Padel Sites in Metropolitan France: Spatial and Sociodemographic Characterization of Residents’ Potential Noise Exposure

Abstract Background The rapid expansion of padel in France has raised concerns about its coexistence with nearby residents due to its distinctive acoustic signature, characterized by impulsive, repetitive sounds. Guidance often proposes minimum setbacks from dwellings, yet no national-scale quantification of at-risk configurations has been available. We map where proximity and visibility combine to raise potential exposure and estimate affected populations. Methods Using aggregated open sources (878 sites), two independent examiners classified sites into three potential exposure classes based on distance and the presence of built screens (κ=0.83). GIS analyses then characterised, for at-risk (Class 1) sites, residential buildings within 100 m, their line-of-sight (LoS) to a reference court, and distance bands of 0–50 m and 50–100 m. Populations and households were estimated via dasymetric floor-area allocation (INSEE FILOSOFI 2019) with 95% uncertainty intervals. Results Nearly one third of sites (271/878, 30.9%) were Class 1. Around these sites we identified 3,037 residential buildings within 100 m, corresponding to an estimated 17,116 people (95% uncertainty interval 16,952 to 17,280). Sites in direct LoS were closer on average and accounted for most people located within 0–50 m. Patterns varied with urban density, with greater concentration of at-risk sites in less dense contexts. Conclusions Combining proximity and visibility pinpoints where residents’ potential exposure is most likely. These findings support enforceable minimum setbacks, distance-triggered pre-implementation acoustic study (notably under 100 m), and post-implementation follow-up, and provide actionable inputs for land-use policy (such as integrating distance/LoS screens into plans, conditioning permits, and guiding mitigation) so territorial development proceeds with fewer conflicts.