Échiquier Nostradamus

♟️ About Échiquier Nostradamus

Échiquier Nostradamus is an established chess club and tournament organizer based in Salon-de-Provence, France. Founded in 1975, the club promotes chess among children, adults, beginners, recreational players, and experienced competitors. Its regular activities take place at the Cercle des Arts in central Salon-de-Provence. Moreover, the organization provides a welcoming setting where players can learn the game, improve their skills, play socially, and enter official competitions. Club members range from young children to senior players. Laïneur-Lothaire Chazeau serves as president and leads many of the club’s principal tournament projects.

🏆 Training, Teams and Club Activities

Échiquier Nostradamus runs regular chess instruction and playing sessions throughout the season. Children receive structured lessons, while adult members can join club meetings, training activities, casual games, and tournament preparation. In addition, the club enters several teams in the French interclub league system. Its teams compete at regional and national levels, which gives members opportunities to represent Salon-de-Provence in organized match play. The club also promotes responsibility, fair play, respect, and non-violence through chess. Furthermore, it supports educational and community initiatives that use the game to strengthen concentration, decision-making, confidence, and social participation.

🌍 Tournament Organization in Salon-de-Provence

Tournament organization forms a major part of the club’s work. Échiquier Nostradamus organizes the annual Summer Open of Salon-de-Provence, a FIDE-rated classical competition that attracts club players, titled competitors, juniors, and international visitors. The 16th edition in 2026 includes a principal open and a separate section for players rated below 1700. The club also organizes the Fernand Pardigon Tournament, rapid chess, blitz chess, youth competitions, and its large November tournament program. It manages registrations, schedules, playing equipment, participant communication, prizes, technical preparation, and cooperation with qualified arbiters. Through these recurring events, Échiquier Nostradamus has made Salon-de-Provence an active summer and weekend tournament destination within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.