park bordering western Paris, a place well worth a spring or summer day trip.

New York Habitat has been accommodating French Open guests for years and has plenty of apartments conveniently located in the 16th arrondissement. For example:

– This alcove studio in Auteuil (PA-4239) is a few blocks away from Bois de Boulogne and Rolland Garros, and a short subway ride away from the Trocadeo and Eiffel Tower.

– this 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel (PA-2431) has a decorators touch and is steps from the Seine and a few blocks from Roland Garros.

– a bit further from the action is this 1-bedroom rental apartment in Grenelle, Auteuil-Tour Eiffel (PA-1882), a deceptively spacious top-floor accommodation.

The best way to enjoy tennis in Paris? Buy a couple of cheap rackets, a sleeve of balls and head out to one of Paris’ myriad public courts.