By department
Best-equipped towns
- Paris 7
- Marseille 4
- Toulouse 4
- Strasbourg 4
- Grenoble 4
- Lyon 3
- Nantes 3
- Lille 2
- Rennes 2
- Dijon 2
- Brest 2
- Fort-de-France 2
- Bordeaux 1
- Mérignac 1
- Montpellier 1
- Nice 1
- Annecy 1
- La Ciotat 1
- Ajaccio 1
Country-specific rules
Derived from Decree No. 96-495 of 4 June 1996, these articles set safety requirements for football, handball and hockey goals and for basketball hoops, outdoors and indoors. Goals must be anchored, or weighted with counterweights, so that they hold firm when someone hangs or swings from the bar. A non-compliant goal must be made inaccessible immediately by its owner or operator, who must also maintain it so that it stays compliant.
Under the French Public Health Code (Article R.1336-5), no noise may disturb the peace of the neighbourhood through its duration, repetition or intensity. The mayor can set opening hours for the pitch by municipal order.
Good to know
- Never hang from the crossbar or climb on the goals: a badly anchored goal can tip over and cause serious injury.
- Before you play, check that the goals are fixed to the ground or weighted down. Do not use a loose, movable goal.
- If more players turn up, bring them in or rotate teams rather than keeping the pitch to yourselves.
Read the full guide: football pitches →
FAQ
How many football pitches are there in France?
Oukonjou lists 46 free-access ones, in 19 towns.
Where are the most football pitches in France?
The best-equipped towns are Paris (7), Marseille (4) and Toulouse (4).
How do I find the nearest football pitch?
Open the map, pick “Football pitches” and tap “Near me”: the list sorts by distance. Your position stays in your browser.
Do I need to book or pay?
No. The football pitches listed here are reported as free access: free of charge and no booking, within the rules posted on site (hours, age, sharing).
Data updated on November 2, 2026