Historic Project

Jeu de Paume Project

Preserving and promoting the original game of tennis — the historic sport of Jeu de Paume

About the Project

What is Jeu de Paume?

Jeu de Paume, or "real tennis," is the original racquet sport from which modern tennis evolved. Dating back centuries, it holds immense historical and cultural significance as the precursor to all modern racquet sports.

Rich Heritage

A sport with centuries of tradition, played by kings and nobles throughout European history

Original Tennis

The authentic precursor to modern tennis, played on indoor courts with unique rules and equipment

Global Preservation

Working to preserve and promote this historic sport for future generations worldwide

Location & Surroundings

Cultural Hub + Sports & Concerts

  • GROUPAMA STADIUM
  • Used in Paris Olympics 24, 23 Rugby W Cup, FIFA Women World Cup, Euro 2021, Taylor Swift
  • Concerts next door at LDLC Arena – Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Green Day
  • All In Academy - Jo Tsonga next to it
  • Revival of the 250 ATP event in October 26, previously held at Palais des Sports
  • STADE DE GERLAND
  • Used weekly for rugby Top 14 matches, FIFA World Cup 98
  • OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS BRAND
  • 7 times French champions in a row, twice ½ finalists Champions League
  • AND SO MANY OTHERS…
  • Halle Tony Garnier, Transbordeur, Les Beaux Arts, Cité Internationale, Bocuse Restaurants, Eurexpo, INTERPOL, Amphithéâtre 3000, Conference etc…
Location

Lyon, Hub of Europe

Lugdunum, 2068 years old

TRAINS

  • 1 hour 55 to Paris
  • 90 min to ski
  • 1 hour 40 to Mediterranean Sea

DRIVE

  • 90 minutes to Geneva
  • 90 minutes drive to Annecy
  • 3 hours 30 minutes drive to Turin
  • Near Beaujolais, Dijon, Provence

FLY

  • 1h to London, Munich, Barcelona, Roma, Zurich
  • USA via Geneva or Paris

Heritage & Culture

  • World Capital of Gastronomy
  • Roman & Renaissance heritage
  • Birthplace of Cinema
  • Great Food – Paul Bocuse
  • Beaujolais Nouveau
  • Modern city with all infrastructures

Year-Round Calendar

  • Biennale de Lyon
  • Festival du 8 Décembre
  • Nuits de Fourvière
  • Festival Lumière
  • So many others…
Timeline

Expected Timings

Project Table & Investors Roundup

Up to March 2027

Property Find

Q1/2 2027

Travaux

Aim to start September 2027

Target Club Opening

April–June 2028

Vision

A Modern Club & Court to Attract a New Generation

Same Hundred Years Old Rules, NEW FUN

Preserving the authentic traditions of Jeu de Paume while bringing a fresh, modern energy to the game.

STEP Adjustments

  • Space
  • Task
  • Equipment
  • People

Outreach for Disability Sports

Working with charities and foundations to make the sport inclusive and accessible to all.

Target of Guinness World Record

Highest ever attendance of JDP match – French Open Finals in 2029

Support

Corporate Sponsors & Additional Kickstart Campaign

Corporate Sponsors

  • The grille, the dedans, the gallery seats etc... without being over the top.
  • Tickets for all international events
  • Corporate days and retreats available all year long

Kickstarter Campaign

For curious players

  • Kickstarter for donations between €5 to €9.9k – with merch sales
  • For instance, sell the names of the benches etc...
  • Follow us, get special videos of the build up, etc...
Get Involved

Join the Project

We welcome support from individuals, organisations, and institutions who share our passion for preserving the heritage of Jeu de Paume

Support Us

Help fund the preservation and promotion of this historic sport

Volunteer

Share your time and expertise to help grow the Jeu de Paume community

Contact Us

Reach out to learn more about the project and how you can contribute