Popular Sports in Paris: Football, Rugby, Tennis, Cycling & More

1. Football (Soccer)

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) — Ligue 1 dominant, global brand (Mbappé era), Parc des Princes (48k). Also: Paris FC (Ligue 2), Red Star (historic, Saint-Ouen).

2. Rugby

Racing 92 (Top 14, Paris La Défense Arena, 30k)
Stade Français (Top 14, Stade Jean-Bouin, 20k)
Stade de France (Saint-Denis): France internationals, Champions Cup finals

3. Tennis

Roland-Garros (French Open) — Clay Grand Slam, late May/early June. Iconic. FFT headquarters. Public courts citywide.

4. Cycling

Tour de France finale on Champs-Élysées (since 1975)
Vélib' bike-share: 20k+ bikes, 1,800 stations
Growing protected lanes (Plan Vélo)

5. Basketball

Paris Basketball — LNB Pro A (top tier), Adidas Arena (8k, 2024). EuroLeague ambition. Growing fast.

6. Handball

Paris Saint-Germain Handball — Dominant domestically, perennial EHF Champions League contender. Pierre de Coubertin / Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

7. Martial Arts

Judo (INSEP national institute), karate, kendo, BJJ, boxing — hundreds of clubs. Teddy Riner (judoka) = Paris icon.

8. Running & Urban Sports

Paris Marathon (April, 50k+ runners)
Ekiden relay, semi-marathons, trail runs in Bois de Boulogne/Vincennes
Skateboarding (Place de la République, La Défense), parkour (born in Paris suburbs)