Paris will host the Summer Olympics for the third time in its history, yet this edition promises to be very different.
35 different venues will play host to 329 events spanned across 32 sports, with an approximated cost of €9 billion.
However, from Roland-Garros to the island of Tahiti, let’s have a look at some of the most historic and fascinating locations that will play a part in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Stade de France
Having been constructed for the 1998 World Cup, the Stade de France has been consistently used for rugby, athletics and football ever since. In this year’s Games, it will play host to athletics and rugby sevens. Its capacity of 80,968 makes it the largest stadium in France. Therefore, it’s only right that the most popular Olympic event (athletics) will take place here.
Château de Versailles
In the 17th Century, the Château de Versailles was home to the court of King Louis XIV and became the epicentre of the French monarchy. Having become a museum for the public in 1883, this summer it will be the home of equestrian and the modern pentathlon. The Château de Versailles is possibly one of the most beautiful places to ever host an Olympic event and will be an incredible experience for all spectators.
Eiffel Tower Stadium
The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument in the world, attracting nearly seven million tourists a year. For Paris 2024, a temporary stadium on the Champ de Mars has been constructed to stage the beach volleyball event. The Eiffel Tower sits in the background of the stadium, creating a picturesque view for all those who attend. After the Games, the stadium will be dismantled. Therefore, ideal opportunity for spectators to see the Eiffel Tower and the Olympics at the same time.
Marseille Marina
The sailing will take place in Marseille, the second-largest city in France. Located in the southwest, the beautiful weather and vast marina provide an ideal place for all sailing to take place. The quality of the water ensures sailors will have ideal conditions to strategically prepare for the event.
Stade Roland-Garros
The iconic tennis ground, built in 1928, will host all the tennis at this year’s Games, as well as the boxing. Following the French Open in June, tennis will take place on clay at an Olympic event since Barcelona 1992. Rafael Nadal, the proclaimed ‘clay court king’, will potentially be playing his last ever tournament on his beloved surface. There are plenty of emotional storylines to be written in the coming weeks at Roland-Garros.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Due to powerful Antarctic storms, the island of Tahiti has some of the most powerful waves in the world. Surfing in these conditions can only be done by the best in the world, and Olympic surfing will be taken to an extreme level not seen before. The island is 16,000 kilometres away from France in the region of French Polynesia. The Island hosts the World Surf Championship Tour, therefore the island will be perfectly ready to accommodate any spectators. It is sure to be one of the most entertaining events at the Games.
La Concorde
La Concorde will be the home for all urban sports at Paris 2024. These include 3v3 basketball, breaking, skateboarding, and BMX freestyle. The facilities will be grouped together to enable all four sports to take place at the same venue. La Concorde will benefit from this after the Games as the whole site has been sustainably reorganised.
Grand Palais
At the heart of Paris, this architectural marvel will host the fencing and taekwondo. Built in 1900, the Grand Palais is known for its nave and glass roof, with over 6000 tonnes of steel needed to build the roof. It has undergone renovation prior to the Olympics and from 2025 onwards, it will continue to host cultural events all year round.
Invalides
The Esplanade des Invalides is a vast garden overlooked by the beautiful Hôtel des Invalides. Over the years, it has become one of the go-to attractions for tourists and locals to enjoy sports, music, and French culture. The historic building is home to history museums and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. In Paris 2024, it will be the home of athletics, archery, and a cycling road.
Paris La Défense Arena
This huge, multi-purpose arena will host swimming for the very first time, with water polo also being hosted here. Having opened in 2017, it has the world’s largest interactive screen, and more than two million people have attended concerts, conventions, and rugby matches. With 13 kilometres of stands, it promises to be an incredible experience watching the aquatics at La Défense Arena.
Pierre-Mauroy Stadium
Located in Lille and home to Lille Olympique Sporting Club, the stadium has great versatility and can be used for many different sporting events. Hosting basketball and handball, it’s encouraging to see big events hosted in the north of France, with Lille situated in the north-east, just off the border of Belgium. Having also hosted concerts and shows prior to the Olympics, Stade Pierre-Mauroy is another worthy venue for hosting such important events.
These 11 venues are incredibly contrasting in terms of capacity, location, and atmosphere. However, they all make up the perfect stage for each athlete to perform to the highest of their abilities in their respective events. With China and the United States expected to continue their dominant streaks at the Olympic Games, could one of these venues see shocks, surprises, and home nation victories? Let’s hope this edition of sport’s showpiece competition will live up to the anticipation that’s already been generated.
