8th Open des Herbiers 2026
Launching the new chess year in Vendée, the 8th Open des Herbiers 2026 takes place on Saturday-Sunday, January 3-4, 2026, in Les Herbiers, France. Hosted in a modern sports hall, the tournament offers a clean five-round format with an increment from move one, a FIDE-standard rating, and smooth on-site logistics that make it easy for visiting players.
This page focuses on Tournoi A (rating 1800-2399)—the top section of the weekend festival—covering the exact venue address, time control, entry fees, and confirmed prize highlights. Additional sections run in parallel the same weekend, contributing to an overall prize pool managed by the organizer.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Dates | Saturday–Sunday, January 3-4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Gymnase de l’Amiral |
| 🏠 Address | Rue de l’Amiral de l’Étenduère, 85500 Les Herbiers, France |
| ♟️ Format | Tournoi A (1800–2399) • 5-round Swiss |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 60 minutes + 30 seconds per move from move 1 |
| ⭐ Rating | Submitted for FIDE Standard (February 2026 list) |
| 👤 Chief Arbiter | Luc Fancelli |
| 🏢 Organizer | Club d’Échecs des Herbiers |
| 💶 Entry Fee | Adults €25 (late €30 after Dec 31, 2025) • Youth €12 (late €15 after Dec 31, 2025) |
| 🌐 Club Website | https://www.echecslesherbiers.fr |
🏆 Prize Fund
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall weekend pool | €2,000 total (all sections combined) |
| Tournoi A – 1st prize | €500 |
(Other prize breakdowns for concurrent sections are set by the organizer.)
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
Cadence: 60′ + 30″/move from move 1.
Rounds: 5 (Swiss system) across the weekend.
Regulations: FIDE Laws of Chess; results sent for FIDE Standard rating.
Pairings: Standard Swiss pairing software; tie-break order announced by the organizer.
📂 Sections / Groups
| Section | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tournoi A | 1800–2399 rating window | Flagship section of the weekend Open |
(Additional sections run in parallel; details published by the host club.)
📅 Schedule
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Saturday, January 3, 2026 | On-site check-in and Rounds (per organizer’s round-by-round notice) |
| Sunday, January 4, 2026 | Remaining Rounds and Awards |
(Exact round times were not officially listed at publication; the organizer posts them on site and via the club.)
📝 Registration
Who can play: Players within 1800–2399 for Tournoi A.
How to enter: Check updates and contacts via the club site: https://www.echecslesherbiers.fr.
Fees: Adults €25 (late €30 after Dec 31, 2025) • Youth €12 (late €15 after Dec 31, 2025).
Rating submission: Event homologated by FFE and submitted to FIDE (February list).
On-site: Bring ID/FIDE details for verification at check-in.
👥 Organizer
The Open is run by the Club d’Échecs des Herbiers, emphasizing friendly hospitality, efficient round turnover, and centrally located facilities.
Website: https://www.echecslesherbiers.fr
🏨 Venue
Gymnase de l’Amiral — Rue de l’Amiral de l’Étenduère, 85500 Les Herbiers, France
A modern sports hall offering ample space, convenient access, and parking near the town center.
🚗 How to Get There
By car: Navigate to Gymnase de l’Amiral, 85500 Les Herbiers; local parking available.
By public transport: Regional links to Les Herbiers, then short local transfers to the gymnasium.
Practical tip: Arrive early on Saturday to complete on-site check-in before Round 1.
Start your 2026 season with five focused classical rounds and a welcoming atmosphere at the 8th Open des Herbiers in Les Herbiers, France.
Additional Details
Prize Fund - €2000