The Paris Olympics will showcase the beauty of the City of Light, with events planned at iconic locations. AFP highlights five sites that will impress attendees and a global TV audience during the 17-day event starting on July 26:
– Eiffel Tower –
One of the most famous Paris landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, will host beach volleyball competitions. The temporary venue will be set up near the base of the tower. Additionally, judo and wrestling will take place at Champs de Mars park at the tower’s base.
Despite initial criticism by Parisians when it was unveiled in 1889, the Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of the city. It is not only a top tourist attraction but also functions as a telecoms tower for radio and TV broadcasts. Medal winners at the Paris Games will receive medals containing a small piece of the original iron structure.
– Grand Palais –
The Grand Palais will host fencing and taekwondo events. This opulent glass-and-steel art gallery was constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair. During World War I, it served as a military hospital. In modern times, it has been used for art exhibitions, giant installations, and even transformed into the world’s largest ice rink.
– Place de la Concorde –
This square at the foot of Champs-Elysees will be an urban sports center for skateboarding, basketball, BMX freestyle, and breakdancing. Despite its bloody history during the French Revolution, the square now hosts various sports activities. It is defined by the huge gold obelisk gifted to Paris in 1830.
– Palace of Versailles –
Dressage and showjumping competitions will take place in the royal park of Versailles Palace, located 20 km from Paris. Originally a hunting lodge, the palace gardens now attract tourists and sport events. The site has been a world heritage site since 1979.
– Marseille –
Sailing contests will happen in Marseille, known for its football team Olympique Marseille. Over 300 sailors will compete in the Mediterranean waters east of the city. Marseille will also host 10 football matches during the Olympics.
