Seeing tennis from backstage changes everything. You’ll get a rare walk through Roland Garros with access to the places that usually stay off-limits: the press rooms, the changing rooms, and the corridor that leads players to the clay court. It’s a short tour with a big payoff—especially if you love the sport, not just the photos.

I especially like the sense of scale and workflow you get on this one. You’re not watching a match; you’re seeing how the media, players, and staff all move through the building. Another highlight for me is the access feel: the route includes the presidential stand area, so you get that real Grand Slam “who sits where” perspective, not a generic stadium stroll. My one caution is practical: plan for stairs and note that some spaces can be closed on the day due to stadium activity.

Key Highlights Worth Planning Around

• Press rooms access: see where interviews and media moments happen.
• Players’ changing rooms: get a clear picture of the pre-match routine.
• Clay-court corridor: walk the path that leads players to the court.
• Presidential stand viewing: understand the seating hierarchy without waiting for a match.
• Small group size (max 30): easier pacing for a 1.5-hour tour.
• Stadium shop time: you can also visit the shop before or after, with hours listed.

Why Roland Garros backstage feels different than a match day

Match day at Roland Garros is pure energy. Backstage is something else: it’s controlled, scheduled, and very human. I like that this tour turns the TV stadium into a working venue. Instead of focusing on rally highlights, you focus on the route and the roles—press, players, officials, and the staff who keep the whole machine running.

The tour is also smartly timed for a quick Paris itinerary. At about 1 hour 30 minutes, it fits well if you’re doing other things the same day. And because it’s capped at 30 travelers, it doesn’t feel like you’re getting herded through a theme park.

Entering the stadium complex: how to avoid the gate confusion

Roland Garros is in a busy part of Paris, so the meeting point matters. You start at 1 Av. Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, and the tour ends back at Boutique Roland-Garros, 2 Av. Gordon Bennett.

Here’s the trick: you want to arrive 15 minutes early. The tour doesn’t wait for latecomers, and there’s no refund if you miss the start. Also, the venue can be active (events, security flow, staff movement), so being early helps you settle before anything gets complicated.

If you’re arriving by public transit, you’re in luck—this area is described as near public transportation. Still, don’t assume the campus has obvious street signage for the tour route. Give yourself buffer time.

What you actually see: the Roland Garros route you want

This is an unusual guided tour because it’s built around “work zones.” You gain access to several specific areas that explain how the French Open feels like a whole ecosystem, not just a tennis court.

Stop inside the press rooms

One of the most fun parts is stepping into the press areas you normally only see on broadcast. You get to understand the media side of the tournament: where journalists and interview workflows tend to happen, and how the building supports coverage.

Even if you’re not a media person, the press rooms help you see what makes Grand Slams different. The tournament isn’t just competing on clay—it’s also competing for attention, and the press area is where that attention gets organized.

Changing rooms and pre-match reality

Then you move into the players’ world—especially the changing rooms. This is where the sport turns from spectacle into routine. You’re walking in the space that exists between points, between nerves, and between strategy meetings.

It also makes the game feel more grounded. The stadium becomes smaller in your mind, because you can picture the actual moment of stepping out. If tennis is your sport, you’ll appreciate the practical details that come with the tour route.

The corridor that leads to the clay court

The tour also includes the corridor leading to the clay court. This is the most “movie moment” part of the experience—because it’s the in-between space, the passage from preparation to performance.

In terms of value, this is a big one. Many visitors come to Roland Garros for the iconic clay-court look. This tour gives you the context: how players enter that space, and how the venue funnels you toward the court.

The presidential stand: who sits up there

Finally, you get access to the presidential stand area. It’s not a match-ticket moment. It’s a perspective moment. You can understand the seating and ceremony layout in a way that photos rarely capture.

This part works especially well if you like the history side of sports venues. Even if you’re more into present-day tennis, it helps you map where the “big stage” actually is.

Timing: what 1 hour 30 minutes includes (and what it doesn’t)

The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s long enough to feel satisfying, but short enough that you won’t lose your entire day in one place.

A key point: the activity description says admission ticket is not included, even though guided entrance tickets are included. In plain terms, you’re paying for the guided access you’re booked for, but you shouldn’t assume every possible separate ticket or day-of entry fee is bundled.

Also, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan to snack before or after. The same logic applies to transfers—those are not included either. This is a do-it-yourself getting-there kind of tour.

One more timing reality: you’re walking, and there are stairs involved (so comfortable shoes are not optional if you want to enjoy it). The tour can be quick on feet, because it’s structured around keeping you moving through secure spaces.

Group size and guide style: what makes the experience click

With up to 30 travelers, you’ll usually get more than a generic lecture. A recurring theme in people’s satisfaction is the guide’s storytelling style—keeping the tour lively while still explaining what each space means.

I also like the way a strong guide ties the “where” to the “why.” For example, the tour’s access to press rooms and the players’ path isn’t random. A good guide explains how these spaces support the tournament rhythm, from interviews to entrance routines.

Some guides are also strong on names and details from tennis lore. That kind of touch turns Roland Garros into something personal—like connecting the building to the players who made it famous.

Practical stuff that can make or break your visit

Wear for walking and stairs

Plan for about 1.5 hours of walking and climbing. Even if you’re athletic, wear shoes you trust.

Arrive early and follow staff directions

Because the tour doesn’t accept late arrivals, you want to be in the right place before the start window. If you’re trying to find the tour entrance with maps, give yourself extra time and be ready to ask staff at the venue complex for help.

Don’t assume photos will be perfect everywhere

The stadium can have arrangements or temporary setups on the day of your visit, so photo opportunities may vary by area. If pictures are a big priority, I’d treat the tour as a guided access experience first, camera session second.

Roland Garros shop time: a small perk with real value

This tour includes the chance to access the stadium shop before or after your visit. The shop is listed as open 09:30 to 18:30.

That matters because Roland Garros merchandise is often the one “souvenir purchase” people actually want to bring home after a tennis trip. Also, since it’s on-site, you can do it without changing your plan too much.

Price and value: is $25.77 worth it?

At $25.77 per person, the price is reasonable for the access level. You’re not just touring outside the stadium; you’re stepping into areas tied directly to tournament operations—press rooms, changing rooms, a presidential stand perspective, and the player corridor to the clay.

The best value comes if you’re a tennis fan who likes understanding how events work. If you’re only after a stadium photo and you don’t care about press or player spaces, you might find a simpler outdoor walking experience is enough. But if you want the “how it runs” angle, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Also, the small group size helps the value feel real. It’s easier to hear the guide and move at a human pace.

Who should book this tour

This is a great fit if:

• You’re a tennis fan who wants the behind-the-TV structure of a Grand Slam.
• You enjoy venue history and player routines, not just the big match moments.
• You want a structured activity that fits into a normal Paris day.

It’s less ideal if:

• You dislike stairs or long indoor walking routes.
• You’re expecting a full match-day experience with everything open and cameras everywhere.

Should you book the Roland Garros behind-the-scenes tour?

If your goal is to see Roland Garros as a working tennis venue, I’d book it. The price is fair for the access you get, and the route through press areas, player spaces, and the clay-court corridor gives you a perspective you can’t get from the outside. Just show up early, wear good shoes, and go in expecting a backstage workflow experience—not a substitute for sitting in the stands.

FAQ

How long is the Roland Garros behind-the-scenes 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 and ends at Boutique Roland-Garros, 2 Av. Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris.

What areas of the stadium do I get access to?

You can access the press rooms, changing rooms, the presidential stand, and the corridor that leads players to the clay court.

Is the admission ticket included in the price?

Admission ticket is not included. Guided tour entrance tickets are included, but you should not assume everything related to entry is bundled.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is food or drinks included?

No, food and drinks are not included.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

Do I need to arrive before the start time?

Yes. Arrive 15 minutes before the tour. Latecomers are not accepted and no refund is possible.

Can I visit the stadium shop?

Yes, you get access to the stadium shop before or after the visit. The shop hours are listed as 09:30 to 18:30.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.