An archery competition and free activities unfold in front of a château in Val d'Oise.

The French 3D Archery Championship (individual) lands this summer at the heart of the Château d'Écouen - National Museum of the Renaissance, in the Val d'Oise. The 564 best archers in the country in this discipline will converge from August 13 to 16, 2026 for this decisive event to qualify for the World Championship. In addition to the tournament, you can enjoy free activities to discover archery and the beauty of the estate.

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But what exactly is 3D archery? This practice, established in France since 1990, hearkens back to ancient shooting techniques while highlighting respect for nature and fellow humans, and takes place outdoors, in the open air. Archers follow a course marked by foam targets shaped like animals placed at varying distances and positions, offering an immersive and varied experience on flat or hilly terrain.

The competition unfolds in packs along a course of 24 targets. You can score 5, 8, 10, or 11 points depending on the zone hit on the 3D target. Each archer shoots two arrows. Distances range from 5 to 45 meters and are not known to the archers: they must estimate each shot, a true test of skill. These courses will be set up on the manor grounds and in the Ecouen Forest, with an edge-of-wood access so visitors can discover the sport.

A prestigious setting to host this championship, with plenty of activities and tours offered free of charge along with access to the grounds. You’ll be able to try archery, explore the Renaissance Museum – Château d’Écouen’s collections on archery, stroll through the Forest of Ecouen, and visit the church of Saint-Acceul with its ancient stained glass. Children can take part in a heraldries workshop or artistic fencing session, but don’t forget to book for some of these activities!

A festive evening awaits you on Friday, August 14, from 7:30 p.m., with a concert by Ember Drive, an alternative rock quartet, a short performance by the Compagnie Cyclone “Les escrimeurs du Coup de Jarnac” and a concert by Trouz Ar Mor, festive Celtic rock.

To reach it by public transport, you can take the ligne H and get off at Ecouen-Ezainville station, then walk about 20 minutes to the castle, or take bus 269.

The competition schedule

• Wednesday, August 12: Welcome for archers — official training sessions
• Thursday, August 13: Qualifying rounds for the first group — first shot at 8:00 a.m.; youth course — starts at 9:20 a.m.; Round of 16 — starts at 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, August 14: Quarterfinals — 9:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; semifinals and finals — 12:00 to 4:30 p.m.; youth course — 8:00 a.m.; awards ceremony and podium presentations from 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 15: Qualifying rounds — first shot at 8:00 a.m.; Round of 16 — starts at 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 16: Quarterfinals — 9:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; semifinals and finals — 12:00 to 4:30 p.m.; awards ceremony from 5:00 p.m.