chessChess for kids in France: where your child learns to play
Children learn chess where chess is played: in a club's junior section, at school or in a chess school. The start is around five to eight, a club usually costs less than a music course, and no child needs a rating. The Chessmates directory lists 1052 clubs by town.
At what age can children learn chess?
Many children learn the pieces around five; for regular club training, six to eight is the usual start. Enjoyment matters more than age.
Where can my child learn chess in France?
In a club's junior section, in a school chess club, or at a chess school in the larger cities. Club training usually runs early evening or Saturday morning; the directory lists 1052 clubs by town.
What does it cost?
Junior membership is well below the adult fee and often includes training; chess schools charge per course, like music or sport. A trial session is almost always free.
Are there tournaments for children?
Yes: club junior events, school championships, junior sections at opens and the national junior championships. Most take children without a rating.
Clubs in the biggest cities
Paris (43) · Bordeaux (7) · Lyon (6) · Marseille (6) · Toulouse (5) · Metz (4) · Clermont Ferrand (3) · Dijon (3) · Lille (3) · Montpellier (3)
Upcoming junior tournaments
- 10Oct2026
- 10Oct2026
- 10Oct2026
- 10Oct2026
- 17Oct2026
- 17Oct2026
About Chessmates
Chessmates is the app for over-the-board chess: find an opponent nearby, discover clubs, play tournaments. Free for players and clubs.