Tennis fans, this one is different. This guided peek behind the curtain at Roland Garros lets you step into the press rooms and the corridor that leads players to the clay court. You also get access to changing rooms and the presidential stand, so you see how the big match day machine really runs.

I also like the short, practical stories that connect tennis legends, journalists’ jobs, and the flow of the tournament to what you’re standing in. The main drawback is simple: it’s 1.5 hours of walking and stairs, and a few spaces may be inaccessible on the day.

Key Things That Make This Roland Garros Tour Special

• Press rooms and media areas: You get the view usually reserved for the people covering the tournament.
• The players’ journey corridor: It’s the route from backstage to the clay court, not just a quick stadium glance.
• Changing rooms and the presidential stand: You see the “power and prep” side of Grand Slam tennis.
• Small group size (max 30): Easier pacing and more time for your guide to answer questions.
• English tour option: Handy if you want the inside story without translating in your head.
• Stadium shop time (before or after): You can wrap up with tennis gear while the visit is still fresh.

Why Roland Garros Feels Like It Runs on Details

There’s “seeing a stadium,” and then there’s understanding how tournament day actually works. This tour leans hard into that second option. You’re not just looking at seats and court markings, you’re walking through the spaces tied to press coverage, player prep, and that tight hallway rhythm that leads to match play on clay.

I like that it’s focused. In about 90 minutes, you get a tour-shaped version of what happens around the French Open, from media work to player flow. And because the group is capped at 30, the visit doesn’t feel like a hurried cattle line.

One more plus for your planning: you start and end at the same area on Av. Gordon Bennett. That makes it easier to fit into a Paris tennis day without a complicated shuttle.

Your Route Through Roland Garros: What You’ll Actually See

This is built around one main stop: Roland Garros Stadium, with access to a set of backstage zones. On tour day, you’ll go through the press rooms, changing rooms, and the presidential stand, then move toward the corridor that leads players to the clay court.

Stop: Roland Garros Stadium (1 hour 30 minutes)

Here’s what makes each part worth your time, and what to watch for.

Press rooms: This is where the tournament becomes a story for the world. You’ll get a look at the places tied to interviews and coverage, so you can picture how journalists move from court action to quotes, deadlines, and post-match work. If you’ve watched the French Open on TV, this is the area that helps the broadcast make sense.

Changing rooms: These spaces are about routine, nerves, and readiness. Seeing the player-prep zones gives you a stronger appreciation for the clay, the schedule pressure, and all the small setup steps that happen before a player ever steps onto the court.

Presidential stand: This is where you feel the “big event” side of Roland Garros. Even if you’re not into politics or formal ceremonies, it adds context for how major matches are staged, and how the stadium welcomes special guests while still serving the players first.

The corridor to the clay court: This is the part most tennis fans picture, and it’s usually the emotional high point. Standing in the player route helps you imagine the last moments before walking out, the sound changes, the concentration shift, and the way the stadium funnels attention toward the court.

What can be different on the day

The stadium has real-world constraints. The tour notes that due to the activity of the place, some areas may be inaccessible. That means you should mentally plan for a “best-available tour” of the key zones, not a guarantee that every single space will be open at every moment.

The Media and Player Workflow, Explained in Plain English

The best tours help you see what you normally miss. This one does that by showing the two sides that feed the tournament: players and media.

If you’re a tennis fan, you’ll probably love how the guide ties it together. One guide named Lionel is mentioned in feedback as someone who shares the tour with energy and detail. Even when guides vary, the structure stays the same: you’re meant to connect backstage rooms to the match you see on TV.

Think of it like this. You’re not learning tennis tactics. You’re learning tournament logistics that support the tactics:

• Where players reset before matches
• Where interviews happen after points
• How the stadium’s layout funnels movement

That’s the value. Once you understand the flow, you’ll “read” Roland Garros differently the next time you watch highlights, or walk past it during your Paris trip.

Timing, Walking, and What to Wear

This visit runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. Reviews and the tour notes both point to a key practical reality: wear comfortable shoes.

You should expect walking and stairs. Even if you’re in decent shape, don’t treat this like a quick museum stop. Give yourself time to move calmly, and arrive early so you don’t feel rushed at security checkpoints.

Also note the rule that latecomers won’t be accepted. The tour asks you to arrive 15 minutes before start time. So if you’re planning to grab coffee first, build in buffer time.

Price and Value: Is $25.77 Worth It?

At $25.77 per person for about 90 minutes, this is priced like an “add-on experience,” not a full-day commitment. The value comes from access. You’re paying for entry into areas that most visitors never see: press rooms, changing rooms, and the player corridor.

What makes that feel worth it is the payoff for tennis fans. If you only care about the outside look or general stadium photos, you may feel like it’s too focused. But if you want the backstage logic of a Grand Slam, the ticket price is usually easier to justify.

One more value detail: the tour includes a guide and guided tour entrance tickets. You still may need to cover your own food and drinks, so treat it as a short activity, then eat nearby.

What About the Stadium Shop and Souvenirs?

You can stop by the Roland Garros shop before or after your tour. The shop hours listed are 09:30 to 18:30, so it’s doable whether you start the day early or end with a late-morning visit.

There’s also a handy souvenir detail from feedback: some visitors report getting a 10% discount on merchandise in the shop. Even if you skip everything, it’s a good place to pick up a small tennis keepsake while you still remember what you saw behind the scenes.

If you want to avoid souvenir spending, set a small budget before you go in. The shop is exactly the kind of place that tempts you once you’re emotionally invested in the venue.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you fall into any of these groups:

• Serious tennis fans who want more than a photo at center court
• French Open lovers who like history, but also care about how the event runs today
• Rafa fans and general clay-court admirers looking for that extra emotional connection to Roland Garros
• Anyone who watches the tournament and wonders what happens out of frame

If you’re traveling with kids, it can still work well, as long as they can handle a guided walk and stairs for about 90 minutes. If you have mobility limitations, remember the tour notes that some spaces might be inaccessible due to the day’s activity.

The Only Real Downside: Logistics Inside the Complex

Most frustrations with tours like this come down to one thing: finding the start point inside a busy venue area. The official meeting point is 1 Av. Gordon Bennett and the tour ends near 2 Av. Gordon Bennett.

My advice is straightforward:

• Plan to arrive early, because you won’t be able to catch up late.
• Give yourself time to orient yourself around gates and security areas.
• Use comfortable shoes and treat the first few minutes as part of the experience, not a delay.

Once you’re inside the tour flow, the experience usually clicks. That’s the pattern behind the strong ratings.

Should You Book This Roland Garros Behind-the-Scenes Tour?

Book it if you want a backstage look that explains why Roland Garros feels so official on TV. The access to press rooms, changing rooms, the presidential stand, and the player corridor to the clay is the whole point, and it’s delivered in a tight 1 hour 30 minutes.

Skip it (or keep expectations modest) if you mainly want open-ended wandering, outer courts, or a longer day on the grounds. This tour is about specific areas and a guided story, not an all-day stadium hang.

If you’re a tennis fan in Paris, I’d call it one of the smarter ways to spend a half afternoon. You’ll leave with a clearer mental map of the French Open machine, and that makes the next Roland Garros match you watch feel more real.

FAQ

How long is the Behind the Scenes of the Roland Garros Stadium tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 1 Av. Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, France, and ends at Boutique Roland-Garros, 2 Av. Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, France.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What is included in the ticket price?

You get a guide, plus guided tour entrance tickets.

What should I wear or prepare for?

Bring comfortable shoes. The experience involves walking and stairs.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Are there any limits on what areas you can access?

Yes. Due to the activity of the stadium, some spaces may be inaccessible on the day of the visit.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time are not accepted.