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By Blair Henley | Saturday, May 31, 2014


Wimbledon is famous for strawberries and cream, tennis whites and an overall air of classiness. The Australian Open is known for extreme heat, colorful tennis kits and costumed, crazy Aussie fans. The US Open is marked by late-night matches, aggressive crowds and Monday finals.
 
Roland Garros, on the other hand, has a certain mystique about it. That may change as the French Federation of Tennis works to expand the grounds considerably by 2017, but for now, this Grand Slam remains the hole-in-the-wall-cafĂ© that you’ve heard is to-die-for, but haven’t gotten around to visiting.  
 
If you’re one of the many who have never made the pilgrimage to Paris to see tennis on the terre battue, we're giving you a look at what you’re missing. Throw on your Lacoste polo, break out a bottle of Perrier and join us for a petit tour.

eiffel tower
 
1. Okay, so the Eiffel Tower isn’t exactly part of Roland Garros, but you can see the tip of it from the upper deck of Court Philippe Chatrier. This year, it features a giant tennis ball dangling from the center like a giant Christmas ornament. 

 
roland garros footprint
 
2. Before we get to the action on the grounds, take a look at these charming Roland-Garros-themed footprints guiding patrons from the metro to the site entrance. For first-timers and the directionally impaired (that would be me), they are both cute and helpful.


Tennis Topiary Trees
 
3. The French Open is second only to Wimbledon in the decorum department. Ushers wear cream-colored blazers and slacks, while building security guards are decked out in dark suits – you won’t see that in Flushing Meadows. Even the plant life has a touch of class. In addition to the ivy everywhere (take that, Wimbledon!), I loved these adorable topiary trees.

 
roland garros food
 
4. Say goodbye to long lines at the food court! The French Open is equipped with mini-supermarkets for quick, self-serve access. As for culinary variety around the grounds, you won’t get much – baguettes, hot dogs and ice cream are the three major food groups at Roland Garros.


RG LAb roland garros
 
5. The RG Lab is a high-tech, underground space for fans featuring various exhibits, games and even a “Selfie Corner.”


babolat racquet stringing
 
6. Usually racquet-stringing rooms at Grand Slams are tucked away from the prying eyes of the public, but not at Roland Garros. The Babolat stringing area, or Babolab, is located for all to see at the back of the RG Lab.  

 
RG Lab jump tennis
 
7. Also in the RG Lab is a slightly bizarre “game” called Jump Tennis. Children and adults bounce on a trampoline while trying to swat fuzzy missiles launched at them from a ball machine. While it (sort of) sounds great in theory, less than one percent of participants (unofficial stat) are able to make contact while jumping. If you’re okay with whiffing balls over and over again in front of strangers, this is the game for you!

 
roland garros museum
 
8. How’s this for charm? Roland Garros features a museum just behind Court Philippe Chatrier – a “tenniseum,” if you will. On display you’ll find photos, video, memorabilia and an impressive vintage tennis racquet collection.

 
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9. If you hope to get anywhere on a busy day at Roland Garros, be prepared to be a little pushy. Roland Garros is small compared to the three other Grand Slams, and when matches on the two main show courts finish simultaneously, the main arteries on the grounds are, well, clogged. And make sure you keep an eye out for people carrying lit cigarettes. Smoking is still a thing in Paris.

 
roland garros entertainment
 
10. The French Open is very, wait for it, French. What do I mean? Well, this Ray-Ban-wearing quartet, complete with an accordion, welcoming tennis fans to Roland Garros should give you a good idea.


roland garros souvenir shop
 
11. If you have a chance to visit Roland Garros, you can’t leave without a souvenir. The gifts shops here (and there are several), feature apparel, accessories and 72 different varieties of tournament towels (a rough estimate). But, if you’re really lucky and happen to have some serious cash at your disposal, you can buy a leather motorcycle helmet. Because, why not?

roland garros rain
 
12. Wimbledon might be known for its tarps, but don’t be fooled! Roland Garros gets plenty of rain, too. And with temps in the 50s and 60s throughout much of the tournament, I advise you to bring a sweater…and an umbrella. 

 

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