The 5 best venues of the Paris Olympic Games

It had been years since we saw such a lively summer in terms of sports: on July 14th, the EURO 2024 final was played in Berlin, and just 12 days later, the Olympic Games will start in Paris. A highly anticipated event that has garnered attention for many reasons. Consider the urban and architectural renewal that the City of Light has undergone, which according to Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra is set to endure over time, and the investments made to make the Seine River swimmable - which remains uncertain: it is still unknown where some triathlon and open water swimming events will be held. But the Parisian Olympic Games feature numerous sports and equally stunning venues, from the marvelous beach volleyball court at the foot of the Eiffel Tower to the vast green expanses of the Palace of Versailles. You can explore all of them on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games website, where you can also discover precise directions to get there.

Palace of Versailles - Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon

At the historic residence of Louis XIV, equestrian events - the only Olympic discipline involving animals - will take place from July 27th to August 6th. During this time, one of the world's most famous tourist sites will not be accessible. Despite not being in Paris, it is undoubtedly the most picturesque location of the entire event and could not be better suited for a discipline as regal as equestrian sports: it will feel like stepping back into the 16th century.

Eiffel Tower Stadium - Beach Volleyball

For Parisians, the Champ de Mars is a place of gathering and celebration. It regularly hosts thousands during the July 14th fireworks. Additionally, Parisians and visitors alike gather there daily to engage in sports, admire the scenery, or simply stroll along its vast avenues and lawns, establishing itself as one of Paris's most famous public gardens. In 2024, a temporary outdoor arena will be built to host beach volleyball and blind football events in the context of the Paralympics. Among the city center locations, the Eiffel Tower Stadium is certainly one of the best.

Elancourt Hill - Mountain Biking

Elancourt Hill reaches an altitude of 231 meters: it is the highest point in the Paris region from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and La Défense. To minimize impact on biodiversity, no infrastructure will be built: 95% of the trails designed by expert course designer Nick Floros for the discipline will enhance existing paths. When the Paris Olympic Games come to a close, the trails will not be dismantled but will remain accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced cyclists.

Place de la Concorde - Basketball 3x3, Breaking, Skateboarding, BMX

BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboard, and 3x3 basketball will share the site at Place de la Concorde, an iconic location in the heart of Paris. Unlike the installations at Elancourt Hill, the structures at Concorde will be dismantled once the sporting event concludes.

Tehaupo'o, Tahiti - Surfing

Surfing, making its second appearance at the Olympic Games after Tokyo 2020, deserves a fitting backdrop for this event. Competitions will take place at Teahupo’o (Tahiti), in French Polynesia. The venue for the competitions has been designed to protect the island and its nature, while the athlete village will consist of modular structures. The overall aesthetic of the Olympic Village takes inspiration from traditional Polynesian homes known as farés. Once the competition concludes, the farés will be transformed into social housing for the benefit of local communities.