Tips to save money on sports and working out in France

Aside from its obvious physical and mental health benefits, some 84% of French people think sport also plays a significant role in social cohesion, according to a 2024 poll by Ipsos. No surprise, then, that many newcomers actively seek out local clubs to better integrate into their local communities and make friends. But what are the best ways to do this on a budget?

Subsidies and vouchers

Created in 2021, the PassSport is a €70 subsidy to help young people get into sport. It can cover fees for clubs, associations or a gym and was set up to widen access to sport for young people who might otherwise face barriers to participating. The different categories cover ages from 14 to 30.

Over 85,000 clubs are signed up to the scheme. All eligible young people receive a code by email or text and show this to the gym or sports club when they sign up.

Vouchers are also available from France’s family allowance fund (CAF) or employers via a company’s Comité Social et Économique (CSE). 

These can be used for anything from cultural activities to sports. Each department has its own criteria for CAF vouchers, so eligibility and amounts depend on where you live. Y

ou must be a CAF recipient to apply. It is up to individual companies whether they offer CSE vouchers. Both CAF and CSE vouchers are valid for two years. 

Buy and sell second-hand 

Thrift shops and apps such as Vinted are a good option for cut-price sports clothing, while Facebook Marketplace or Leboncoin can sometimes unearth great bargains on equipment. 

La Recyclerie Sportive was the first shop to specialise in recycled sporting goods in France, and now has several branches in Paris, as well as in Bordeaux, Grenoble and Marseille. Membership is €5, which includes access to all of the shops.

Decathlon stores also have a ‘Second Life’ range offering pre-owned products at a reduced price.

Meanwhile, Sporteed is the first 100% sports-focused community platform for people to buy and sell sports goods and covers over 100 sports. 

For winter sports equipment specifically, look out for pop-up bourses aux skis (ski sales), which are usually organised by local clubs.

Work out from home or for free

“The best ‘gym’ is our body. There are a lot of exercises you can do using your body weight, especially when you are starting to train, for example squats, lunges, press-ups, planks and running,” said Aiste Sakalauskaite Tessier, a personal trainer based in Paris.

An increasing number of people are also doing online classes from the comfort of their own home. YouTube is a good source. Yoga with Adriene, Cours de Yoga by ELLE magazine, and MadFit all post real-time, at-home workouts. 

From outdoor public gyms to hiking trails and sports tracks, it is worth exploring free facilities in your local area.

“You can train in parks, use a bench, stairs or incline/decline paths,” said Ms Sakalauskaite Tessier. “A lot of parks also have free training equipment.” The interactive map shows locations. Other free ideas include hiking. 

Local associations 

There are more than 300,000 sporting associations in France, often subsidised by local authorities. Many are very reasonable to join and other members may be a good source of second-hand equipment. 

Clubs usually start in September and many offer free trial sessions so you can get a taste of the sport and instructors before enrolling for the year

“Local community classes could be sponsored for free or have a small fee. Usually group classes are much cheaper than individual training. It’s also an amazing way to meet new friends,” said Ms Sakalauskaite Tessier.

Low-cost gyms

There are a growing number of low-cost gyms offering a no-frills space for a reasonable price. 

Basic-Fit has branches across France, with membership starting at €24.99 per month based on an annual subscription. Fitness Park starts at €19 for the first four weeks and then €30 per month. 

Local community centres 

The Maisons des jeunes et de la culture (MJC) network promotes youth engagement and social inclusion. These community centres number around 1,000 across France, with activities ranging from cultural to sporting. 

Many hold classes such as yoga and dance. Funding comes from local authorities, and prices are usually low. You will pay a small joining fee, and then the price of your course or activity. 

There are usually a variety of free activities on certain dates, so check your local MJC schedule. 

Reader tips

“Local towns usually have great sporting facilities, from football pitches to indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Local residents pay less to go to the nearest swimming pool. Students in Normandy also get financial contributions to their sporting activities with the Atout Normandie scheme.” AW

“I have cycled three different Tour de France routes for charity and been fortunate to have seen so much of what this country can offer. I’m not suggesting this for everybody, but walking and cycling are good for body and soul and are relatively inexpensive.” RW

“I’ve just renewed my gym membership. At €540 for the year, it’s not expensive. I can use the facilities and all the classes. I do four a week. There are also walking, cycling and running groups around my area.” JJ