The Summer Olympics returns to France for the third time in 2024, as the city of Paris gets ready to host the greatest sporting show on earth. 

The XXXIII Olympiad, which takes place from 26th July to 11th August, will see 10,500 athletes from around the globe compete in 329 events in 32 sports, including breaking (breakdance) for the first time. This will be followed by the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games which run from 28 August to 8 September.

The Olympic Rings being fitted to the Eiffel Tower

While Paris will be the main host city, events will take place in 16 other cities across France as well as Tahiti in French Polynesia, which will host Olympic Surfing. Paris becomes only the second city to host the Summer Olympics three times (1900, 1924 & 2024) after London (1908, 1948 & 2012).

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games, the Opening Ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Instead, the parade of nations will take place as a boat parade along the River Seine, enabling hundreds of thousands of spectators along the riverbanks to share the moment. The parade will come to the end of its 6 kilometre (3.7 mile) route at Champions Park, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place.

Champions Park (All rights reserved – Paris 2024)

Paris 2024’s ambition is to offer Games that are for everyone and, to do this, venues have been set up across Paris to enable the public to share in the celebrations. Champions Park at Trocadéro, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, will be the go-to destination for sports fans from around the world to meet up and celebrate the medal-winning athletes, their achievements, and all the incredible stories that will mark the Games.

The celebratory atmosphere will continue all summer along the River Seine and its canals; in each arrondissement throughout Paris, from La Villette to Saint-Denis; and in many other communities across the Paris Region.

Parc des Princes in Paris (All rights reserved – Paris 2024 / Ph.Guignard / Air-Images.net)

To coincide with the Olympic Torch arriving in France on 8th May, and to mark the beginning of four months of celebrations, a digital Games Map was launched to enable visitors and fans to get into the spirit of the Games. The map, which can be downloaded here, includes details of the Torch Relay route, the Olympic venues throughout France, celebration events and Cultural Olympiad activities.

While Paris will of course be exceptionally busy during the Olympics and Paralympics, it will still be possible to experience some of the remarkable Olympics atmosphere throughout the summer and into autumn. If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made visit to Paris or elsewhere in France or Europe, please do contact our friendly team today.