The Paris Olympics 2024 are set to be a grand display of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks. With events staged at iconic locations, the Games will offer a unique blend of athletic prowess and scenic beauty. Here are five venues that will captivate audiences from July 26:
1. Eiffel Tower: Volleyball Under the Icon
The Eiffel Tower, the most iconic symbol of Paris, will be the site for beach volleyball. A temporary venue will be set up near its base, while the Champs de Mars will host judo and wrestling events.
Initially met with skepticism when Gustave Eiffel presented it in 1889, the tower has become a beloved landmark, attracting millions of tourists each year and functioning as a telecoms hub. In a special tribute, each Olympic medal will include a fragment of the tower’s original iron, melted and reforged from renovation materials.
2. Grand Palais: A Historic Setting for Modern Competition
Fencing and taekwondo will take place in the Grand Palais, a grand exhibition hall built for the 1900 World Fair. Its massive glass-domed roof, the largest in Europe, spans an impressive exhibition area.
The Grand Palais has a storied history, including its use as a military hospital during World War I. Today, it hosts significant art events and installations, along with the world’s largest indoor ice rink. Its rich history and modern relevance make it a fitting venue for Olympic events.
3. Place de la Concorde: Urban Sports in a Storied Square
Place de la Concorde, a square with a rich history, will be the venue for urban sports such as skateboarding, 3×3 basketball, BMX freestyle, and breakdancing.
The square, known for the execution of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette during the French Revolution, now features a prominent Egyptian obelisk. The blend of its historical significance and the energy of urban sports will provide a unique Olympic experience.
4. Palace of Versailles: Royal Grounds for Equestrian Events
The Palace of Versailles will host dressage, showjumping, and equestrian cross-country events, along with segments of the marathon and pentathlon.
Louis XIV transformed Versailles into a royal palace, housing thousands of staff. Its gardens, including a mile-long canal, have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The historic and picturesque setting of Versailles will enhance the grandeur of the Olympic events.
5. Marseille: Mediterranean Sailing Spectacle
Marseille, France’s vibrant second city, will host the sailing events. Known for its football passion, the city will see over 300 sailors compete on its Mediterranean waters.
A new marina along the Corniche coastal road will serve as the competition hub. Despite the mistral wind being a winter and spring occurrence, sailors will face challenging conditions. Marseille will also host 10 football matches and was the arrival point for the Olympic torch relay in France on May 8.
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