HOCKEY IN FRANCE

Growing NHL interest

25
Ice Rinks
0
Teams
3
Leagues
1
Players
#15
IIHF Men's
#15
IIHF Women's
1931
First NHL Player
full
IIHF Member
Top Division
Ranked #16 in division
IIHF Division (2025)

Hockey in France

France has 25 ice rinks, 0 active hockey teams, 3 leagues and 1 player on file in the RinkStop directory. France is a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the men’s national team is currently ranked #15 in the world, with the women’s national team at #15.

Finding hockey in France

The teams listed on this page are organized by league. The top professional league is the Ligue Magnus. Below you can browse 3 leagues from professional to amateur, including women’s programs where available.Each team has a roster page with arena info, the league they play in, and a link to the team\u2019s official site.

Where to play hockey in France

New players should start with a learn-to-skate program at one of the 25 rinks on this page. Most rinks also run learn-to-play hockey clinics for both kids and adults. Registration with the national federation is typically required before joining a team. The \u201cHow to play\u201d section below has a step-by-step pathway from first-time skater to league play.

Hockey ecosystem in France

France has 25 ice rinks, 0 active teams, and 3 leagues in the RinkStop directory. Growing NHL interest

National Teams in France

IIHF Full Member
Men's
France Men's
World #15
Men's U18
France Men's U18
Unranked
Men's U20
France Men's U20
Unranked
Women's
France Women's
World #15
Women's U18
France Women's U18
Unranked

Directory status: RinkStop currently lists 25 rinks in France, no club teams, and 3 leagues. Hockey is governed by French Ice Hockey Federation in France. Help us complete this directory — add a team or league in France.

Hockey Leagues in France

All leagues →
Ligue Magnus
professional
French Cup
professional
D1
professional

Ice Rinks in France

Browse all 25

Méribel Ice Palace

Méribel-les-Allues, Savoie, France
📍 Méribel, Savoie
📞 +33 4 79 08 60 01

Featured Hockey Players from France

Alexandre Texier
left_wing

How to Play Hockey in France

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to France, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

  1. 1
    Learn to skate first
    Most hockey players in France start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
  2. 2
    Try a learn-to-play clinic
    Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
  3. 3
    Join a youth or adult recreational team
    After learn-to-play, most players in France join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
  4. 4
    Register with the national federation
    Growing NHL interest In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
  5. 5
    Progress through the development pathway
    Talented players in France typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.
Know something we're missing?
Help us keep the France hockey directory accurate. Add or update a rink, team, or league →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey in France

How many ice rinks are in France?+

RinkStop currently lists 25 ice rinks in France. The directory covers public arenas, private clubs, and training facilities.

What is the main hockey league in France?+

The top professional hockey league in France is the Ligue Magnus.

How do I start playing hockey in France?+

Most players in France start with a learn-to-skate program, then progress to a learn-to-play clinic through a local rink or club. The "How to play" section below has a step-by-step pathway.

Is there women's hockey in France?+

Yes, France has women's hockey programs. Most rinks run women-only recreational leagues in addition to any national women's league.

Is hockey popular in France?+

Hockey in France: Growing NHL interest. IIHF ranking: #11.

How many registered hockey teams are in France?+

RinkStop's directory lists 0 active hockey teams in France across all levels and age groups.

What is the IIHF ranking of France?+

France is ranked #15 in the IIHF Men's World Ranking (as of 2025-05-26).

Does France have an ice hockey national team?+

Yes. France fields 5 national teams through the IIHF, including France Men's National Ice Hockey Team and France Men's U18 National Ice Hockey Team.

Can my child start hockey at any age in France?+

Yes. Most programs in France accept beginners from age 5–6, and many rinks offer adult learn-to-play programs for any age above 18.

Hockey Guides for France

The RinkStop blog covers the questions every player, parent, and coach asks.

🏒

How to Find Local Rinks

The complete guide to finding ice rinks, public skate sessions, and open hockey in your area.

Read Guide
👥

Find Hockey Teams Near You

From youth to adult, learn how to find the right team and league at every level.

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Rinks with Pro Shops

One-stop hockey facilities with on-site gear, fitting, and equipment — no extra trips.

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