Paris landmarks transform into Olympic arenas

With the Paris Olympics less than 10 days away, excitement in the city is reaching a fever pitch.

Athletes from all over the world will assemble on the River Seine on 26 July, Friday, for the opening ceremony of the Games in a city where landmarks jostle for the attention of hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The Parisian landmarks that are being transformed into venues for the upcoming Olympic Games at a glance:

– Château de Versailles

Originally a simple hunting lodge, the Château de Versailles evolved into the opulent residence of King Louis XIV in 1682, becoming the epicenter of French royalty. For Paris 2024, it will host equestrian events and modern pentathlon in a temporary arena set up on the Etoile Royale esplanade, offering spectators a stunning view of the Grand Canal during the cross-country events.

– Eiffel Tower Stadium

The Champ de Mars, a popular gathering spot for locals beside the towering Eiffel Tower, has been temporarily transformed for the 2024 Olympics. This park will host beach volleyball and blind football competitions, with additional events at the nearby Grand Palais Overlay, a temporary structure on Place Joffre south of the Champ de Mars.

– Grand Palais

A marvel of 20th-century architecture, the Grand Palais recently reopened after significant restoration work and is ready to welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This will be the venue for fencing, wheelchair fencing, taekwondo, and para taekwondo.

– Stade Roland-Garros

Known globally as the venue for the French Open, Stade Roland-Garros will play a crucial role in the Paris 2024 Games. It will host tennis and wheelchair tennis, as well as boxing and sitting volleyball competitions.

– La Concorde

Transformed into an Olympic arena, La Concorde will highlight urban sports such as breaking, skateboarding, 3×3 basketball, and BMX freestyle, bringing high-energy competitions right into the heart of the city.

– Invalides

Paris’ 7th arrondissement boasts the stunning Esplanade des Invalides. Facing the Hôtel des Invalides, the vast green haven will serve as an Olympic venue for archery, athletics, and road cycling. This site, originally built by Louis XIV to house veterans, now contains museums and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

– Marseille Marina

The sailing events of Paris 2024 will take place in Marseille, with the Roucas-Blanc Marina being upgraded to accommodate Olympic-level competitions.

– Pont Alexandre III

This majestic bridge, adorned with golden statues and spanning the Seine, connects the Grand Palais and Hôtel des Invalides. Standing tall at 45 meters wide and 107 meters long, Pont Alexandre III will host the grand finale events of the 2024 Games, including the individual cycling time trials, swimming marathon, triathlon, and Para triathlon, adding a historic backdrop to these competitions.