The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are embracing the city’s historical charm while minimizing their environmental footprint. To accomplish this, they’re relying heavily on temporary arenas and installations across the city, which will be dismantled after the Games conclude. This approach ensures minimal impact on Paris’s iconic urban landscape and natural heritage.
Only one permanent sports venue, the Aquatics Centre Paris, has been built specifically for the Games. This demonstrates the city’s commitment to maximizing existing infrastructure and reducing its environmental impact. The temporary venues, however, will be strategically placed throughout the city, showcasing some of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks.
Iconic Locations, Temporary Transformations
The Trocadéro: A Spectacular Setting for Sports
The Trocadéro, famed for its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, will serve as a temporary sports arena. It will be transformed to host various events, including triathlon, para-triathlon, road cycling, marathon, 20 km walk, and open water swimming. Once the Games are over, the Trocadéro will be meticulously restored to its original glory, ensuring no disruption to the Parisian cityscape.
The Champ de Mars: A Green Oasis for Athletics
The Champ de Mars, a cherished public garden, will become the Eiffel Tower Stadium for the duration of the Games. This open-air arena will host exciting beach volleyball and blind football events. After the Games, the temporary stadium will be dismantled, allowing the Champ de Mars to return to its tranquil state as a beloved public space.
Grand Palais Éphémère: A Modern Marvel of Temporary Architecture
A striking 10,000-square-meter temporary structure, known as the Grand Palais Éphémère, will stand opposite the Ecole Militaire, on the Champ-de-Mars. This impressive structure, designed by Wilmotte & Associés, will accommodate up to 9,000 spectators for judo, wrestling, para-judo, and wheelchair rugby competitions. The modular wooden design allows for easy reconfiguration and efficient dismantling, demonstrating the Games’ commitment to sustainability.
Versailles: A Royal Setting for Equestrian Events
The sprawling Palace of Versailles will play host to the equestrian events, including modern pentathlon, para-equestrian, and cross-country competitions. A temporary arena, featuring 20,000 seats and breathtaking views of the Palace, will be erected on the Étoile Royale esplanade. The cross-country competitions will weave through the park’s picturesque landscape, featuring a revived fountain that adds a touch of grandeur to the event.
The Seine: A River of Sports and Celebration
Pont Alexandre III: An Ornate Bridge for Olympic Events
The Pont Alexandre III, a bridge renowned for its ornate architecture and golden statues, will be transformed into a temporary sporting hub. It will host the individual time trial, triathlon, marathon swimming, and paratriathlon events, showcasing the city’s ability to blend sport with its iconic heritage.
Place de la Concorde: Urban Sports in a Iconic Square
The Place de la Concorde, a majestic square in the heart of Paris, will be transformed into a lively urban park, hosting BMX Freestyle, Breaking, Skateboard, and 3×3 Basketball competitions. This innovative approach integrates urban sports into the heart of the city, showcasing Paris’s commitment to sustainable redevelopment.
The Heart of Paris: A Journey from City Hall to the Seine
Hôtel de Ville: Where the Marathon Begins
The Hôtel de Ville, Paris’s City Hall, and its surrounding square will serve as the starting point for the marathon, one of the Games’ most iconic events. This historic location will transform into a temporary hub for the marathon, embodying the spirit of the Games as they wind their way through the city.
Esplanade des Invalides: A Green Space for Archery and Endurance
The Esplanade des Invalides, a vast green space located opposite the Hôtel des Invalides, will be the stage for archery, cycling, marathon, and marathon for all events. The Esplanade’s transformation into a sports venue reflects Paris’s commitment to hosting events that embrace both leisure and competition.
A City in Motion
The Paris 2024 Olympics are much more than just a sporting event; they are a testament to the city’s ability to adapt, innovate, and showcase its remarkable history and urban landscape. By utilizing existing infrastructure, creatively incorporating temporary venues, and minimizing environmental impact, Paris 2024 is setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable Games. This unique approach not only ensures a memorable event for athletes and spectators but also leaves a lasting legacy of innovation and sustainability for the city of Paris.
