Top 10 Most Popular Sports in France

Raymond Bes, a pioneer of the sport, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Pétanque’s history. Thierry Dusautoir, a back-row player who captained France to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2010 and led the team to a historic victory over New Zealand in 2009. At the bottom of the list comes Yannick Jauzion, who played 73 times for France and was a key player in the team that won the 2004 Six Nations Championship. The French Open, also known as Roland-Garros, is the crown jewel of French tennis.

“A special night for myself” as he celebrates his 250th rugby union international as a coach. The truth is, however, that football remains the most popular team sport in France. – French football faces challenges such as competition from other sports, financial issues, and the need to address diversity and inclusion in the sport. – French football fans are known for their passion and dedication, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere at matches. The country not only has rivers and mountains, but it also has an ocean which is the Atlantic, and a sea, the Mediterranean.

The Women’s national team won two times the World Cup and one time the Europe Cup. In the same way that familiarity breeds contempt, according to the saying, victories breed popularity. Under Fabien Galthié, the French national men’s squad is enjoying a mostly successful period on the pitch, certainly compared to the period between 2011 and 2019. And 40 percent of those who claim an ‘interest’ in rugby say they also have an interest in the women’s game. The women’s Six Nations kicks off on March 22nd – matches involving France are on France 2, while the remaining games can be streamed through the France TV Sport website. Last November’s win over the All Blacks – the third in a row for Les Bleus – was watched by 7.3 million on World Cup broadcaster TF1.

Are there any restrictions on playing sports in France?

Tennis is the second most popular sport in France, and 10% of all online searches about this sport are from France. In addition, football plays a critical role in streamlining the country’s socioeconomic landscape, creating over 35,000 jobs. The football industry in France is booming and it benefits many different sectors, including advertising and TV media.

Is rugby more popular than football in France?

The governing body has registered 10% of eight-year-old Judokas, making Judo one of the most admired sports in France. Second, it is an affordable and strategic sport, attracting hundreds of thousands of young people. Basketball is one of the most widely recognised and enjoyed sports in France. The country has 2,500 equestrian establishments, organisations and associations, along with 350 licensed image source tourism centres and 80,000 kilometres of trails for horse riders. Horse riding is the third most recognised and admired sport in France, considering the number of riders.

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#2 Tennis

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• The French judo team has achieved remarkable success in international competitions, making it one of the country’s cherished sports.

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• With two Olympic gold medals, four World Champion titles, and one European Champion title, David Douillet was one of the finest in his category.

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• The tournament is known in France as Roland Garros after the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris where it is held every year for 2 weeks in June.

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• Rugby, primarily in its union form, enjoys widespread popularity across France.
• French sailors have also excelled in other prestigious sailing events, such as the America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport.

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• The most popular Ice Hockey team in France is the Olympique de Marseille, which is also the only team in the country.

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Events like the French Open Swimming Championships draw global talent and attention. France has a notable presence in canoeing, with several accomplished athletes achieving success at national and international levels. Some prominent French canoeists include Tony Estanguet, Denis Gargaud Chanut, Émilie Fer, Mathieu Goubel, and Sébastien Combot. Teddy Riner, has twelve World Championship gold medals and five Olympic gold medals, is one of the most successful French judoka. It competes annually in the Six Nations Championship, and won it outright 18 times.

The France basketball game has over 1,000 teams and 6,000 players. Many of these players have professional contracts, which can lead to high salaries. French sports fans are as passionate as their love for the good life. Our list of the most popular sports in France is here to help you find something to do with your free time.