I'm a North Carolina native who spent years trying to find solid streetball in Paris ... look no further than the Charlemagne courts. Situated just behind the Eglise Saint Paul in the heart of the Marais, you can be sure to find great pick-up all weekend long. When the sun is out, you can shoot, but generally not until after 5pm (school is in session, which means baguette-wielding children running around). Also, the courts are next to a 12th century wall. That's the definition of old school.
I've been playing at these courts for almost two years now, anytime the sun is out, and it is awesome. 4v4, make-it-take-it is the name of the game. You don't have to come with a team, but if you show up solo, make sure to be vocal about getting on.
There are three hoops, with at least one used exclusively for 4v4. This means there is always a basket to shoot/mess around on (enter children), but if it's nice out, 2/3 courts will be taken up with competitive streetballers. It's a welcoming environment, so don't be intimated, but make sure to say "J'ai la gange" (I've got winner) if you plan to get on.
On weekends, showing up here early is key, since from 3:30pm/4pm onwards (when the sun is out at least), you can expect to see 20/25 people saying "I've got next." This is European basketball--pick and rolls and off-ball screens are the name of the game. If you aren't Kobe Bryant, playing 1 on 1 is a no-no, since players will not shy away from telling you to play team-ball. You can show up with a ball to shoot around, but there are always extra balls lying around that you can ask to pick up while games are going on.
NB for soccer players: don't play near the courts unless you feel like getting yelled at. This is one of the few places in Paris with solid basketball, and it's a matter of respect to not kick a ball on the basketball court. read more