The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are embracing the city’s rich history while minimizing environmental impact. Instead of building massive, permanent structures, the Games are relying on a clever strategy of temporary arenas and installations to host several key competitions. These temporary venues will be disassembled after the Games’ closing ceremony, leaving behind a minimal footprint. Only one new sports venue, the Aquatics Centre Paris, was constructed specifically for the Games. Paris is making the most of its existing sporting infrastructure to create a more sustainable and responsible Games.
Iconic Locations, Temporary Transformations
Paris will be a canvas for Olympic events, transforming some of its most iconic landmarks into temporary sports arenas. The Trocadéro, a renowned viewpoint with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, will be adapted to host triathlon, para-triathlon, road cycling, athletics, and swimming. The Champ de Mars, a popular public park, will be home to the Eiffel Tower Stadium, hosting beach volleyball and blind football. This temporary stadium will be dismantled after the Games, leaving the Champ de Mars untouched for Parisians to enjoy.
The Grand Palais Éphémère, a temporary structure on the Champ-de-Mars, will host judo, wrestling, para-judo, and wheelchair rugby competitions. This modular wooden structure will be dismantled and reused after the Games, ensuring sustainability. Equestrian events, including modern pentathlon and para-equestrian, will take place in the beautiful setting of the Palace of Versailles. A temporary arena with a capacity of 20,000 spectators will be erected on the Étoile Royale esplanade, offering breathtaking views of the palace.
Sport and Urbanity Intertwined
The Pont Alexandre III, a magnificent bridge in central Paris, will host individual time trials, triathlon, and marathon swimming. This bridge connects major sporting sites and showcases Paris 2024’s commitment to integrating the Games within the city’s most iconic locations. Place de la Concorde, an iconic square, will be transformed into an urban park to host BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding, and 3×3 basketball, reflecting the city’s sustainable development plans.
The Hôtel de Ville, Paris’s city hall, will be the starting point for the marathon. This historic site, located along the Seine River, will be temporarily transformed to accommodate the marathon’s start and will be dismantled after the Games. The Esplanade des Invalides, a vast green space, will host archery, cycling, and the Olympic Marathon. These temporary transformations will be cleared after the Games, restoring the city’s beauty and functionality.
A Legacy of Sustainability
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are committed to organizing responsible and respectful Games that minimize environmental impact and preserve the city’s heritage. By embracing temporary venues, Paris is creating a legacy of sustainability, ensuring that the Games leave a minimal footprint on the city. By using existing infrastructure and prioritizing temporary solutions, Paris is setting a new standard for sustainable and responsible hosting of major international events.
