- Famous spots in the French capital will be showcased in the opening ceremony and serve as the venue for events like archery, skateboarding and more
The opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place on Friday, July 26. Photo: EPA-EFEThe Paris Olympics will officially kick off on Friday. Called the “most fashionable” Games, the Paris Olympics will feature the debut of four non-traditional sports: skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking. It will also host events at some of the most famous landmarks in the world. Take a look at how five of Paris’ most iconic spots will be featured in the Games. in addition to hosting some competitions at quintessential landmarks.
The Eiffel Tower
Of course, when you think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower immediately pops to mind, which is why the opening ceremony of this year’s Olympics will be hosted there. The famous Olympic rings will also be installed there, following the trend of displaying the rings at famous landmarks in the host countries – such as London’s Tower Bridge in 2012 and Tokyo’s Odaiba Beach in 2021. This year, they will be installed on the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower.
In addition, volleyball and the men’s Paralympic blind football games will be hosted at the Parc du Champ de Mars outdoor stadium, located just at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
The material used to make the Paris 2024 Olympic metals comes from iron used in constructing the Eiffel Tower itself. The Tower has been renovated many times over the years, and pieces of iron from the original tower were used to craft this year’s medals, meaning winners will take home not only memories from the Games, but a bit of Paris itself.
The Seine river
The Seine will also be a venue for the Olympics opening ceremony and three swimming events. However, controversy has arisen due to concerns that the river is unclean and unhealthy for athletes to swim in. It has been illegal to swim in the Seine since 1923, and testing of the waters has shown high levels of E coli, a bacteria usually associated with human waste. The river has also historically been a dumping ground for factory waste.
In 2015, Paris launched a plan to clean up the Seine and make it safe to swim in by the 2024 Olympics. The city has spent more than US$1.5 billion on the plan, and the mayor, Anne Hidalogo, has promised to dive into the river herself to show that it is safe. However, the public is sceptical of the project, with some even planning to protest the stunt by using the river as their own personal toilet.
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Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde – a landmark square linking Champs-Elysees with Jardins des Tuileries and the Louvre- will host a temporary urban sports park hosting 3x3 basketball, BMX freestyle, braking, and skateboarding events. In addition to the competitions, an accessible park celebrating urban culture will also be set up, along with an open stage with DJ sets and other artistic performances, adding to the celebratory atmosphere of the Games.
The historical square is hundreds of years old and deeply connected to French history. It took centre stage during the French Revolution, and it’s where King Louis XVI and Marie-Antonette were executed by guillotine in 1793.
The Esplanade des Invalides
The Hôtel des Invalides was built in 1687 as a military hospital and retirement home for veterans. Now, it includes a museum of French military history and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The surrounding gardens, called the Esplanade des Invalides, will host archery events, serve as the backdrop for the final leg of the men’s marathon, and be the starting point of the road cycling time trials. Connecting the right and left banks of the Seine, this is an exceptional setting for audiences to admire the beauty of Paris.
Chateau de Versailles (Garden of the Palace of Versailles)
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most extravagant royal residences, and its garden, Chateau de Versailles, certainly showcases the same lavishness. This garden will host pedestrian events, including cross country, dressage, and show jumping.
A temporary outdoor arena will be set up at the heart of the garden. Meanwhile, a special exhibition called “The Horse in Majesty” will showcase more than 400 works and allow visitors to learn more about horses and horseriding in Western culture from the 16th to early 20th centuries. Attendees can also check out Apollo’s Chariot Basin, one of the Palace’s most iconic fountains, and its 13 sculptures that were recently returned to the grounds after restoration.