The Sporting Calendar

The rhythm of French life is marked by sporting seasons and events. The Tour de France in July has been a fixed point in the national calendar for over a century, with many French people planning vacations around the race route. The Six Nations rugby championship brings late winter and early spring alive with anticipation and rivalry. The football season from August to May provides weekly drama and discussion in cafés and workplaces across the nation.

These sporting rhythms create shared national experiences. The entire country seems to pause when the French national football team plays in a major tournament. Rugby test matches against New Zealand's All Blacks generate excitement far beyond the sport's traditional strongholds. Even pétanque has its season, with summer tournaments drawing players and spectators to competitions that range from local friendly contests to national championships.