Tennis & Padel Club d'Eze
Eze, Provence
France
Fancy finding yourself on a court at 500m above sea level, overlooking some of the finest views of the Cote D’Azur, whilst nestled into the mountains of a charming French medieval town? Then come to Padel D’Eze.
A lasting melody of magnitude in the Med
Playing padel can be a true test of fitness at the best of times, but finding yourself on a court at 500 metres above sea level takes it to a whole new level. You might come off desperately looking for the showers, scrambling around for water or seeking refuge next to the AC. Yet, the trade off? Absolutely worth it. The pleasure of playing this most maverick of sports overlooking some of the finest views of the Cote D’Azur, whilst nestled into the mountains of the charming medieval town of Eze.
And that is just the beginning of why the Tennis & Padel Club D’Eze is a must-visit.
Founded by the cult favourite tennis player Michel Borfiga in 1991, the club is rich in modern history. Its prestige, as well as spectacular location between the popular cities of Monaco and Nice have been driving factors in attracting some of the world’s most decorated athletes and celebrities. Despite its popularity, the club has maintained a laid-back yet competitive atmosphere and solidified its status as one of the top sporting venues in the area (and competition in this stretch of southern France, there most definitely is). Whether just stopping by for an ice cold French lager while drinking in the view or aspiring to find the most impossibly perfect padel club in the world like us at Águilas, it’s time to inscribe Eze on your list.
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It’s not all views, though they are undoubtedly high on the Eze takeaway menu, as arguably, it’s equally about the padel. As talk internationally turns to the big daddy of racket sports (AKA tennis) being under threat from its upstart cousin, padel, you could suggest it might not be long before Tennis Club D’Eze rebrands itself Padel Club D’Eze, such is the transformation the club has undergone in recent times.
The club has already revamped a bank of two clay tennis courts to become three state of the art padel courts and you suspect it might not be long until two more of their tennis courts witness the same fate.
In a bid to diversify its facilities, the club also added a stunning five-a-side football pitch, perfect for resting your tennis elbow when the padel addiction has become all too much.
The terraced topography of the club comes with its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the beautifully designed informal viewing areas offer the chance to watch top-quality padel matches while soaking in the endless views of the Med. On the downside, you might find yourself falling into a full afternoon siesta, just as the point of the day is played out in front of your tired eyes. -
What sets Tennis Club D’Eze apart from many of the other admirers worldwide is, in a word, authenticity. Speaking with members of 30 years plus, the one thing they come back to time and again is the unchanged nature of Club D’Eze.
For many things in life, change is inevitable. Unless you’re Club D’Eze, that is.
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Recently renovated, the clubhouse is home to an informal café and bar depending on your hour of visit. It provides the perfect relaxed environment to celebrate your recent victory or commiserate with a cold beer. Acting as the social hub of the club, this is where you can connect with fellow padel enthusiasts and challenge one another to a game.
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The French Monaco
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Team Borfiga, world-renowned in tennis and now equally celebrated in padel, know how to leave a lasting impression. This stems from the unmatched energy of Michel (the head honcho), who is rarely, if ever, seen without a smile on his face whether on court, behind the bar, or relenting to the endless requests for selfies from visitors.
The team have seemingly infinite amounts of energy and embody the life and soul of all things D’Eze, consistently going out of their way to enhance your visit and make you feel a part of the family that they have all been taken into.
“Be serious without taking yourself seriously” goes the club’s motto, and we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. These seven words perfectly epitomise the attitude of the staff.
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The club’s four courts are expertly maintained and cared for, ensuring a best in class playing experience. When the members spoke (suggesting the courts played too fast), Club D’Eze management listened (the courts were immediately resurfaced with less sand and a coarser floor to offer a more traditional feel). Three of the courts run linearly with each other, whilst one, The One, is isolated on its own plinth giving it the name “Le court panoramic”. This court offers a breathtaking experience, as it feels like you’re on the edge of a cliff – and truthfully, you are (so it’s best to save your out-of-the-court showboating for another venue!).
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As you would expect from a club with top-level sport at its heart, the coaching provision at Tennis Club D’Eze leaves no room for critique. With a team of six coaches, all with abundant padel experience, and some even having been trained by the world’s very best padel pros in Madrid, have the tools and enthusiasm needed to take the padel player’s game to new heights (and you’ll have to trust us with this one, when we say no pun intended).
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Embracing its ultra-competitive spirit, the club regularly hosts fiercely contested tournaments. With categories for men, women, kids, over 45s, and celebrities, there’s something for everyone.
Regular coaching clinics for both adults and kids ensure everyone has the opportunity to improve their game. During school holidays, boot camps provide intensive training sessions, offering some of the best coaching around. The importance of children is central to the club’s ethos, a value Michel passionately emphasises.
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Team Borfiga Polo