BTCSL: One of the Most Influential Shooting Ranges

Among the most respected shooting venues in Europe, BTC Saint Lambert stands out as a cornerstone of French clay shooting culture. Located in Fourdrain (Aisne, Hauts-de-France), this 30-hectare woodland complex has become a reference point for Sporting (Parcours de Chasse), Compak Sporting, Fosse Universelle, and DTL, as well as for long-range rifle shooting. Its combination of natural terrain, advanced infrastructure, and international recognition makes it a critical site for competitive shooters across France and beyond.

This article explores why BTC Saint Lambert is considered one of the most significant ball-trap facilities in the country and why it continues to shape the landscape of French Sporting and Compak Sporting.

1. Strategic Importance in French and International Sporting

🇫🇷 A flagship venue for FITASC Sporting

BTC Saint Lambert achieved global recognition when it hosted the 40th FITASC Sporting World Championship in 2018. This event positioned the range among the most trusted FITASC-certified facilities worldwide. Hosting a world championship requires:

• large-scale infrastructure
• high-level safety compliance
• diverse terrain for complex parcours
• logistical capacity for hundreds of elite shooters

Because of this, Saint Lambert is now considered one of the few French venues capable of delivering world-level Sporting layouts, with technical difficulty, visibility, and terrain variation matching FITASC expectations.

A reference for European competitors

The range has also hosted European-scale FITASC events, attracting top shooters from France, Belgium, Italy, England, Portugal, and the U.S. This makes BTC Saint Lambert not only a French stronghold but a recognized European Sporting destination.

2. Infrastructure Overview: A Complete Ball-Trap Ecosystem

BTC Saint Lambert is one of the most versatile ranges in France, offering an unusually wide spectrum of clay target disciplines.

Sporting (Parcours de Chasse)

• Up to 12 full parcours spread across 30 hectares of forest
• Natural backgrounds ideal for long crossers, fast quartering birds, and technical driven targets
• Terrain that allows for constant re-design and evolution of layouts

These features make the club ideal for shooters preparing for FITASC Sporting World and European Championships.

Compak Sporting & English Sporting

The range regularly hosts Compak Sporting and English Sporting events, with weekend formats such as:

• 50 Compak
• 50 English Sporting
• 100 Parcours (PC)
• Combined 200-target challenges

This creates strong local competition and gives shooters consistent access to match-style practice.

Fosse Universelle (FU)

• Four FU fields, all FITASC-compliant
• Venue for the Grand Prix de France FU, a major international UT tournament

BTC Saint Lambert is one of the most important FU centers in northern France.

Down The Line (DTL)

• A dedicated DTL field, used for reaction training, rhythm practice, and accessible competition formats
• Popular among Sporting shooters looking to sharpen vertical precision and timing

Rifle Shooting: 200 m to 1200 m

One of the range’s unique advantages is its long-range rifle zone:

• Distances from 200 m to 1200 m
• Active European-wide TLD (tir longue distance) community
• Professional supervision for both beginners and veterans

This combination of clay shooting and long-range rifle capability is rare in France.

3. Why BTC Saint Lambert Matters to French Sporting & Compak Sporting

✔ Training for world-level trajectories

Because the club has hosted FITASC world championships, its Sporting layouts are considered ideal for shooters aiming at elite-level international events.

✔ Diversity of disciplines in one location

Shooters can train Parcours, Compak, FU, DTL, and rifle — all in one place. This is especially important for athletes competing across multiple French ball-trap categories.

✔ Natural forest terrain

Unlike flat “open-field” ranges, Saint Lambert offers:

• unpredictable winds
• shaded/bright transitions
• visual depth challenges
• realistic hunting-style backgrounds

This adds technical value to every target.

✔ A cultural hub for Northern France

BTC Saint Lambert is one of the largest and most active ball-trap clubs in Hauts-de-France. It plays an essential role in:

• local Sporting development
• mass-participation weekend competitions
• training of beginners and youth shooters
• hosting major national events

✔ Industry partnership and international visibility

Brands like Laporte and Krieghoff have highlighted Saint Lambert in world-championship promotions, reinforcing its global reputation.

4. Events and Community: More Than Just a Shooting Range

BTC Saint Lambert functions as a social nucleus for shooters in Northern France:

• regular tournaments
• friendly matches
• initiation sessions for newcomers
• corporate shooting days
• festive events in the clubhouse

This creates a strong and inclusive shooting culture around the range.

5. Comparison to Other Top French Sporting Venues

VenueStrengthsRole in French Sporting BTC Saint Lambert 12 parcours, FU, DTL, 1200 m rifle, FITASC World hostOne of the most complete, influential ranges in FranceSologne Shooting ClubMassive Sporting layout, frequent Fitasc eventsKey venue for Compak & Sporting ChampionshipsSignes (Var)Large Sporting complex, southern terrainElite Sporting & Compak competitionsBitcheFamous for Parcours in mountainous terrainTechnical FITASC sporting reference

BTC Saint Lambert distinguishes itself by offering the broadest discipline mix and international championship pedigree.

Conclusion

BTC Saint Lambert is not just another French shooting range — it is one of the most strategically important facilities in Sporting, Compak Sporting, Fosse Universelle, and DTL. Its world-class infrastructure, technical terrain, and proven ability to host FITASC championships make it a cornerstone of both French and European clay shooting.

For shooters aiming to train in a world-level environment, or for clubs seeking inspiration in layout design and infrastructure, BTC Saint Lambert remains one of the most influential and complete shooting complexes in France.