Nestled in the picturesque, historically rich district of Montmartre in Paris, squash enthusiasts will find a true hidden facility - Squash Montmartre. Here, a decades long passion for squash merges with a warm, inviting environment, creating a truly exceptional playing experience.
Founded in 1981 by Fabrice Mestrot, a man who exudes passion for the game, the club has grown into an intimate yet vibrant community.
More than just a place to play, it embodies a unique blend of Parisian charm, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that sets it apart from any other club in the city.
"I discovered squash in 1980," Fabrice recalls, "and I said to m yself, this spart is magnificent - squash is a physical game, but it's also like chess."
This blend of physicality and strategy drew him in, and from that moment, his passion for the game grew. An entrepreneur at heart, he decided to channel his passion into building something special - Squash Montmartre.
"I wanted to start a club," Fabrlce explains," and since 1981, we have been here ." Fabrice's deep appreciation for the sport goes beyond the game it self; he views squash as the ·sport of the future" and a way of life that extends into the community he's built.
The venue it self is truly one-of·a· kind, located in a charming corner of Montmartre, an area more famous for its art and culture than its sports. Yet, Squash Montmartre seamlessly fits into this neighbourhood.
The club features four meticulously designed courts that offer an exceptional playing experience. Fabrice's attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of the club - from the full walls that ensure perfect rebound, to the natural light that floods the courts from the large windows. This attention to architectural design makes Squash Montmartre not only a place to play but a place to enjoy the beauty and artistry of the sport.
What also sets Squash Montmartre apart is its cosy, community-centric atmosphere. "The club, the decor, the people who work here - it 's all important to me," Fabrice says. "This is my way of life, creating a warm, welcoming place where people feel at ease. Unlike the anonymity of larger gyms, Squash Montmartre is intentionally small and tucked away, which only adds to its charm."
Fabrice doesn't rely on flashy advertising or mass promotion to draw people in. "We don't try to do a lot of advertising," he notes, "The success of the club is ear to ear." For Fabrice, it was important that the club remain somewhat hidden, adding to the allure for those who stumble upon it . After games, members can relax in the club's cosy lounge or step outside to a rare gem in Paris · a small garden where players can gather, socialise, and enjoy a drink. "We're lucky to have a small garden outside where the players can have a beer after the game, and they're happy with that." says Fabrice.
In a city known for its hustle and bustle, this quiet corner of greenery is a welcome retreat. "You have to know that life in Paris is difficult and hard," Fabrice explains. "The fact of coming to a place where they are relaxed, where they can talk to friends, do their matches again, and bringtheir children or their families - that's really important to me."
The club's atmosphere is about more than just Sports; it's about creating a sanctuary from the pressures of cit ylife,a place where friendships are forged and memories are made. While the club boasts a community of roughly 1,500 players, the core group of dedicated members · about 100 regulars who play weekly · truly gives the club its familial atmosphere.
However, Squash Montmartre is just as welcoming to casual players, or as Fabrice calls them, "leisure clients" who may only come once a month or so. This inclusive philosophy means that whether you're a committed athlete or just looking for a fun way to stay active, you're sure to feel at home.
But Squash Montmartre has also made a name for itself beyond the casual game. The club has long been involved in supporting competitive squash and one of its most notable relationships is with Camille Serme. "l've known Camille for a very long time," Fabrice shares, adding that when she was injured and her sponsors pulled back, the club stepped in to support her. For Fabrice, this is not just about boosting the club's image · it 's about creating a connection between local playersand top· tier athletes.
"lf Camille wears the name of Squash Montmartre, it will not bring us a client who will come to register in our club,"he admits, "but it is very important that there is a link between the players, their club, and a very high-level player like Camille.·
Fabrice sees this as essential to the future of squash, emphasising that it's about fostering admiration for top players within local clubs · much like the way people admire tennis stars like Federer.
The club's involvement in Paris Squash 2024 further cements its status as a key player in the Paris squash scene. Squash Montmartre hosted early round matches · showcasnig the club to a wider audience and simultaneously showcasing top level squash to the members and local community. For Fabrice, this isn't just an event - it's part of abroader vision for the future of squash. "People need to understand that the future of squash is happening now," he says. ''In the next two or three years, it is important that all the actors of squash - the players, the clubs, the coaches, the photographers, the people who make the video · push together towards the success of squash again."
His goal is to revive the excitement and energy that squash experienced in the 1980s, a golden era for the sport. Despite nearing 80 years old, Fabrice is still passionate about the game, playing regularly with friends like club-coach Santiago. "Squash is still my main passion - I have many interests and hobbies,but it is squash that has captured me for all these years," he says. This passion is contagious, and it's reflected in the club's enduring success. In fact, the club is so beloved that some members have even bought apartments in Montmartre just to be closer.
At Squash Montmartre squash is more than a game · it 's a way of life. Whether you're drawn in by the world·class courts, the warm community, or the chance to watch high-level players compete, there's something magical about this place.
Fabrice has built more than just a club; he's created a community where squash thrives in the heart of Paris, and where anyone can feel at home - if you're ever in the city, it's a must visit destination.
This article was published in the March 2025 edition of Squash Player magazine under the title "Magical Montmartre".
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