The Olympic Spirit Returns to the Capital

With the first anniversary of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games almost upon us, the city is set to recreate that magic with a whole summer of special events. Here, Caroline Harrap reflects on a few of the memorable moments from last year – and reveals what’s in store for this one.

I’ll admit it, in the lead-up to Paris 2024, I was one of the disgruntled doubters. Like many of my fellow Parisians, I was braced for the potential disruption to daily life – which can already be a bit of a challenge at the height of the tourist season – and mildly miffed at the prospect of certain places becoming off-limits. For full transparency, I’m not really much of a sports fan, either, so I felt there was little in it all for me. Hands up, though, how wrong I turned out to be. 

In the event, the whole thing was pure magic, starting with that mesmerizing opening ceremony – the first in the history of the Olympics to take place outside of a stadium and in the city itself. From the flotilla of athletes sailing down the Seine and the dazzling performances amid the downpours to the magnificent metallic horse galloping across the water, it all played out against a breathtaking backdrop of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. At times, almost dream-like in its glittering, rain-soaked beauty, at others a little bit bonkers, it was never anything other than spellbinding. 

Then there were the many memorable moments from the Games themselves. Everyone will have their own favorite recollections, but I think one highlight we can all agree on was Afghan athlete Zakia Khudadadi winning the Refugee Paralympic Team’s first-ever medal, securing a bronze in the Para Taekwondo. Other stand-out spectacles included Simone Biles’ triumphant return to Olympic gymnastics; French swimmer Léon Marchand winning four individual golds – plus a bronze in the relay – in his home country; and tennis star Novak Djokovic finally becoming an Olympic champion.  

For my part, as a resident of the area just to the north of Montmartre, it was a particular thrill to see the cyclists fly past, the tailwind toying with our senses long after they had. In our case, we watched them whizz by in a breakneck blur along the tree-lined avenue of Rue Caulaincourt, having already tackled the cobbled climb up the hill. I was also fortunate enough to see some of the athletics and Para-athletics events at the Stade de France (I’m not crying, you’re crying…). And then, back at home, watching Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise descend into the stadium for the closing ceremony was, well, very Paris 2024.  

Anyway, all of this to say, us cynical old Parisians (or adopted Parisian in my case) were for the most part entranced – or, put it this way, at least pretty convinced. This is Paris, after all. And no one was more surprised than us when we found ourselves feeling even a little bit bereft when it was all over. 

Recapturing the magic 

Well, if you’re one of those people still missing the magic, or happen to be visiting the capital in the coming weeks, then we have good news in store. A year on from the Olympics and Paralympics, the City of Paris intends to bring back the spirit of the Games with a whole summer of special events for 2025.  

Launched by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, at a press conference at City Hall, Paris en Seine will recreate the vibrant atmosphere of last year with everything from sporting activities and cultural showcases to festive celebrations. What’s more, aiming to offer something for everyone, all of it will be free. 

For a start, in one of the most exciting developments, swimming will once again be possible in the Seine – for the first time in a century. In a key legacy of the Games, three dedicated bathing sites are set to open in the capital. Another highlight will be the return of the “hot-air balloon”, the Vasque des Jeux, which became such an emblem of Paris 2024. And, one for the Insta-lovers, on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th, the Olympic rings will be projected onto the Eiffel Tower.  

Sports fans will be able to enjoy a wide range of events, from a beach volleyball demonstration and a pole-vaulting competition to the badminton world championships, and discover various activities themselves. Korean sword initiation, anyone? There will also be plenty for the culture vultures, from concerts and dance displays to film screenings, and even outdoor libraries. In addition, Paris en Seine will take under its umbrella some of the existing events we know and love, such as Paris Plages, FNAC Live, and the annual summer carnival. 

So, in summary, while it may not be quite on the scale of last year’s celebrations, Paris en Seine looks set to bring back at least some of the Olympic magic – and without any disruption to our daily lives. Now, even us Parisians will be hard-pushed to grumble at that.  

Paris en Seine runs from Saturday 21st June to Sunday 21st September. For the full program of events, visit the dedicated web page at www.paris.fr/parisenseine  

Pick of the highlights 

With something for everyone, Paris en Seine will feature a vast array of events, both large and small. Here, we pick out 10 of the best… 

1. Look up at the “hot-air balloon” 
Bringing back happy memories of last year, the “hot-air balloon,” the Vasque des Jeux, will be reinstalled in the Jardin des Tuileries. Once again, the iconic cauldron will rise up into the evening sky starting from Saturday, June 21st, the Fête de la Musique, and continuing until Sunday 14th September. Cameras at the ready. 

2. Marvel at a historic landmark 
One of the best-known buildings in Paris, the Hôtel de Ville (aka City Hall), will open its doors to the public on Saturday 21st June. This will also be an opportunity to discover the new “urban forest” outside. Over the course of the summer, a variety of events and activities will be offered on the forecourt, including a beach volleyball area. 

3. Go swimming in the Seine 
For the first time in a century, thanks to the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games, it will be possible to swim in the Seine. From Saturday, July 5th to Sunday, August 31st, three bathing spots will be open to the public: Bras Marie (in the 4th), Bercy (in the 12th), and Grenelle (in the 15th). What better way to cool off than a refreshing dip in the river? 

4. Enjoy Paris Plages in a different way 
Always a highlight of summer, Paris Plages will have a special theme this year. Running from Saturday, July 5th to Sunday, August 31st, the annual beach event will be part of a cross-cultural season to showcase Brazilian culture. The program will include everything from sporting activities and open-air films to Brazilian blocos and DJ sets. 

5. Take a deeper dive into river life
Children and their families can learn about the biodiversity and life of the Seine on special educational cruises. Although details have yet to be added to the website, the boat trips will take place at selected times each weekend from Saturday, July 12th to Saturday, August 9th. There will also be guided walks along the banks of the river. 

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6. Celebrate an Olympic milestone 
To mark the one-year anniversary of the opening ceremony, there will be a whole day of festivities centered on the Seine. Taking place on Saturday July 26th, various water-based activities will be offered, including a kayak and paddleboard trip, as well as games along the river. Also, Paris Plages will be putting on some special events. 

7. Sing your heart out at live karaoke 
In the finale of the celebrations above, on Saturday, July 26th, a giant live karaoke session will feature the Olympic hits that thrilled us last summer. Held on Place du Châtelet, and organized by the Théâtre de la Ville – Sarah-Bernhardt, it’s sure to be a fun and festive atmosphere. All are welcome, we are told, regardless of singing ability… 

8. Admire some trailblazing women
To commemorate the first anniversary of the Games, the golden statues of the opening ceremony will be installed on Rue de la Chapelle in the 18th arrondissement. Celebrating 10 pioneering women, including Alice Milliat, Simone Veil, and Louise Michel, they represent female figures who have left their mark on French history. 

9. See the Eiffel Tower in a new light 
Over the weekend of Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th, the Olympic rings will be projected onto the Eiffel Tower. But, fun fact, special illuminations here are nothing new. For its inauguration in 1889, the tower was lit up with 10,000 gaslights, along with various spotlights, and at the top with a red, white and blue beacon.  

10. Watch top-notch cycling 
For those of us who were fortunate enough to see the cycling last year in “real life,” it was a truly unforgettable experience. Well, this year, on Sunday, July 27th, it will be the turn of the Tour de France to race through Montmartre. Watch these elite cyclists tackle the famed narrow streets before the iconic finish on the Champs-Élysées.