The French Open tennis tournament is upon us. “The French,” held from May 23 to June 6, joins the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open as one of the four most prestigious annual tennis events, called grand slams.

Roland Garros, as it’s officially known, is the prettiest (Paris!) and most intimate of the four. Degas might’ve swooned over the impressionistic setting—lithe athletes gliding about like dancers on red clay courts, against the leafy backdrop of the Bois de Boulogne. (Sadly, that will change soon: plans for a larger stadium at a new location are being discussed.)
Tickets for the main event (starting at 21 euros) went on sale in February and disappeared faster than it takes to finish a café crème. But there are still ways to get in.

With daylight lasting well past 9 p.m., the evening visitor’s pass is a bargain at 10 euros. Based on the number of seats vacated by fans departing throughout the day, these passes are issued for entry after 5 p.m. to any remaining matches. A qualifying tournament starting May 18 features lower-ranked players fighting for several slots in the main draws (multiday tickets start at 19 euros). If you’re lucky, you might spot some top players who’ve arrived early to practice on the outside courts.

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