With three high-level clubs in the city and close suburbs (Paris Basket, Nanterre and Levallois), basketball is without doubt a favourite Parisian sport. A passion that is reflected in the many courts with free access to all.
© francesco scalambrino via unsplash
The most atypical : Duperré is the most popular basketball ground in the capital, a top spot in the north of Paris. Situated between two buildings, this oversized court is worth a look, even for non-basketballers. The bright colours and graphic lines attract sportsmen and women as well as to all kinds of photographers. A pleasure for players... and spectators.
22 rue Duperré, Paris 9th
© Jean Louis Zimmermann via Flickr
The most atmospheric : Many keen basketball players travel across Paris to play against one another on the court at the Canal Saint-Martin. It is well-known for its non-standard dimensions, and games here are very physical with lots of trash talk. Renovated in September 2020 as part of the supporting programme for the NBA Paris Game, the court has new hoops and some 200 m² of floor stencils designed by artist and designer Étienne Bardelli, in black, white and red. A unique atmosphere!
142 quai de Jemmapes, Paris 10th
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The most ‘street-like’ : No need to cross the pond to the US! Surrounded by fencing and in the shadow of an overhead section of the Line 6 metro, the Glacière basketball court (located under the metro station of the same name, in the 13th arrondissement) has the vibe of a New York City court.,Just like the court, the game takes an ‘underground’ approach: tight and physical!
As a bonus, the boards of the basketball hoops have been graffitied by street art artist C215 with portraits of the two French basketball players Amara Sy and Juhann Begarin.
98 Boulevard Auguste Blanqui, Paris 13th
© pexels markus spiske
The coolest : Parquet, plexiglas panels, pro equipment signed Jordan, etc.: Located just a few hundred metres from the Boulevard Périphérique, the Hoops Factory offers playing conditions worthy of the finest NBA halls. A high quality indoor complex where kids aged 6-15 can enrol for a beginners/improvers course during the school holidays. Since then, the brand has been acquired by the FBB with the aim of promoting basketball and making it accessible to everyone.
3 rue Pierre Larousse, 93300 Aubervilliers
© Tamarcus Borwn via Unsplash
The most iconic : with the Eiffel Tower in the background, the Bir-Hakeim court, whose official name is Stade Emile Anthoine, offers a wonderful setting for playing basketball in the capital and follow on with a few seflies. . A veritable pilgrimage for players from all over the world, it is THE court on which to play against the best street basketball players in Paris. The level remains serious, especially with so many tourists coming to stroll around and take photos. The best view of all!
77 quai Branly, Paris 15th
© Aidan McMichael via Flickr
The most bucolic : Amidst plane trees and sculptures, the court in the Luxembourg Gardens provides a dream setting for basketball fans. An excellent spot for combining shooting skills with playing three pointers, all right in front of the elegant Sénat building. And if you fancy a game of tennis, there are 6 courts here, open to the public.
Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris 5th
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The most student : A very good multi-sports field for football or 4 on 4 basketball. Teams made up of players who, most often, do not know each other, play small matches of 15 to 20 points here; the one who wins stays on the field.
Parc Montsouris, Paris 14th
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The most prolific : what street basketball players like about the Porte de Charenton is the amount of space solely for them! As well as nine 3×3 basketball hoops, the dimensions of these two grounds located side by side enable four games to be played at the same time (one on each half of the court). An option that attracts players of all generations and a loyal following of regulars. Freshly renovated by artists Polar and Halfstudio, it retains its authenticity and friendly yet competitive vibe.
68 Boulevard Poniatowski, Paris 12th
© JO OTCP
The most central : in the heart of the Marais, a few minutes from the Seine riverbanks, is the Jardins de Saint-Paul sports ground. Bathed in light it is popular both with locals and tourists eager to practice their dribbles, etc. It's an opportunity to test your ability to hear trash talkers speak many different languages. To play in the heart of the historic centre of Paris, with a view on the Parish of Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, a perfect spot for a quick match in between sightseeing.
9 rue Charlemagne Paris 4th
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The most recent : the latest street basketball spot to appear in the capital is the Porte de Vanves court, entirely devoted to the sport of basketball, opened in March 2019. This fully-equipped court is easily recognizable by its bright blue rubber floor surface reputed to reduce the impact of the noise of the ball. It is the only Parisian basketball court open all hours and throughout the week.
14 rue Parturle, Paris 14th
