Tennis Léo Lagrange: Sophie's Bac on court!

She smashed it: Game, set and match for Sophie in the Baccalaureate (Mention Bien)

 Paris is sweltering - in fact it has been so so hot the City of Paris had set up a temporary swimming pool at the side of these courts in the 12th arrondissement. And while the city steamed in record-breaking temperatures my daughter - along with all the other 18-year-olds in the country - was slogging away at her exams in the Bac. Results were out on Friday and she smashed it - time for a celebratory game of tennis and picnic before jetting off to Berlin with her friends.
I love the setting of Léo Lagrange, on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes. The surrounding pine trees and flower beds lend an almost holiday feeling and the squeals of joy from children in the nearby pool added to the seaside ambience.

The courts themselves are another story and are in dire need of resurfacing. The cracks between the concrete blocks add an extra element of difficulty with balls that land awkwardly, flying off at all angles, and the scuffs and divots worn away by pounding feet are a positive trip hazard. The net had also seen better days; it was frayed and holey, although at least more or less the right height. It reminded me why I enjoy playing at Louis Lumiere in the 20th arrondissement - a less salubrious setting accompanied by the roar of the Périphérique, but on two immaculately re-surfaced courts with new nets (the third is still awaiting attention).
We were fired up by watching Andy Murray and Serena Williams storm to victory in the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles the night before, but Sophie's success in the Bac did not convert to success on court and she and her dad lost to her brother and I in a tightly fought match.
I'd picked the court for picnicking potential and it didn't let us down in that respect. We spread our rug on the lawn for a late courtside lunch in true British style while the Marie de Paris court supervisor wished us a cheery Bon Appetit!
Mention Trés Bien for the setting, Rattrapage definitely required for the courts.

Rough deal: court maintenance required

Tennis Léo Lagrange
68 Boulevard Poniatowski
75012
Metre: Porte de Charenton