Villeurbanne Transforms Iconic Double Mixte Venue into Europe’s Largest Padel Complex
Villeurbanne, France — In a bold move to revitalize one of its most iconic cultural landmarks, the Double Mixte exhibition center is set to undergo a €2 million transformation into a state-of-the-art sports complex, featuring 12 padel courts and a 4,500-square-meter multisport arena. The project, announced by DCB International—the Lyon-based group that has owned the venue since 2016—marks a significant shift for a space once synonymous with music festivals, trade shows, and nightlife. With padel’s explosive growth across Europe, this conversion could position Villeurbanne as a hub for the sport, which blends elements of tennis and squash and has seen a 400% increase in global players since 2018.
The Double Mixte has long been a cultural cornerstone in Villeurbanne, a city of 150,000 adjacent to Lyon. For decades, it hosted legendary events like the Reperkusound music festival, which drew tens of thousands of attendees annually, and the Lyon Beer Festival, a staple of the region’s craft brewing scene. However, in recent years, the venue’s programming had dwindled, with its owner, DCB International CEO Didier Chambon, telling local media that the space had begun to “fall asleep” on its past successes. “The competitions and exams it hosted weren’t enough to sustain its energy,” Chambon said in an interview with Tribune de Lyon. “We needed to reimagine what this space could be.”
The decision to pivot toward padel—a sport that has surged in popularity in France, with over 1.5 million licensed players in 2023—reflects a broader trend of repurposing underutilized urban spaces for active recreation. The first phase of the project will notice the installation of 12 padel courts on the venue’s first floor, with an expected opening between July and September 2026. The ground floor will later be converted into a versatile multisport arena, slated for completion in January 2027, capable of hosting everything from basketball and volleyball to indoor football and esports tournaments.
A Strategic Bet on Padel’s Meteoric Rise
Padel, a sport invented in Mexico in 1969 but popularized in Spain and Argentina, has grow one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world. Played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls and a solid racket, We see often described as more accessible than tennis, with shorter learning curves and a strong social component. France has embraced the sport with particular enthusiasm, with the French Padel Federation (FFPadel) reporting a 30% annual increase in licensed players since 2020. The country now boasts over 1,200 padel clubs, a number that has more than doubled in the last five years.
The Double Mixte’s conversion aligns with this growth, offering a high-profile venue that could attract both amateur and professional players. “Twelve courts in one location is rare in Europe,” said Jean-Luc Arribas, president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Padel League, in a recent interview with Le Progrès. “This could become a destination for tournaments, training camps, and even corporate events. It’s a smart move for Villeurbanne.”
The project has already generated significant interest, with four potential operators expressing interest in managing the facility, according to Chambon. While the final lease agreement has yet to be signed, the early enthusiasm underscores the demand for dedicated padel infrastructure in the region. Lyon, France’s third-largest city, currently has fewer than 50 padel courts, a number that pales in comparison to cities like Madrid or Barcelona, where padel courts outnumber tennis courts in some districts.
From Nightlife to Net Play: The Double Mixte’s Evolution
The Double Mixte’s transformation is more than just a shift in programming—it’s a reflection of Villeurbanne’s evolving identity. Once known primarily as an industrial suburb of Lyon, the city has undergone a cultural renaissance in the last two decades, with a thriving arts scene, a UNESCO-listed university campus, and a reputation for progressive urban planning. The venue itself has been a microcosm of this change, hosting everything from underground electronic music events to high-profile trade shows like the Lyon International Fair.
For longtime residents, the move to sports represents both an opportunity and a loss. “The Double Mixte was where I saw my first concert, where I celebrated my graduation,” said Amélie Roux, a 32-year-old Villeurbanne resident and former Reperkusound attendee. “But I also understand that times change. If this brings new energy to the city, I’m all for it.” Roux’s sentiment is echoed by local officials, who see the project as a way to attract younger residents and tourists. “Sports tourism is a growing sector,” said Cédric Van Styvendael, mayor of Villeurbanne, in a statement to Lyon Capitale. “This project aligns with our goal of making Villeurbanne a destination for both culture and recreation.”
The venue’s cultural legacy won’t be entirely erased, however. While the padel courts and multisport arena will dominate the space, Chambon has hinted at preserving elements of the Double Mixte’s history, including its iconic neon sign and a planned “memory wall” showcasing photos and artifacts from past events. “We don’t want to erase the past,” he said. “We want to build on it.”
What’s Next for the Double Mixte?
Construction on the padel courts is set to begin in May 2026, with the first phase expected to open by late summer. The multisport arena, which will occupy the venue’s ground floor, is slated for completion in early 2027. In the meantime, DCB International is in negotiations with potential operators, including local sports clubs and national padel franchises. The company has also indicated that the venue will continue to host select events during the transition, though no major festivals are planned for 2026.
For padel enthusiasts, the Double Mixte’s conversion is a sign of the sport’s growing mainstream appeal. “This is a game-changer for Lyon,” said Lucas Moreau, a local padel coach and former competitive player. “Having a facility of this size will make the sport more visible and accessible. It’s a win for everyone.”
The project also raises questions about the future of other underutilized urban spaces in France and beyond. With padel’s popularity showing no signs of slowing—Spain alone has over 6,000 courts—more cities may follow Villeurbanne’s lead, repurposing venues to meet the demands of a new generation of sports enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- 12 padel courts will be installed on the first floor of the Double Mixte, with an expected opening between July and September 2026.
- A 4,500-square-meter multisport arena will occupy the ground floor, set to open in January 2027.
- The €2 million project is led by DCB International, which has owned the venue since 2016.
- Padel has seen a 400% global increase in players since 2018, with over 1.5 million licensed players in France alone.
- The Double Mixte has hosted iconic events like Reperkusound and the Lyon Beer Festival, but its programming had declined in recent years.
- Four operators have already expressed interest in managing the new facility.
FAQ
What is padel?
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls and a solid racket. The sport is known for its accessibility, social nature, and shorter learning curve compared to tennis.
Why is the Double Mixte being converted?
The venue’s owner, DCB International, stated that the Double Mixte had “fallen asleep” on its past successes, with declining programming and attendance. The conversion to a sports complex is intended to revitalize the space and capitalize on padel’s growing popularity.
Will the Double Mixte still host cultural events?
While the primary focus will shift to sports, the venue’s owner has indicated that select cultural events may still be hosted during the transition. However, no major festivals are planned for 2026.
How many padel courts does Lyon currently have?
Lyon has fewer than 50 padel courts, a number that lags behind other European cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where padel courts are more widespread.
Who can use the new facility?
The facility will be open to the public, with courts available for rent and the multisport arena hosting leagues, tournaments, and events. DCB International is currently in negotiations with potential operators to manage the space.
What Happens Next?
The next major milestone for the Double Mixte’s transformation is the start of construction on the padel courts in May 2026. The courts are expected to open by late summer, with the multisport arena following in early 2027. In the meantime, DCB International will finalize lease agreements with operators and continue to engage with the local community on the project’s development.
For updates on the project, readers can follow the City of Villeurbanne’s official website or the DCB International website.
What do you think of the Double Mixte’s transformation? Will padel’s popularity continue to grow in Europe? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.
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