The 1956 French Championships (now known as the French Open) was a tennis tournament that took place on the outdoor clay courts at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France.

The tournament ran from 15 May until 26 May.

It was the 60th staging of the French Championships, and the second Grand Slam tennis event of 1956.

Lew Hoad and Althea Gibson won the singles titles.

Lew Hoad defeated Sven Davidson 6–4, 8–6, 6–3 Althea Gibson defeated Angela Mortimer 6–0, 12–10 Don Candy / Robert Perry defeated Ashley Cooper / Lew Hoad 7–5, 6–3, 6–3 Angela Buxton / Althea Gibson defeated Darlene Hard / Dorothy Head Knode 6–8, 8–6, 6–1 Thelma Coyne Long / Luis Ayala defeated Darlene Hard / Bob Howe 4–6, 6–4, 6–1