Paris 2024 anniversary: How the City of Light became a sporting arena during the Olympic Games

A century after hosting the 1924 Olympic Games, Paris once again became the vibrant heart of the Olympic and sporting world.

Rarely has a host city woven sport so seamlessly into its urban fabric and historic landmarks.

By making the Seine swimmable, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 transformed the French capital’s iconic river into a true Olympic playground. Triathlon and open water swimming events were held there, and a year later, the river was opened to the public for swimming, offering all Parisians the chance to dive in.

Place de la Concorde played a central role during Paris 2024. The city’s largest square was specially redesigned to host skateboarding, 3x3 basketball, BMX freestyle and breaking.

In the heart of the capital, the urban park welcomed up to 30,000 spectators and later served as the venue for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Place de la Concorde was also pedestrianised. In 2025, the area kept its sporty spirit alive, serving as a temporary fan zone during the latest edition of the Roland-Garros tennis tournament.

The Pont d’Iéna, which links the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro, remains etched in the memories of Olympic athletes and fans. It was here that the Olympic rings were displayed, and where Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel celebrated his victory in the men’s road race, in one of the most iconic moments of the Games.

After the Olympics, the Pont d’Iéna welcomed visitors from around the world to walk in the footsteps of Paris 2024 champions.

During the Games, viewers across the globe discovered Paris in a new light as they followed the marathon and road cycling events through the heart of the city. That same Olympic energy carried into 2025, when the men’s Tour de France swept through Montmartre in a wave of excitement, echoing the spirit of the summer before.

Click here to read article