Eight breathtaking venues for the Paris Olympics

With only a handful of months left until the epic spectacle of the Olympic Games arrives in Paris, the City of Light is in full preparation mode. Unlike many previous host cities, Paris will provide a backdrop to events that will be seemingly pulled right off a postcard.

In fact, one of the main goals of these Games was to be very green – and to avoid building new stadiums if it can be avoided. As a result, many of the events will be in the city centre beside some fantastic monuments.

Dive in below for our favourite iconic settings.

1) The Eiffel Tower: Monumental Medals.

The Iron Lady will play host to the beach volleyball tournament and the Paralympic men’s blind football events, hosted at a small-ish stadium in the Champ de Mars park that runs from the tower.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this French architectural icon has become a key player in these Olympic games – each medal will contain 18 grammes of the Eiffel Tower itself, crafted from replaced sections of the tower.

A top tip for those of you who missed out on nabbing event tickets – book your ticket to go to the top of the tower and you’ll be able to sneak a peek down on all the fun and games below. (Best bring some binoculars!)

2) Place de la Concorde: The Past meets the Future.

During the French Revolution, this was the spot where many heads rolled. So, it seems fitting that this landmark square will be home to some two and four wheeled sports! Some of the Olympics’s most contemporary events – including BMX freestyle and skateboarding – will take place in this historical setting. There’ll even be breakdancing and 3×3 basketball. In fact, there were even some temporary basketball courts in the square earlier this year (see below).

3) Pont Alexandre III: A view to dive for.

This stunning turn-of-the-century bridge has long attracted visitors seeking out its Art Nouveau details, not to mention its famous view of the Eiffel Tower. This summer, Olympians participating in the punishing 10km open-water marathon will launch off a pontoon located right below the bridge.

4) The Palace of Versailles: Dress-ag-ed like a King.

Where else would an event as regal and dignified as Equestrianism take place, except the Palace of Versailles? All Equestrian events – showjumping, dressage and cross-country – will crop up amongst the impressibly immense grounds of this 17th Century chateau. The breathtaking landscaped gardens and countless fountains and sculptures really have to be seen to be believed!

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5) Grand Palais: En Garde!

This dazzling cultural venue has been closed for renovations since 2021. Famously, the fashion house Chanel has hosted their shows at the Grand Palais since 2006. And Tom Cruise also quite famously skydived right into the iconic glass roof. But, fashion and Hollywood will have to take a back seat this summer as the Fencing and Taekwondo events will be hosted inside.

6) Les Invalides: Arrow of Time

Walking through the imposing doors of Les Invalides you’d be forgiven for believing you’ve travelled back through time. In keeping with this bygone feeling, the Esplanade des Invalides will host the Archery competition. Keep your eyes peeled for any stray arrows flying around!

As well as being the finishing point for the Men and Women’s marathon events, Les Invalides will also host the popular night-time event Marathon for All, where amateur runners can run the same route as their professional counterparts.

7) Montmartre: The Last Leg

Montmartre will play host to the last stretch of the road cycling races. The 237km course wraps all around Greater Paris, passing the Eiffel Tower and the Chateau de Versailles, and ending with several laps through Montmartre. The map below may give you some ideas for where to watch, with rue Lepic featuring very prominently (and it’s a very steep street!)

And one final venue, a little farther away…

8) Tahiti, French Polynesia: Postcard Paradise

10,000km away from mainland France, you can watch some surfing at Teahupo’o, a small village in Tahiti, an island in French Polynesia. This place is certainly plucked straight from a postcard, just a different kind of postcard than we’re used to in Paris. This notoriously challenging surfing spot will test any of the Olympians’ fortitude – and then some.

More Paris Games locations – with a twist?

If you want to add some colour to your Paris Games experience, check out our brand new children’s book: The Animal Games in Paris. We certainly took some inspiration from the venues above, but added a whole lot more. We’ve just launched the book on Kickstarter, snag a copy as the ultimate souvenir for the Paris Games.