Pearl Padel : a padel break between two ski sessions in Gérardmer in the Vosges

Located in the heart of Vosges, the club Pearl Padel Gerardmer establishes itself as a major player in the development of padel in Grand Est. Founded by Julien Valence, former executive in the investment bankThe center stands out for its atypical two-level architectural concept, its ambitious event positioning, and its clear desire to structure the women's padel, notably with the organization of the very first Women's P1000 in the Vosges in March 2026. Between innovation, local roots and sporting ambition, Pearl Padel intends to become a regional benchmark for indoor padel.

When health disrupts a planned path

Three years ago, a health problem disrupted Julien Valence's professional trajectory. After twenty years spent in the investment bankHe has to reinvent himself. "A minor health issue forced me to redirect my professional career after spending 20 years in investment banking."

Elected within the Grand Est Tennis LeagueHe observes the rapid rise of the paddle“I saw padel coming on strong.” With his brother, a tennis coach, and two friends passionate about sports, he decided to embark on the entrepreneurial adventure. “We started taking the necessary steps to make our dream a reality.”

The process is demanding. "It wasn't easy. Finding land, convincing the banks, managing fatigue, regulations... in short, it's not easy to want to start a business in France." In Gérardmer, the The PLU is very rigid This further complicates matters. "A very rigid local urban development plan (PLU) in the town of Gérardmer imposed many constraints on us." The solution came from an architect capable of imagining an innovative concept. "A highly skilled architect enabled us to find the solution. This solution was to create padel courts on several levels."

After fourteen months in business, their gaze is clear-headed but proud. "We've been open for 14 months now. It's not easy every day, but what a joy to be the parents of such a baby."

An unusual architectural concept in the heart of the Vosges

Le Pearl Padel Gerardmer It stands out thanks to its unique concept. "The club is built on two floors, and each court has its own room." This configuration offers players a level of comfort and privacy rarely found in a padel club. "Each court has its own dedicated space, which provides a truly high-quality experience."

The experience doesn't end at the courts. "We have a bistro-style restaurant on site." The objective is clear: "We want to offer much more than just a place to play. We want to create a true hub for living and meeting people through padel." The club aims to offer a quality sports experiencewhile developing a strong social and community dimension. "Padel should be a pretext for getting together and sharing moments together."

Located in the heart of the VosgesThe club benefits from a privileged setting. "We also welcome skiers who take advantage of their time in Gérardmer to enjoy a sporting break between ski sessions." Some visitors come solely for padel, while others combine their stay with skiing, the lake, the mountains, or hiking. "This perfectly illustrates the spirit of the club: a multifunctional place where you can combine sport, relaxation, and a friendly atmosphere."

Pearl Padel : a padel break between two ski sessions in Gérardmer in the Vosges

A calendar of events structuring the development of padel

The club relies on a rich events calendar“We have a women’s P1000 planned for March, Easter activities for the padel school, the 24 Hours of Padel on June 20th and 21st with a DJ from noon to noon, holiday tournaments during the summer, a Halloween Cluedo tournament, and Pearl’s Christmas.” Padel to close out the year.

Through these events, the ambition is clear. "We want padel to be experienced far beyond just the match."

A historic event: the first Women's P1000 in the Vosges

From March 27 to 29, 2026, Pearl Padel Gerardmer will host a major event: the very first women's P1000 tournament organized in the Vosges department.

"This will be a highlight of the season and an important step for the development of women's padel in the region." For three days, the best players will come together to offer an intense sporting spectacle.

The event is precisely structured. "The qualifying rounds will take place on Friday evening. Saturday will be dedicated to the rest of the draw, with a players' party in the evening to strengthen team spirit. The final rounds will be held on Sunday."

With a prize money of €2supported in particular by the car brand AlpineThis national tournament will showcase the talent and determination of female athletes. "Some big names are already confirmed, which promises a very interesting and inspiring level of play."

The public is invited to experience the event in a sporting and friendly atmosphere. "Whether you're a padel enthusiast or simply a sports fan, this weekend promises to be full of excitement."

Practical information
Dates: March 27, 28 and 29, 2026
Location: Pearl PadelGérardmer
Prize money: €2,000
Referee: Thomas Martin
Press contact: Thomas Martin – 06 74 80 02 94

Through this first edition of Women's P1000Julien Valence clearly affirms his commitment. "We want to offer increased visibility to female athletes and actively participate in the development of women's padel."

Between administrative constraints, architectural innovation and sporting ambition, Pearl Padel Gerardmer is gradually establishing itself as a key player in the padel scene in the Vosges region. "It's not easy every day, but it's an incredible human adventure."

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.