The Avoine Open 2025 invites chess enthusiasts to join one of France’s most celebrated summer chess festivals from July 19 to 28, 2025, in the charming town of Avoine, nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley. Celebrated for its warm atmosphere, competitive games, and strong international participation, this event continues to attract grandmasters, rising talents, and devoted club players year after year. You can expect intense chess battles by day and relaxing countryside experiences by evening—all within a professionally organized, family-friendly tournament environment.

📅 Dates and Venue Information

The tournament will take place over ten exciting days, from Saturday, July 19, to Monday, July 28, 2025. Organizers will host the event at the Salle omnisports d’Avoine, a modern and spacious venue well-equipped for large chess tournaments. The venue provides excellent lighting, comfortable seating, a canteen for meals, and sufficient parking for all visitors.

Venue Address:
Salle omnisports d’Avoine
16 Rue Michel Bouchet, 37420 Avoine, France

⏱️ Time Control and Rounds

You will play 9 classical rounds in the tournament. Each game follows the standard FIDE time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes to finish the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.

📆 Detailed Tournament Schedule

Organizers have set a balanced and player-friendly schedule with one round per day, allowing you ample time to relax and explore the region.

• July 19 (Saturday): Player Registration (10:00–14:00), Round 1 (15:00)
• July 20–26 (Sunday–Saturday): Rounds 2–8 (each day at 15:00)
• July 27 (Sunday): Rest Day & Blitz Side Event (optional)
• July 28 (Monday): Final Round 9 (09:00), Prize-Giving Ceremony (15:00)

Organizers encourage early check-in to avoid queues and ensure a smooth start to the event.

🏆 Prize Fund and Prizes

The Avoine Open 2025 features a generous prize fund of €15,000, distributed across multiple categories to reward excellence at all levels of play.

Main Open Prizes:

• 🥇 1st Place: €3,000 + Trophy
• 🥈 2nd Place: €2,000
• 🥉 3rd Place: €1,200
• 4th–10th Place: From €1,000 to €300 each

Additional Prizes Include:

• Best Woman: €500
• Best Junior (U20): €400
• Best Senior (60+): €400
• Best Local Player: €300
• Multiple rating group prizes for Under 2000, 1800, 1600, and unrated players

Players must be present at the closing ceremony to receive prizes.

📝 Registration and Participation

Organizers welcome players of all levels—club players, international masters, grandmasters, juniors, and seniors. The tournament has room for up to 400 participants, with registration confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration Deadline: July 12, 2025
Minimum Rating: None
FIDE ID: Required for all participants
How to Register: Submit full name, FIDE ID, federation, date of birth, contact email, and proof of payment to the organizer.

💳 Entry Fees and Payment

Participants must complete payment to validate their registration.

Entry Fees:

• Standard Players: €70
• Youth (U18): €50
• IM/WIM: €30
• GM/WGM: Free (with confirmation before July 5)

Payment Options:

• Bank Transfer (details available upon request)
• In-person cash payment (only on July 19 during registration, if confirmed in advance)

Discounts apply to early bird entries submitted before June 15, 2025.

✈️ Travel and Accommodation

You can reach Avoine by train, car, or air:

• By Train: Take the TGV to Tours or Chinon, then a short regional train or taxi
• By Car: Avoine lies between Tours and Saumur along the D749
• By Air: Arrive via Tours Val de Loire Airport, 45 km from the venue

Affordable accommodations range from hotels and B&Bs to family campgrounds.

Recommended Stays Near the Venue:

• Hôtel Imago – 3 km from the playing hall
• Domaine de Roiffé – A countryside hotel with great reviews
• Local Gîtes and Guesthouses – Ideal for families and groups

Organizers recommend early reservations, especially for budget options, as they sell out quickly.

👨‍⚖️ Tournament Officials

The event will run under the expert guidance of experienced and licensed officials who uphold FIDE standards.

• Tournament Director: Philippe Tournier
• Chief Arbiter: IA Stéphanie André

Both officials bring years of organizational experience and a player-focused approach that ensures smooth and fair competition throughout.

🏛️ Organizer Information

The Club d’Échecs Avoine Olympique has organized the Avoine Open for over three decades. The club plays a vital role in promoting chess in the Loire Valley and has built a strong reputation for organizing high-quality, inclusive, and internationally recognized events.

You can reach the organizing team for questions, group bookings, or custom arrangements.

Organizer Contact Information:

• Name: Club d’Échecs Avoine Olympique
• Address: Mairie d’Avoine, Rue de l’Égalité, 37420 Avoine, France
• Email: avoineopen@gmail.com
• Phone: +33 6 52 94 88 13

🎯 Why You Should Play in the Avoine Open 2025

You should not miss the chance to participate in one of France’s most iconic chess tournaments. The Avoine Open 2025 offers you strong competition, a warm and welcoming chess community, a picturesque setting, and excellent tournament conditions. Whether you aim to earn rating points, win prizes, or simply enjoy the game in a summer holiday atmosphere, this event gives you the perfect stage to shine. Pack your board and your ambition—Avoine awaits you this July!