Set in Drôme Provençale, the 2nd Open d’échecs de Montélimar 2026 will take place on Sunday, 3 May 2026 in Montélimar, France, gathering club players and rising talents for a friendly yet competitive rapid-chess festival. Hosted by Montélimar Échecs at the central Espace Saint-Martin, the one-day event runs seven brisk rounds with an increment from move one, ensuring plenty of games and a clear finish within the day.
Designed for accessibility and pace, this rapid open welcomes players with a valid federation ID and keeps logistics simple: online entry, straightforward round flow, and convenient access to the venue from across the city. With its lively setting and compact format, the Open de Montélimar is an ideal spring stop for your French rapid calendar in 2026.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Date | Sunday, 3 May 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Espace Saint-Martin (Salle Saint-Martin) |
| 🏠 Address | 2 Rue Bernard Cathelin, 26200 Montélimar, France |
| ♟️ Format | Rapid Open, 7-round Swiss (one-day event) |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move 1 |
| ⭐ Rating | Submitted for FIDE Rapid and FFE Rapid rating |
| 👤 Chief Arbiter | Timothy Armes |
| ✅ Eligibility | Players must hold a valid FIDE/FFE ID (federation license as applicable) |
| 💵 Entry Fees | Adults: €20 • Youth: €10 |
| 🧾 Notes | Agree to publication of pairings/results and event photos; fair-play/device rules apply |
🏆 Prize Fund
(Amounts not officially published for 2026; if communicated by the organiser, they will be added here.)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
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System: Swiss, 7 rounds in one day.
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Cadence: 15′ + 5″ from move 1 (FIDE Rapid Laws).
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Pairings & tie-breaks: Swiss pairing software; standard rapid tie-break order announced on site.
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Fair-play: Phones/devices off in the playing area; organiser may apply random checks.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sun, 3 May 2026 | On-site check-in and player verification |
| Sun, 3 May 2026 | Rounds 1-7 (single-day rapid) |
| Sun, 3 May 2026 | Awards / Closing |
(General event window: 10:00–19:00; detailed round timings are announced on site.)
📝 Registration
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Online entry: https://www.helloasso.com/associations/montelimar-echecs/evenements/2e-open-d-echecs-de-montelimar
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Requirements: Valid FFE/FIDE ID; bring photo ID for check-in.
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Fees: Adults €20, Youth €10 (payable online).
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Check-in: On-site verification before Round 1 at Espace Saint-Martin.
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Player list & updates: Posted by the organiser prior to start.
👥 Organizer
Montélimar Échecs runs league teams, training sessions, and community events across Drôme Provençale, with an emphasis on youth development and inclusive open tournaments. The club manages entries, arbiting, and venue logistics for a smooth one-day festival experience.
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Email: contact@montelimar-echecs.fr
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Phone: +33 6 11 51 60 60
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Website: https://www.montelimar-echecs.fr
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mont%C3%A9limar-Echecs-61575185135816/
🏨 Venue
Espace Saint-Martin (Salle Saint-Martin)
2 Rue Bernard Cathelin, 26200 Montélimar, France
Central community venue with a bright main hall suitable for rapid-chess events; cafés and services are available nearby in the town centre.
🛎️ Accommodation
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Montélimar centre offers hotels and guesthouses within a short walk/drive of Espace Saint-Martin; early booking is recommended for spring weekends.
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For expanded options, Valence and Orange are reachable by regional train or car within an hour.
🚗 How to Get There
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Train: Regional services to Gare de Montélimar, then local bus/taxi to 2 Rue Bernard Cathelin.
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Car: Navigate directly to Espace Saint-Martin, street/public parking available nearby.
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Air: Lyon (LYS) and Marseille (MRS) are the closest major airports; connect by train/car to Montélimar.
Sharpen your rapid instincts in a welcoming, central setting—join the 2e Open d’échecs de Montélimar 2026 for seven focused rounds in one vibrant day.
Organizer
Montélimar Échecs is a French chess club and local tournament organizer based in Montélimar, Drôme, France. Over the years, the club has grown into an active hub for over-the-board chess in the region. As a result, it supports both competitive play and community participation through a clear, welcoming structure.
In addition, Montélimar Échecs runs the 2nd Open d’échecs de Montélimar 2026, a one-day open chess tournament in a rapid chess format. The event is organized as a FIDE-rated tournament (rapid rating) and is submitted for French federation approval, which helps ensure consistent standards. Moreover, the tournament is scheduled for seven Swiss rounds, giving players a full day of competitive chess.
Furthermore, the club maintains regular playing sessions and promotes improvement through chess training and practical tournament experience. For example, it also hosts public chess activities in Montélimar that connect new players with organized chess. Consequently, the club is a strong entry point for juniors, returning players, and visitors who want structured chess in the Drôme Provençale.
