Part 2: Croissants, Clay Courts & Château Dreams — France Delivered
🧀 On the Court: Houdan’s Hidden Pickleball Scene
After landing in Paris, we made a beeline for Houdan, a sleepy French town straight out of a fairy tale—with baguettes, castles, and quiet streets. But we were here for more than just cheese and charm—we were here for pickleball.
Our good friend Cyril had just painted three outdoor pickleball courts at his club, using a spare space tucked beside the tennis courts. When we arrived, two of his tennis coaches were testing the lines—with wood paddles and an indoor ball. We had to walk them through a few rules (like “the ball has to bounce on both sides” and “only the second server gets to serve at the start”). Let’s just say… France has some learning to do 😜 and they love it when Americans tell them as such.
We jumped into a game—me and Cyril versus Damon and Coach William. We had the early lead… but eventually lost. I’d blame my partner, but, ya know—coaching integrity and all 😇
🍷 Off the Court: Cheese Boards & Castle Mix-Ups
That night, our friend and Cyril’s wife, Lulu, served the most incredible charcuterie spread—French wine, soft cheeses, crispy bread. Honestly, heaven.
The next morning, we headed out for a tour of Versailles. Minor hiccup: I lost Damon’s ticket (or never bought it 🫣. Major hiccup: our tour guide apparently wasn’t into waiting. After a 3-minute panic and a small miracle from security, we got in—but our group was long gone. We wandered the palace grounds for 45 minutes before giving up and doing our own thing. (Note to future retreat guests: we’ll be booking private tours. No one gets left behind!)
Then came one of my absolute highlights: a road trip to Mont Saint-Michel. This 8th-century abbey rises from the sea at high tide like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s a 4-hour drive from Paris, so probably not part of a retreat itinerary—but if you ever get the chance, go.
On the way back, we stopped at a castle (because… France), then swung through the Le Mans Museum—home of the 24-hour race made famous (well more famous) in Ford vs Ferrari. Watching that race live is now on the bucket list. Maybe a post-retreat add-on someday?
🎾 Clay Courts, Padel Games & Paris at Midnight
The next day we switched gears and tried out padel—Europe’s fastest growing racquet sport. It’s like Europe’s pickleball, but harder. It’s like a tennis-pickleball hybrid with walls… and chaos. The ball can bounce off the back wall and come at you from behind. Let’s just say: it was humbling and hilarious.
That night we made nachos for our friends’ kids (a request from our last visit). Pro tip: if you want proper salsa, chips, or taco seasoning in France… bring your own.
On our final day, we played tennis at Cyril’s club—starting on hard court and finishing on clay. I love the slide and flow of clay (thanks to my time living in Switzerland), and for once, I had a speed advantage on Damon. Small victories 😄
We wrapped up our France adventure with a night out in Paris. Cyril’s family took us to the top of Montparnasse Tower—one of the tallest buildings in France. It wasn’t at the top of my must-see list, but navigating two train transfers (and nearly missing our reservation) turned it into one of those spontaneous, bonding memories you don’t forget. We capped it off with a midnight dinner and lots of wine before catching a 10 AM flight to Italy (luckily, I slept through most of the Uber ride).
📍 Other Pickleball Clubs in Paris (We Didn’t Get to Visit)
If you’re passing through Paris and want to play, here are a few places we researched but didn’t have time to check out. If you visit, we’d love to hear what you think!
Crazy Pickleball Club - New club located just outside Paris
Tennis & Pickleball Club IVRY - The courts are currently inside at a gym located just South of Paris
4Padel Paris – This club is located in Paris with 4 courts and looks like some are inside
OSS Pickleball, Tennis, Squash, Badminton Club – North of Paris with 3 indoor courts
🇫🇷 Paris: What Not to Miss (Even Though We Did 😅)
Since Damon and I had both been to Paris before, we skipped some of the tourist classics this time around. But if it’s your first time? These are the must-dos we recommend:
The Eiffel Tower (go at sunset!)
The Louvre (we both found the Mona Lisa underwhelming, but there’s so much to see)
Versailles Palace & Gardens (book ahead… and don’t lose your tour group)
Notre-Dame (might still be under renovation, but the area is still beautiful)
Sacré-Cœur (climb the stairs from John Wick 3!)
Basically—Paris is always a good idea.
Ready for an unforgettable French pickleball getaway?! Our tentative plan includes, first and foremost, dedicated pickleball training sessions (of course!) while enjoying the serene and picturesque French countryside. Along the way, we will explore charming local spots such as the fromagerie (cheese shop), the boulangerie (bakery), and nearby wine cellars, offering a true taste of French culture. We’ll also take exciting day trips to Versailles and other magnificent castles before concluding our adventure in the vibrant city of Paris! Let us know if you’re interested, and we will keep you updated with all the details and dates.
Next up: Italy - Italian villas, beautiful beaches, pasta, and more wine!
