Jeu de Paume: Where Parisian Tradition And Modernity Meet
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Paris, the Jeu de paume Squash Club is where history and sport collide. Step inside, and you are instantly transported into a world where aristocrats once wielded rackets and champions still make their mark on the court.
It’s not just another sports venue - it’s a living piece of Parisian history.
In the heart of Paris, tucked away in a historic building dating back to 1908, lies a squash club that is as much a part of the city’s rich cultural tapestry as the nearby museums and monuments.
The Jeu de paume Squash Club, managed by Lilian Vimal de Murs, is not just any squash venue - it is a symbol of the evolving landscape of racket sports in France. Its rich history, combined with a modern, inclusive approach to sports, makes this club a truly unique place for both casual players and squash enthusiasts.
Today, the club continues to be a cornerstone of squash in France, preserving its heritage while embracing the needs of a new generation of players.
The club’s roots are deeply tied to the aristocratic game of real tennis (also known as jeu de paume), which was popular among the French elite in the 19th century. Originally, the club was located at the Jeu de Paume Museum in the Tuileries Gardens, before relocating to its current site due to urban redesigns under Baron Haussmann.
When real tennis began to decline in popularity in France, the club adapted, and in 1927, it built the first squash court in France.
“The building is from 1908, and we have the oldest squash courts in France,“ said Lilian. “The building itself is iconic, and the history is something we are very proud of.
“Squash was becoming more and more popular in places like the UK so the members chose to convert one real tennis court into four squash court,” Lilian explains that this move marked the beginning of the club’s deep relationship with squash, which would only strengthen over the decades.
Johan Westerholm, Vice Chairman of the squash committee, echoes this sentiment, noting, “The French Federation was born here.” Westerholm is referring to the French Squash Federation, which was founded within the walls of Jeu de paume in the 1970s, solidifying the club’s role as a central player in the development of squash in France .
This deep historical significance is palpable from the moment you step inside - its very architecture a reminder of the club’s enduring presence in French sport. “This club is not just about sport - it’s about history.” Westerholm adds.
However, what truly sets Jeu de Paume apart is the balance it strikes between tradition and accessibility. While the club was originally founded as a private members’ club, it has slowly opened up over the years to cater to a more diverse group of players.
“It’s a club for members, but to become a member is not that hard,” Lilian admits. “We’ve opened it up more in recent years, allowing the club to engage with a wider audience, particularly those who may not want the long-term commitment of membership but still seek to experience playing squash in such a historic and beautiful venue.”
The club’s squash community is vibrant and varied, with around 300 squash players making up the majority of the membership. Additionally, the club sees around 2,000 guest players annually, many of whom are drawn by the opportunity to play in such a prestigious and historic venue.
Despite its exclusivity, the club is working to remain relevant in a city where sports participation patterns have shifted. Many Parisians now prefer flexibility, choosing to play sports in multiple locations rather than committing to just one club. To cater to these evolving preferences, Jeu de Paume has partnered with mobile apps that allow players to book courts for a one-time fee.
“More and more, people like to play in different places. They don’t become members for life anymore,” says Lilian, recognising the need to adapt the club’s business model to the habits of modern athletes .
The balance between maintaining exclusivity and welcoming new players is not easy, but it’s one Jeu de Paume has managed with finesse. “We want to provide a top service in a top location for our members,” says Johan. “At the same time, we need to bring more people into the sport.” This strategy isn’t just about growing the membership base; it’s about fostering a deep connection to squash within the community. “Our aim is always to convert visitors into members once they’ve experienced what the club has to offer,” Johan adds
This is why the club is careful about the conditions under which non-members can access the courts, always aiming to convert them into long-term members while preserving the club’s atmosphere .
Jeu de Paume’s location in the heart of Paris adds to its appeal. While many squash clubs have been pushed out to the suburbs due to rising real estate costs, Jeu de Paume remains one of the few central Paris clubs still thriving. In the 1980s, Paris was home to over 15 squash clubs, but today only a handful remain, making Jeu de Paume a rare find for urban squash enthusiasts. “Back in the 80s, clubs were everywhere, but now real estate prices have made it difficult,” Johan explains. “We’re one of the few left”
For Parisians, the club offers the convenience of playing in the city centre without sacrificing any of the benefits of a suburban venue. “You can pop down, play for 45 minutes, have a beer, and still be home for dinner,” Johan remarks. This ease of access is a significant draw, especially for those with busy schedules looking for both fitness and relaxation.
One of the most distinctive features of Jeu de Paume is its social atmosphere, which elevates the experience beyond just sport. The club’s lounge area, where members can relax after a match, creates a strong sense of community. “We’re providing something more than just a place to play,” says Johan. “It’s a social space as much as a sporting one” . Members can gather to watch squash matches, enjoy drinks, and connect with fellow players, fostering a sense of camaraderie that sets the club apart from other fitness facilities.
This social element is not just incidental - it’s central to the club’s philosophy. “In the 80s, squash was booming because it was a social sport. People would play, then stay for hours, talking and enjoying each other’s company,” Johan explains. The club seeks to revive that spirit by offering more than just courts—it offers a place where sport and socialising come together
The club has also embraced its role as a central player in competitive squash. Hosting PSA tournaments and drawing top athletes from around the world, Jeu de Paume has become a hub for professional squash in France. “We started with a PSA event four years ago, and it has since grown,” says Lilian.
These events offer local players the chance to see world-class athletes in action and experience the sport at its highest level. For Lilian, this isn’t just about bringing in the pros - it’s about fostering a sense of excitement and community within the club.
“We want a club that’s very crowded, with a lot of people watching good squash, in a good atmosphere, screaming, and having beers. That’s what we want in sport,” he says.
“To me, it’s very important for squash in France, because most people who play squash don’t care about high-level players,” Lilian explains. His goal is to bridge this gap by introducing club members to elite athletes and fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport’s top competitors. “When people see top players like Victor (Crouin) playing next to them, they start to realise how amazing squash really is,” Lilian adds.
Jeu de Paume may be steeped in history, but its eyes are firmly fixed on the future. The club continues to evolve, opening its doors to a broader range of players while maintaining the exclusivity and quality that have made it an institution in Parisian squash.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone looking to experience squash for the first time, Jeu de Paume offers something unique - a place where tradition, community, and modern sport converge.
As Lilian puts it, “We’re preserving the history, but we’re also adapting. That’s the only way a club like this can survive and thrive.” And thrive it does, in the heart of Paris, where the echoes of squash legends past continue to inspire the players of today .
From its elegant design - featuring a 20-meter-high roof designed by the same architects behind the Eiffel Tower - to its position as a hub for both professional and casual squash, this club is a must-visit for any sports enthusiast in Paris
In a city that’s constantly changing, this club remains a constant - a place where squash isn’t just played, it’s celebrated.
