The nine-day event is due to see 145 archers from 24 countries compete for European titles in the seaside town on the west coast of France.

It provides a second opportunity to secure a Rio 2016 berth, following on from the World Para-Archery Championships held in the German town of Donaueschingen last August.

The third and final chance will come at the World Para-Archery Tournament, scheduled to take place in Nove Mesto in Czech Republic from June 13 to 19.

In Saint-Jean-de-Monts, two Paralympic spots are on offer in the men’s recurve, women’s recurve and men’s compound. 

There is also one place available in the women’s compound, men’s W1 and women’s W1.

Russia have secured the most places thus far with 10, followed by Great Britain with nine and Italy eight.

Individual European titles will be awarded in the six aforementioned categories as well as in the VI 2/3 division - visually impaired with stabiliser and without mask, without arm or sex distinction.

Team titles will be awarded in men’s and women’s compound, and men’s and women’s recurve, while mixed-team titles will be awarded in W1, compound and recurve.

Qualification is due to start on Monday (April 4) following tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony, and official practice and equipment inspection on Sunday (April 3).

The Rio 2016 continental qualification tournament will be shot on Tuesday (April 5).

The European Para-Archery Championships will be World Archery Europe's first event of 2016 and first outdoor event this year. 

Italy topped the final medal standings at the last edition of the event in 2014, winning three golds and two bronzes in Nottwil in Switzerland.