Top 10 best playgrounds in Greater Paris
In the world of basketball, France – and its capital in particular – is shining brightly. Having become an unmissable hub for any basketball fan, the streets of the City of Light are now teeming with playgrounds as far as the eye can see. The very essence of our sport, street basketball, is now an integral part of Paris’s streets.
1 court, 1 ball, 1 basket, some trash-talking, some cross-court passes and 2 teams determined to win. That’s Parisian-style basketball !
So today, we’ve put together a list of the Top 10 best playgrounds in Greater Paris. These incredible spots are ranked according to their facilities, setting, atmosphere and history.
10) Playground Charenton (68 Boulevard Poniatowski, Paris 12e) : When modernity meets authenticity, the result is the Playground Charenton. Polar and the Portuguese typography collective Half Studio have transformed these simple, weathered courts in the 12th arrondissement into a magnificent open-air mural. This revamp, which took place in 2022, has had the direct effect of elevating the experience of playing our sport. With nearly nine 3×3 baskets positioned so that you can easily watch several matches at once, ‘Chacha’ has a unique identity. Over there, it’s all about defence and trash-talking! Big names like Evan Fournier have, in fact, racked up plenty of baskets on these courts on several occasions. Whether you’re here to play or to watch the older lads take on the local youngsters, this great atmosphere, steeped in competitiveness, is sure to give you a brilliant time.
9) Playground Glacière (98 Boulevard Auguste-Blanqui, Paris 13e) : It doesn’t get much more ‘street’ than this! Whilst you’re sitting comfortably on the Metro Line 6 at Glacière station, things are hotting up right underneath you. Literally situated beneath the trains, the Playground Glacière takes us back to the courts of Brooklyn. Surrounded by wire fencing, the compact space is the setting for old-school games. No long runs – just skill and physicality. An underground venue sheltered from the rain and fitted with magnificent baskets. On the backboards, you’ll also find portraits of two former Paris Basketball players – Amara Sy and Juhann Begarin – created by street artist C215. However, the surface is slightly sloped. This detail ultimately adds to the charm of a playground that’s decidedly unlike any other.
@sbb_uk Rating THE WORLDS basketball courts! Pt.62 THESE COURTS ARE NEEDED! #basketball #hoops #sports #rating #foryou #fyp #placestovisit #paris #france #olympics ♬ Money Trees – Kendrick Lamar
8) Playground de Bir-Hakeim (77 quai Branly, Paris 15e) : If there were a pilgrimage for basketball fans, the Bir-Hakeim playground would be an unmissable stop on the journey to Madison Square Garden. Playing on this court means literally following in the footsteps of the greatest streetballers. Legend even has it that Wilt Chamberlain used to attempt the odd dunk here and there. No need for flashy designs or viral content. At 77 Quai Branly, history speaks for itself! It’s worth noting that the setting is still rather lovely. The Eiffel Tower looms overhead, as if keeping an eye on its favourite court. Even today, the legacy lives on thanks to the consistently high standard of play.
7) Playground du Champ-de-Mars (2 allée Adrienne-Lecouvreur, Paris 7e) : “ The most beautiful playground in the world ” That’s how French basketball legend George Eddy described the Champ-de-Mars playground at its opening. Yes, it’s often packed to the rafters. Yes, sometimes Instagram takes precedence over basketball. Yes, the influx of tourists can be a nuisance. But on the other hand, it’s the only place in the WORLD where you can play at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, at the foot of the most iconic structure that humankind has designed in 2.8 million years. It’s simple: the playgrounds that can boast such a beautiful view can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Especially as, unlike other spots in the capital, these courts attract players of a wide range of abilities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed game during the day or a more competitive one in the evening, the choice is yours.
6) Playground de Saint-Paul (9 rue Charlemagne Paris 4e) : Here, too, you’re taken back in time. Surrounded by medieval ruins and overlooking the parish of Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, the Saint-Paul playground is a real draw – and not just a little one. I hope you’ve brushed up on your English, because here we also engage in trash-talking in the language of Shakespeare. It’s actually quite common to come across tourists looking to switch things up whilst on holiday in the City of Love. Despite this international flavour, the court hasn’t lost its distinct culture, built up over many decades. The veterans pass on a genuine culture based, above all, on team spirit. Although the standard is more than decent, you come to Saint-Paul first and foremost to have a good time in the company of players of all ages and abilities.
5) Parc Grand Godet (Chem. du Grand Godet, Villeneuve-le-Roi 94) : Let’s leave the capital for a moment to take a look at the hidden gems to be found on its outskirts. That’s right, Greater Paris also encompasses other towns and departments. On the border between Orly and Villeneuve-le-Roi lies the best court in the 94. And with good reason – it’s the epitome of next-gen basketball. Created in 2025, these four half-courts nestled in the heart of Parc Grand Godet will host the third leg of the Grand Paris Basketball Summer Tour. With spotless baskets and foam padding underneath (the detail that makes all the difference), the locals from Val-de-Marne have already made this playground their home. A well-maintained court, old-school design, a local vibe… what more could you ask for?
@jiliann_094 Les terrains se situent au parc du Grand Godet entre Orly et Villeneuve-le-Roi 🏀 #pourtoi #fyp #foryou #basket #basketball #basketteur #3×3##terrain #street #playground ♬ son original – Jiliann 🍃
4) Cour Rémilly (50 Bis Rue Remilly, Versailles 78) : In the world of modern playgrounds, the Cour Reilly holds a unique place from the heights of its throne. Just a stone’s throw from the Sun King’s residence, the Cour Rémilly embodies the spirit of Versailles. The aesthetic of the French formal gardens designed by André Le Nôtre blends perfectly with the orange ball. It just goes to show that there’s only a fine line between the beauty of our heritage and basketball. Launched in 2024, the Grand Paris Basketball Summer Tour will set up shop on these three courts during its fourth and final leg. This design offers an aesthetic that is just waiting to welcome the Victor Wembanyamas of tomorrow.
3) Gymnase Charles Le Chauve (1 Rue Joseph Bodin de Boismortier, Roissy-en-Brie 77) : Our tour around the City of Light comes to an end in Roissy-en-Brie. Since 2024, the go-to basketball court in Seine-et-Marne has been located next to the Charles Le Chauve Sports Hall. Colour, original artwork and basketball. In short, nothing but joy and plenty of space. With two full-size courts and two 3×3 courts, there’s room for everyone. The hoops, plexiglass backboards and nets are all in tip-top condition. There are also benches – and goodness knows how much of a relief that is! Unlike almost all the popular playgrounds in Greater Paris, this spot really does offer a huge amount of space. Perfect for hosting large-scale events such as the second leg of the Grand Paris Basketball Summer Tour.
@hoopsider Respectez le 77 svp ! 😤😮💨✨ #basketball #hoopsiderouass ♬ Piano famous song Chopin Deep deep clear beauty – RYOpianoforte
2) Playground Duperré (22 rue Duperré, Paris 9e) : If you thought a basketball court couldn’t be a true work of art, you’ll soon change your mind. Like a treasure hidden from the general public, the Duperré playground looks as though it’s straight out of a video game. Nestled between two blocks of flats in Pigalle, a court bursting with a thousand and one colours dazzles the City of Light. The brainchild of Thomas Subreville – founder of III Studio – this spot is by far the most aesthetically pleasing place in Paris to give basketball a go. You really have to see it to believe it; this blend of colours, set against a rather cubist backdrop, delights basketball players and photographers alike. Adding to this idyllic setting is a court of unique dimensions. The Duperré Playground leaves no one indifferent, not even LeBron James, whose visit in 2018 made a lasting impression.
1) Playground Jemmapes (144 quai de Jemmapes, Paris 10e) : The most famous playground, the most WTF playground, the most legendary playground, the playground that epitomises Parisian basketball… Welcome to Quai 144! Renovated in 2020 as part of the support programme for the NBA Paris Game and subsequently made famous on social media, this court single-handedly encapsulates our basketball culture. The court may not be regulation-sized, littered with uneven ground and a tree just lying about – but who cares! As soon as you step through that very New York-style wire fence, the excitement and passion take over. You’ll need either flawless technique or the build of a bull to hold your own here. Otherwise, get ready to be on the receiving end of one dig after another. Kevin Garnett would have loved playing in this environment, given the constant trash-talking. But make no mistake! Along the Canal Saint-Martin, respect combined with good humour are the cornerstones of a spot christened ‘The Professor’ in 2024.
Article by alexis gallot
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