2024 Olympic Games in Paris: The Top 10 venues
Rarely has the backdrop for the Olympic Games been as iconic as Paris in 2024. Here are some of the most beautiful venues.
July 27, 2024
It's finally time again: the XXXIII Olympiad, better known as the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, is in full swing! As host, the French capital has pulled out all the stops and is presenting itself in all its glory. Indeed, rarely have the Olympics enjoyed such a gorgeous backdrop. Here are 10 of the most beautiful venues of the Olympic Games in (and outside of) Paris!
Want to see the City of Light even more? Discover the 10 most beautiful hotels and the 10 hottest restaurants in Paris!
Eiffel Tower Arena
Beach volleyball
View this post on Instagram
What could be more thrilling for an athlete than competing for a medal right in front of Paris' iconic landmark? Beach volleyball players have the rare opportunity to do just that: Paris has set up a temporary arena right in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars just for them.
Stade Roland Garros
Boxing, Tennis
© Cedric Lecocq / FFT
Tennis fans should already be very familiar with the legendary venue of the French Open. Built back in 1928, the famous stadium at the Bois de Boulogne has seen countless glittering victories - and the Olympic Games will be no exception. Roland Garros will also host the boxing competitions, as well as part of the Paralympics in late August – specifically, Tennis and Volleyball.
Château de Versailles
Riding, modern pentathlon
View this post on Instagram
The Palace of Versailles provides a particularly beautiful backdrop for the Olympics: the historic royal residence outside Paris is known for its incredible splendor and beautiful baroque gardens. The perfect venue for the equestrian disciplines and the modern pentathlon.
Porte de la Chapelle Arena
Badminton, rhythmic gymnastics
© Paris 2024/Mairie de Paris - SCAU NP2F - visuel non contractuel
The new Porte de la Chapelle Arena is particularly impressive thanks to its innovative, environmentally conscious concept. The venue was built largely from recyclable aluminum or sustainable materials such as wood, and 80 % of the façade is covered in greenery. After the Olympic Games, it will serve as a sports and cultural center for local residents.
Esplanade des Invalides
Archery, athletics, cycling road
View this post on Instagram
Originally built by Louis XIV as a military hospital and veterans' home, the Hôtel des Invalides, completed in 1676, now contains several churches and museums – and even Napoleon's final resting place. The esplanade in front of the building complex offers another unique venue for the Olympic Games: Archery takes place here, as well as some athletics and road cycling events, among others.
Marina de Marseille
Sailing
© Paris 2024/Golem Images - visuel non contractuel
Despite all its charms, Paris cannot accommodate all the Olympic disciplines. For the sailing competitions, for example, you have to go to the Mediterranean. Namely, to the Roucas-Blanc Marina, which was specially reworked for the Games. Here, sailors will enjoy relatively constant wind conditions and tides, as well as hardly any current. Some of the soccer matches will also take place in Marseille and other cities outside Paris.
La Concorde
3x3 basketball, breakdancing, BMX freestyle, skateboarding
View this post on Instagram
Arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the world, the Place de la Concorde boasts an iconic Egyptian obelisk and two monumental fountains. Located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, there is hardly a better venue for the trendy disciplines 3x3 basketball, BMX freestyle, skateboarding and - making its debut in 2024 - breakdancing.
Grand Palais
Fencing, Taekwondo
View this post on Instagram
The Grand Palais was built in the heart of the city for the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900 - its breathtaking glass dome was created with over 6,000 tons of steel. A sensation at the time, it still impresses today. Refurbished and renovated in time for the Olympic Games, this icon of the Belle Époque will be an unforgettable venue for the fencing and taekwondo tournaments.
Golf National
Golf
© Paris 2024- visuel non contractuel
The traditional venue of the Open de France and host of the 2018 Ryder Cup is located just southwest of Paris and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful courses in Europe. The famous 18-hole L'Albatros course will present a worthy challenge to the 120 participating Olympic golfers.
Teahupo'o, Tahiti - French Polynesia
Surfing
View this post on Instagram
Just like the sailing competitions in Marseille, Olympic surfing also takes place outside of Paris. But much, much further away: if you want to see it live, you'll have to travel to Teahupo'o, Tahiti. The beach in the South Pacific is part of the overseas territory of French Polynesia and is a venue of the World Surf League and host of the Pro Tahiti World Championship Tour for over 20 years. Special emphasis has been placed on protecting the unique natural environment: for example, the Olympic village on Tahiti consists of modular houses.
