Stanford in Paris

Sports in Paris

Sports in Paris — A Quick Guide

The city of Paris offers a list of sports that you can practice for free. Check it out here!

Apps

  • ClassPass offers subscriptions starting at 15€ a month for 3 classes of different types of sports. There's a free one-month trial (good for 7 classes).

Group Classes

  • La Gym Suédoise is a network of group classes with a variety of intensities, usually focused on cardio and strength training. Different plans available, starting at 10€ for reserving a class online to 35€ for unlimited monthly classes.
  • The city of Paris has free group classes indoors and outdoors. They take place on Sundays in parks around the city.

Gyms

Municipal gyms

  • Municipal gyms in all arrondissements have a large variety of classes or group sports at low rates. You can find martial arts, dance, volleyball, among others. Check the schedules by location here.

Private gyms and clubs

With a variety of hours, locations, and modern facilities, private gyms and clubs are an attractive option for fitness, albeit at a more elevated price.

  • Forest Hill: This group of clubs has an offer that doesn't require you to commit for a year. To benefit from the offer "jeune sans engagement" (the most advantageous offer for students) you must go sign up at the club in person.
  • Basic-Fit: Possibility to choose one gym location and pay 9€ extra a month to be able to not subscribe for a year. Possibility to sign up online.
  • Neoness

Jogging

  • Parisians love jogging during the day, particularly in parks. A couple of suggestions of parks to discover: le jardin du Luxembourg (6e), le parc des Buttes Chaumont (19e), le parc Monceau (8e), le parc de Bercy (12e), le parc Montsouris (14e), l'île aux Cygnes (15-16e), le bois de Vincennes, le bois de Boulogne.
  • Recently, les quais de la Seine closed off to cars, so now you can go jogging along the river.
  • You can also join the English-speaking jogging club, Let's Run Paris.

Pools

Swimming pools from the City of Paris cost 3€ to access. All the information on locations and hours can be found here. Alternatively, Roberto is our resident swimming expert.

Note that a swim cap is obligatory, and men cannot wear swimming trunks — it must be a swimsuit (meaning, speedos). Suits, caps, and goggles are on sale at most pool locations.

For outstanding pool experiences, try any of these:

  • Butte aux Cailles (13e): This pool has kept its charm from the 1920s. It's possible to swim outdoors (even in the winter!) thanks to its heated Nordic pool.
  • Suzanne Berlioux (1er): Located in the renovated Les Halles, this pool is open until 11 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Saint-Germain (6e): This pool is the closest to the Center.
  • Joséphine Baker (13e): This pool is located on a boat in the Seine! You can feel like you're swimming in the river without any of the risks.

Dance

  • Centre du Marais (3e): It's one of the largest dance centers in Paris. They offer a large variety of classes. A good way to test it out is through their "passport", a 5-class pass at 75€.

Climbing

  • The city of Paris has several climbing walls available to reserve either individually or in a group.

Tennis

  • You can join the ISEP tennis club. Go see the AS (association sportive) in the cafeteria for information on practice dates and on joining them. The Center can pay for the fees associated with joining the ISEP sports association.
  • You can reserve municipal tennis courts by signing up here: tennis.paris.fr
  • If you want to find a tennis partner with a specific level or location, use the site Cleec.com.

Rowing

  • Base nautique de la Villette (19e): Free for residents of Paris (ask your host family for an "attestation d'hébergement"). You must have a swimming certificate. Check their site for information regarding hours.