Revive the Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ ceremony and prepare your visits through this centennial sports event
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On 26 July 2024, Paris welcomes the whole World for an unprecedented Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This event, marking the start of the XXXIII Olympiad of the modern era, captivated the attention of millions of spectators across the globe (photo credits: Olympic Games Committee).
Therefore, unlike previous editions, the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games did not take place in a stadium, but in the heart of the city, along the Seine River. This bold decision to opt for this unprecedented setting allowed to showcase the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Paris. The six-kilometre route, between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iéna, offered a spectacular backdrop with iconic monuments such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. By AP & AL
This opening ceremony perfectly embodied this spirit, launching the festivities with an energy and passion that will mark Olympic history for generations to come. In short, the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games would undoubtedly be remembered as a dazzling celebration of culture, innovation and human unity. The ceremony began at 7pm and continued until 11:30pm, under a rainy summer sky, this unforeseen weather did not prevent the smooth running of this incomparable event and the various stakeholders were able to adapt to this unexpected weather situation.
Indeed, the festivities were opened by a magnificent nautical ballet, displaying dozens of typical Parisian houseboats, all decorated in bright colors and national flags, transporting the delegations of the participating countries. Each boat, uniquely decorated, represented the identity and culture of its hosted country, offering a true spectacle of diversity and unity. The Olympic Committee, accompanied by dignitaries and sports personalities, officially declared the opening of those Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Following tradition, the Olympic flag was raised and the French national anthem was played, performed by a choir of young talents from all over France and nearby.
Indeed, this XXL ceremony was punctuated by exceptional artistic performances. The spectators were visibly amazed by a wide series of contemporary dance numbers, classical and modern music, along breathtaking light shows, staged by the playwright Thomas Jolly. Renowned artists such as singers Lady Gaga, covering a standard by the music hall singer Zizi Jeanmaire, Céline Dion and Aya Nakamura, surrounded by the Republican Guard, in front of the serious Académie Française, and the lyric soprano singer Josef Orlinski, covering the baroque repertoire of Rameau, delivered memorable performances, creating a true magical atmosphere.
Not forgetting one of the most unexpected moments of the evening with the reproduction of the “Feast of the Gods” painting by Jan Harmensz van Bijlert (made around 1635), on the Passerelle Debilly. On this metal bridge, imagined by Jean Resal, a banquet table was enthroned and presided over by DJ Barbara Butch, in place of a crowned Apollo, surrounded by a dozen of drag queen guests, before the appearance of singer Philippe Katherine, performing as Bacchus, depicted in nude blue. A nod to the goddess Sequana, daughter of Bacchus, who was reincarnated as the Seine River.
This was followed by a grandiose finale at the Trocadéro palace, with the projection of historical images from previous Olympic Games, paying tribute to the previous athletes and the highlights of Olympic history. Spectacular fireworks lit up the Parisian sky, bringing the evening to a brilliant finish. Beyond the grandeur and beauty of the ceremony, the Olympic spirit of solidarity, peace and fraternity was at the heart of this hors-norm event. That’s why, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), highlighted in his speech the importance of these values in a world seeking unity and mutual understanding.
Bring a souvenir from the official Paris 2024 stores, listed here.
In this new Olympic chapter, discover the different places and stadiums, where you can attend the different Parisian Olympic sports events, but not only. Indeed, during this 2024 Olympiad, where Paris renews its appointment with Olympic history, a century after hosting the Olympic Games for the last time in 1924, the French capital is preparing to live a new adventure with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, under the organization of the Paris 2024 Committee for the Olympic Games (COJO). Those unique Olympic Games take place from July 26th until August 11st, 2024 for the Olympic Games and from August 28th until September 8th, 2024 for the Paralympic Games, through different competition sites and innovative infrastructures, carefully selected throughout the French territory.
Most of the competitions take place in various emblematic locations in Paris and the Île-de-France region, integrating new infrastructures as well as renovated historic sites. Here’s a look at the main venues, starting with the historic venues hosting the competitions, such as the Grand Palais, this recently renovated museum, hosts fencing, taekwondo, and biking events. Not far from the Hôtel de Ville, this iconic Paris city hall, is the starting point for the Olympic and Paralympic marathons. In another side, the Accor Arena even complex, in Bercy, hosts basketball, artistic gymnastics and trampoline events.
Without forgetting the legendary Stade Roland-Garros, known for its tennis tournament, this historic stadium welcomes tennis of course and boxing events. A couple of steps away from the illustrious Parc des Princes stadium, dedicated this time to football competitions, adding to its rich history of major sporting events. In the southern part, the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is employed for weightlifting, handball, volleyball and table tennis events, as well as Paralympic goalball and boccia competitions.
Still in Paris, various temporary spots and facilities were expressly built for the occasion, to meet the specific needs of those Olympics Games, always proposing new sports, such as break dance this year. This is the case of the Parc Urbain La Concorde, nested in the famous Place de la Concorde, to host urban sports, like 3×3 basketball, BMX Freestyle and skateboarding. Unless you prefer to attend road cycling and athletics events at the Trocadéro, near the Eiffel Tower. Thus, in the Stade Tour Eiffel, on the Champ-de-Mars is the site of the beach volleyball and blind football events.
On another hand, the Grand Palais Éphémère, temporarily renamed Arena Champ-de-Mars, hosts the judo, wrestling, and wheelchair rugby events. Thereafter, the Pont Alexandre III proposes an historic venue for the marathon swimming, triathlon and road cycling events. Followed by the Esplanade des Invalides, where would occur the archery and road cycling events, as well as the finish of the marathons. Cherry on the cake is that Paris 2024 aims to be a model of sustainability and respect for the environment. The organisers have implemented several initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of those unforgettable Olympic Games and promote a certain biodiversity.
Then, outside Paris, you may count on the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, located in the north side of Paris, this eco-designed arena hosts badminton, rhythmic gymnastics, para badminton and para weightlifting competitions. Not far from the Saint-Denis Aquatic Centre, this low-carbon centre, adjacent to the Stade de France, hosts diving, but also water polo and artistic swimming competitions. Without forgetting, in the same zone, Le Bourget Climbing Site, this recently opened sports complex hosts climbing events, with five walls dedicated to Olympic competitions.
Still in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, stands the strategic Olympic and Paralympic Village, located across the cities of Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine and L’Île-Saint-Denis. Thus, this 52-hectare village is designed to be a model of sustainability, becoming a habitable, environmentally friendly and accessible neighbourhood after the Olympic Games. A little bit further, you may find the Arena Paris Nord, located in Villepinte fair area, this arena also welcomes boxing, modern pentathlon and volleyball seated events.
One century after, the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes would pursue its Olympic mission for the second time, with field hockey. In contrary, the new Paris La Défense Arena is supposed to wait for swimming and water polo events. In the same neighborhood, the Parc Georges Valbon and Clichy-sous-Bois respectively host the Para marathon and Para cycling events. Still in Île-de-France region and beyond, the Stade Nautique in Vaires-sur-Marne, situated in Seine-et-Marne, is asked for canoeing and rowing events. Without missing the fancy Château de Versailles, hosting equestrian sports and even the modern pentathlon.
Again in the wooded Yvelines territory, let’s go to the Colline d’Élancourt, as the highest point in the region, and ideal to organize the cross-country mountain bike events. Not far from the Vélodrome National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, for track cycling and BMX events. Then, the Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines for the golf competitions. Apart from this, outside the Île-de-France region, many cities such as Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Étienne, Nice and Marseille host football events. Lille has the task to lead some handball and basketball events, while the Marseille‘s tramontana wind would blow over the sailing competitions. In addition, the Teahupo’o mythical wave in Tahiti would influence on the surfing competition.
Book your tickets for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on their official website.
