Paris Olympics 2024: Iconic French Sites Set to Dazzle

The Paris Olympics 2024 are poised to be a spectacular event, showcasing the beauty and history of the City of Light. With events taking place at some of the city’s most iconic locations, the Games will provide a stunning backdrop for athletes and spectators alike. Here are five venues that will capture the world’s attention from July 26:

1. Eiffel Tower: The Heart of the Games

The Eiffel Tower, Paris’s most recognizable landmark, will be the center of attention as it hosts beach volleyball. A temporary venue will be set up near the base of the tower, while the nearby Champs de Mars park will host judo and wrestling.

Despite its initial mixed reception when it was unveiled in 1889 for the World Fair by Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of Paris and one of the most visited monuments in the world, attracting seven million tourists annually. It also serves as a vital telecoms tower for radio and TV transmissions. In a unique twist, each medal awarded at the Paris Games will contain an 18g fragment of the original iron from the tower, melted down and reforged during renovations.

2. Grand Palais: A Historic Venue for Modern Sports

Fencing and taekwondo will take place in the Grand Palais, an exquisite exhibition hall built for the 1900 World Fair. This glass-and-steel masterpiece is renowned for its massive glass-domed roof, the largest in Europe, covering an exhibition space of 13,500 square meters.

The Grand Palais has a rich history, including its use as a military hospital during World War I. In modern times, it has hosted major art installations and even the world’s largest indoor ice rink. Its blend of historical significance and contemporary use makes it an ideal venue for Olympic events.

3. Place de la Concorde: Urban Sports in a Historic Square

Place de la Concorde, the expansive square at the foot of the Champs-Elysees, will serve as an urban sports hub for skateboarding, 3×3 basketball, BMX freestyle, and breakdancing, which is making its Olympic debut.

The square has a storied past, infamous for its role during the French Revolution when King Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were executed there. Today, it is defined by its large gold obelisk, originally from Egypt’s Luxor temple. This blend of history and modern sports will create a unique and memorable Olympic experience.

4. Palace of Versailles: Equestrian Excellence

The magnificent Palace of Versailles will host dressage, showjumping, and equestrian cross-country events, along with marathon segments and pentathlon competitions. Located 20 kilometers from Paris, this venue is steeped in history.

Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV into a symbol of French royalty and grandeur, housing 10,000 staff at its peak. Its vast gardens, including a mile-long canal, have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 and are a major tourist attraction. Hosting Olympic events here will highlight the grandeur of French heritage.

5. Marseille: Sailing on the Mediterranean

The Olympics will extend beyond Paris to Marseille, France’s vibrant second city. Known for its passionate football culture, Marseille will host sailing competitions in the Mediterranean Sea.

Over 300 sailors will compete on the stunning waters off Marseille’s coast, with a newly built marina along the scenic Corniche coastal road. Although the mistral wind, famous for its strength, typically blows in winter and spring, athletes will still face challenging conditions. Marseille will also host 10 football matches and was the landing point for the Olympic torch relay in France on May 8.