Among the nicknames Paris enjoys, “the City of Lights” is one that stands out for those whose own sparkle shimmers on the banks of the Seine. This week, the spotlight of the world focuses on Paris as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games for the third time, endeavoring to repeat some of the spectacle of the 1924 Olympics with the panache for which Paris is celebrated the world over.
Rather than building new facilities outside of the city, this summer, a collection of historic venues in the heart of Paris will serve as the backdrop to athletic contests. While travelers may reminisce about past journeys, still others may be inspired to develop their own French-focused itinerary.
Credit: Paris 2024
Weaving through Paris, the River Seine will take center stage on Friday, July 26, at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Flotillas of athletic delegations are set to sail past iconic sites like the Cathedral of Notre Dame, set to reopen this December, and the famed artistic treasure-trove of the Louvre.
Taking in Paris from the water offers groups the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage of the capital. Narrated river cruises under the bridges that span the banks of the Siena offer a refreshing alternative and majestic perspective. A dinner cruise complete with wine provides a unique dining experience, especially when timed with the dynamic illuminations on the Eiffel Tower.
Eiffel Tower
Since its debut at the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower has been an image synonymous with Paris and, indeed, all of France. This summer, the site will host the fan-favorite beach volleyball contests. After the games, groups can certainly book a visit up to the summit to take in the panoramic views; however, that vantage point excludes the Eiffel Tower from all the site lines. Instead, consider a group outing and meal at the Trocadero across the river and enjoy a meal with the most iconic of all of France’s sites in full view.
Invalides
The site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb and of the military hospital he created for his famed Grand Army, the golden dome of the Invalides and its breathtaking grounds reminds visitors of France’s military traditions.
Credit: Paris 2024
This summer, the sweeping vistas will host archery and shooting, a nod to the area’s military heritage. Groups will find the area teeming with history about Napoleon and can take in the grandeur of the burial vault Napoleon designed as the enduring memorial to his military achievements for France.
Place de la Concorde
Taking center-stage during the height of the French Revolution, the Place de la Concorde is an important stop for groups exploring the French Revolution. Paired with the Concierge, the palace-turned-prison where Marie Antoinette spent her final days before being carted to the guillotine, the Place de la Concorde relates the bloodiest days of the Revolution.
Credit: Paris 2024
A guided visit zeroing in on the story of how the Revolution dispatched with its opponents—both real and imagined—and then consumed itself will provide groups with an informative look at this vital component of French History. Situated in the heart of the city, this summer, the Place de la Concorde will serve as the backdrop to urbanized sports, namely three-on-three basketball and breakdancing.
Palace of Versailles
The pleasure palace of the “Sun King” Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles replaced Paris as the heart of the French Court for more than a century. The Palace and its grand apartments, most notably the Hall of Mirrors, and its sweeping gardens with cascading fountains, shaded groves and canopies, and three more stunning palaces offers plenty of amusements for groups. Indeed, groups should allocate a full day at Versailles.
Credit: Paris 2024
A guided visit of the State Rooms can be followed by independent time in the sweeping estate with opportunities for cycling, rowing, or a shuttle to other sites within the grounds. Groups traveling from Paris by train are cautioned to secure the correct tickets to avoid a hefty penalty from French authorities. This summer, the grounds of Versailles will return to their days of royal splendor in hosting many of the equestrian events with the Palace as the dramatic backdrop to the competitions.
With a public transportation network to ferry groups to all the sites, an incredible cuisine scene, and plentiful cultural delights to fascinate the art-lover, history buff, fashionista, and shopper extraordinaire, Paris is positioned to ascend the top of the podium as groups are inspired by the international world of sport to strike out and experience the world.
For more information, visit france.fr.
By Michael C. McLaughlin
Main Image: Rendering of Eiffel Tower stadium, Paris, France; Credit: Paris 2024
