Chess tournament, free introductory sessions, and a showdown with a pro player at La Défense

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Updated on July 8, 2026 at 05:30 p.m.
The La Défense shopping center is set to host a major free event devoted to chess on Saturday, July 18, 2026. On the agenda: free introductory sessions open to all, a tournament, and an impressive challenge against a professional player.

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the La Défense shopping center will turn into a giant chessboard on the central square! Whether you're a chess aficionado or a curious passerby, come learn for free and test your mettle against others in a free-to-enter chess tournament open to all. For years overlooked, this timeless game is enjoying a renewed wave of popularity, with the federation estimating around 5 million French players.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., watch or join in if you feel up to it at a big chess tournament bringing together up to 48 players in a round-robin format, accessible only through pre-registration. In parallel, a free, open-access introduction led by professionals invites you to discover the basics of the game and to start with some opening moves.

In the afternoon, from 2 to 5 p.m., Joachim Mouhamad, a FIDE Master and coach certified by the International Chess Federation, will be on hand to deliver a real spectacle, with an impressive challenge: to take on 15 opponents at once! For this simul against a professional, don’t forget to register as well!

And to brush up before the event, a few spots in the capital let you play there and get started in chess.

Blitz Society, le bar parisien qui vous apprend à jouer aux échecsBlitz Society, le bar parisien qui vous apprend à jouer aux échecsBlitz Society, le bar parisien qui vous apprend à jouer aux échecsBlitz Society, le bar parisien qui vous apprend à jouer aux échecs Where to Play Chess in Paris? Our Top Spots for Cafés, Bars, and Gardens with Chessboards
Between trendy bars and specialty cafés, outdoor tables in parks, and informal get-togethers around a chessboard, Paris offers a wealth of spots to play chess — whether you're competing in a tournament or just enjoying a friendly game. [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On July 18, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    15, Parvis de la Défense
    92800 Puteaux

    Route planner
    Accessibility info

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    experience.westfield.com

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