Paris, the City of Lights, offers many opportunities to play sports for free. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, young or old, beginner or experienced, there are a multitude of options for getting active and staying in shape without spending a cent. In this comprehensive guide, we present the available equipment, free classes and specific activities that allow you to practice physical activity in the French capital.
The great classics
There are sports that we no longer present as they are practiced by many fans every weekend. However, even for a simple jog, it is good to be reminded that it is a possibility that exists… and to know where to go to make the most of it.
For running enthusiasts
The City of Lights offers numerous parks and green spaces ideal for this activity. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Bois de Vincennes and Jardin du Luxembourg are some of the popular places where you can enjoy pleasant surroundings while jogging. In addition, several associations regularly organize free sessions for group running in different Parisian districts.
For cycling enthusiasts
Paris also offers safe cycle paths that cross the city. While pedaling, you will discover emblematic monuments. Additionally, some companies even offer free bike rentals for a limited time to encourage this environmentally friendly practice.
For team sports fans
You can play football, basketball or volleyball with friends or other enthusiasts in many public stadiums. Some municipal stadiums also provide free time for local residents.
For those looking for a more zen and relaxing experience
Some parks offer free outdoor yoga classes during the summer months. This course is open to everyone, regardless of level. You can relax and work on your flexibility while enjoying the good weather.
For swimming enthusiasts
Paris also has numerous municipal swimming pools where access is free for city residents. It is a great option for cooling off on hot summer days and enjoying swimming or other water activities.
Municipal sports facilities
First of all, it is important to note that the Paris town hall provides residents and visitors with more than 700 sports facilities spread throughout Paris. Among these are:
- The stages: ideal for running on the track or practicing team sports such as football, rugby or athletics.
- Gyms: these covered spaces are perfect for playing basketball, handball or even badminton.
- Municipal swimming pools: although some of the swimming pools charge a fee (between €3 and €6), some offer free slots for swimmers, particularly during the summer period.
- Tennis courts: there are more than a hundred tennis courts with free and open access in Paris. All you have to do is reserve a time slot with the site manager.
- Green spaces: Parisian parks and gardens are ideal for practicing sporting activities such as jogging, cycling or even gentle gymnastics (yoga, pilates, etc.).
Free courses offered by the city of Paris
Paris town hall regularly organizes free group lessons, accessible to all levels and ages. Here are some examples :
- Paris Sports Holidays: during school holidays, this initiative offers children and adolescents between 7 and 17 years old a wide range of free supervised sporting activities: climbing, rowing, horse riding, etc.
- Senior Discovery Sport: intended for people aged over 55 residing in Paris, this program offers free access to adapted sports sessions in various municipal facilities.
- Festi’Sport Parc Rives-de-Seine: during the summer, this event offers several free activities every week on the developed banks: zumba, yoga, fitness, etc.
- Nike Training Club (NTC): organized by Nike in partnership with the Paris town hall, these free courses are given in different emblematic places in the capital (Champs de Mars, Parc Monceau, etc.).
Free specific sporting activities in Paris
In addition to municipal facilities and group courses offered by the city, there are also free specific sports activities, organized by various associations or groups of amateurs:
- Parkour Paris: this association offers free outdoor training to practice parkour (the art of urban travel) in a secure and supervised setting.
- Jog In The City: this group regularly organizes free jogging sessions in different districts of Paris. All you have to do is register on their website to participate.
- Moving Pregnant in Paris (BEP): this initiative aims to encourage pregnant women to practice appropriate physical activity during their pregnancy. Free sessions are offered every week.
- Rollerblades & Shells: if you like roller skating, join this association which organizes a free roller ride every Sunday afternoon from the Trocadéro.
Additional tips for doing sports for free in Paris
Finally, here are some additional tips to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the French capital:
- Do not hesitate to regularly consult the Paris town hall website to keep you informed of the latest sports news and free events.
- Consider downloading the mobile app Sport bets, which lists all municipal sports facilities and offers suggestions for activities based on your location.
- Join Facebook groups or forums dedicated to sport in Paris to interact with other enthusiasts and be informed of free initiatives near you.
As you will have noticed, it is entirely possible to do sports for free in Paris thanks to the numerous municipal facilities, group lessons and specific activities offered by the city. So don’t hesitate any longer, put on your sneakers and go explore the possibilities offered by our splendid city of lights, and all without spending a single cent!
