These 5 Iconic Paris Venues Will Host The Olympic Games This Summer

As the City of Light prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, several iconic Paris venues are receiving a makeover.

Over the years, many of the host cities have done the same. Sydney’s Opera House, for example, was used for the triathlon in the 2000 games. And in 1960, the wrestling took place in the Roman forum at the Basilica of Maxentius.

Now, Paris 2024 is poised to showcase its own architectural landmarks, offering a unique blend of historical grandeur and modern athleticism that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

5 Iconic Paris Venues Playing Host in the Summer Olympics

Place de la Concorde

As one of the most famous squares in France, Place de la Concorde will undergo a complete transformation into an urban park for the Summer Olympics later this year. Events including Breaking, Skateboarding, BMX Freestyle and 3X3 Basketball will all take place here.

Originally designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel to honour King Louis XV, it was later replaced by the Luxor Obelisk during the reign of King Louis-Philippe in 1836.

The Olympics won’t be the first big event hosted here. It has witnessed many pivotal historical events, especially during the French Revolution.

It was renamed Place de la Révolution and became a notorious site for public executions, including those of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. 

Over 1,300 people were executed here during the Reign of Terror, a period marked by extreme violence.

Today, Place de la Concorde is the largest square in Paris, spanning over 8 hectares. It is a major public space used for various events, including the annual Tour de France bicycle race.

Château de Versailles

It’s hard to imagine anywhere grander than the Château de Versailles, so it’s fitting it should play host to a suite of equestrian events, including dressage, eventing cross country, and show jumping, alongside the diverse challenges of the modern pentathlon (except for the initial fencing ranking rounds).

An arena will be set up within the Etoile Royale esplanade near the Grand Canal in the heart of the Gardens of Versailles.

Strictly speaking, Versailles isn’t in Paris but is located approximately 10 miles west-southwest, however, it’s near enough, so deserves to be on this list.

Initially a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, the Palace underwent expansion under Louis XIV between 1661 and 1710. This expansion turned it into an extravagant complex, symbolising the pinnacle of French absolutism and royal opulence.

The Palace of Versailles has been the stage for numerous significant historical events, including the marriage of Louis XVI to Marie Antoinette in 1770.

However, the monarchy’s disconnect with the socio-economic realities led to its downfall during the French Revolution.

In October 1789, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were forced to leave as part of the French Revolution, marking an end to its role as a royal residence. Now, it is a public museum and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Esplanade des Invalides

This large, lawned area is the perfect place to host the archery competition for the summer Olympics in Paris, as well as the finish line for the marathon.

But there is so much more to the Esplanade des Invalides. 

Located on the Left Bank of the Seine it was Louis XIV in the late 17th century that had a hospital and retirement home built there for war veterans. Opposite is The Hôtel des Invalides, initially designed by architect Libéral Bruant and later expanded upon by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who added the iconic Église du Dôme. 

This domed church is now famously known as the resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was entombed there in 1840. 

The Invalides complex was crucial during the French Revolution because, on July 14, 1789, it was stormed by Parisian rioters who seized weapons stored there to use against the Bastille later that day. 

This act marked a significant moment in French history, symbolising an attack on the military might of the French royalty​​​​.

Over time, the role of Les Invalides evolved. By the early 20th century, its primary function as a veterans’ home had diminished due to the reduced number of veterans requiring care. 

This led to parts of the complex being converted into museums, including the Musée de l’Armée, established in 1905, and houses an extensive collection of military artefacts. 

The Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées

The Grand Palais is no stranger to sports, having hosted the 2010 World Fencing Championships. So it’s no surprise it will play host to the fencing competition for the Olympics, along with Taekwondo.

Originally built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the design reflects the Beaux-Arts taste, combining ornate stone facades, glass vaults, and structural innovations such as iron and light steel framing and reinforced concrete. 

It’s probably best known for its enormous conservatory-style glass roof, which has made it a major tourist attraction and a landmark in Paris​​​​​​.

Throughout its history, the Grand Palais has been a versatile venue. After its inauguration, it quickly became a space for showcasing modern innovations, such as automobiles, aviation, and household appliances. 

It also hosted important art exhibitions, including the Salon d’Automne, which featured works by notable artists like Henri Matisse and Pierre Bonnard. 

During the First World War, the Grand Palais served as a military hospital, and in the Second World War, it housed Nazi propaganda exhibitions. During the Liberation of Paris, the Parisian resistance used the building as their headquarters​​​​.

In 2000, the Grand Palais was designated as a historic monument by the French Ministry of Culture.

Champ de Mars Arena & Eiffel Tower Stadium

Previously used as drilling and marching grounds by the French military, this large green space will be home to a temporary 10,000 sqm structure, the Champ de Mars Arena.

Here, in the open air, the beach volleyball, wrestling and judo competitions will take place.

As the competitions play out, spectators will be treated to views of the Eiffel Tower on one side and the École Militaire (military school) on the other.

The École Militaire was founded by King Louis XV at the urging of Madame de Pompadour, with the primary aim of creating an academy for cadets from poor noble families to receive military training. 

Notably, one of its most famous alumni was Napoleon Bonaparte, who attended as a young cadet. Over the years, the institution has undergone various transformations and has been used for different purposes, including as a military academy, a garrison, and a hospital.

Today, the École Militaire still functions as a training facility for military officers and also houses several different military educational institutions.

FAQS: Which iconic Paris venues will host the Olympics?