Padel continues to gain ground in France. Halfway between tennis and squash, this friendly sport attracts thousands of new players every month. But what explains such enthusiasm? In this article, we decipher the reasons for padel's meteoric rise in France and the prospects for the future.

A sport accessible to all

One of padel's main strengths lies in its ease of learning. Unlike tennis, you don't need a high technical level to enjoy the game from the very beginning. In just a few hours, a beginner can already be hitting the ball back, building points, and having fun.

A very strong social dimension

Padel is played exclusively in doubles, which reinforces its conviviality. Clubs often offer free play, after-work events, or friendly tournaments, encouraging encounters between players. This social dimension is one of the driving forces behind its growth.

An explosion of infrastructure in France

France had around 300 padel courts in 2017. By 2025, this figure will exceed 1, according to the French Tennis Federation.

Growing support from sports institutions

The FFT officially incorporated padel in 2014. Since then, it has established a structured competitive circuit, with P25, P100, P500, P1000, °1500 and P2000 tournaments, and a French championship. Padel therefore benefits from a federal framework conducive to its sporting and amateur development.

An economic opportunity for investors

Padel also attracts entrepreneurs. Low setup costs, high profitability, high occupancy rates: more and more investors are banking on this sport to create clubs or develop franchises. The padel market is currently one of the most dynamic in Europe. (Obviously, that's the goal... But sometimes, it's more complicated than that.)

A sport booming worldwide

This French boom is part of a global movement. Spain has more than 20 courts, and padel is now recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the world. The creation of the circuit Premier Padel, supported by the FIP and Qatar Sports Investments, has professionalized the discipline at the international level.

Padel has found its place in France thanks to its conviviality, accessibility, and structured environment. Whether you're looking for a fun activity with friends, a sport to practice with family, or a new business opportunity, padel is establishing itself as a modern and sustainable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between padel and tennis?
Padel is played on a smaller court, with walls, solid rackets and less demanding technique.

Can you play padel without ever having played tennis?
Yes, padel is particularly accessible to beginners.

How much does an hour of padel cost?
Generally, between €6 and €12 per person depending on the club.

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.

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