Cover Aerial view of Paris with Eiffel tower and Seine river (Photo: Instagram / @Paris 2024)
Aerial view of Paris with Eiffel tower and Seine river (Photo: Instagram / @Paris 2024)
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From Paris’ most iconic landmarks to the grandeur of Versailles and the vibrant streets of Marseille, Tatler provides the essential guide for making the most of your visit to France, whether you’re here for the Games or a leisurely holiday
The Summer Olympic Games take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8. Most of the events will be held in the bustling capital, its suburbs and neighbouring cities, but some are further afield: there’s handball in Lille to the north and sailing in Marseille on the south coast; football, meanwhile, is being played in stadiums around the country.
Many of the competitions are taking place at some of the most recognisable edifices and venues across the country. We take a closer look at some of those you might have heard of but not know much about.
Whether or not you’ve scored tickets to the Games, France is a brilliant holiday destination with something for everyone; these recommendations of Tatler’s favourite attractions, hotels and eateries will ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Read more: Meet the Malaysian athletes who have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024
PONT D’ALEXANDRE III
Above Pont d’Alexandre III, regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, will be the venue for the triathlon, marathon swimming and road cycling (Photo: Instagram / @paris2024)
Pont d’Alexandre III, regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, will be the venue for the triathlon, marathon swimming and road cycling (Photo: Instagram / @paris2024)
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Regarded by many as the most beautiful bridge crossing the River Seine in Paris, the Pont d’Alexandre III is named after Tsar Alexander III and serves as a symbol of the peaceful alliance between France and Russia—the foundation stone was laid by the leader’s son Tsar Nicholas II. It connects the Grand Palais-Petit Palais thoroughfare to the Les Invalides esplanade, home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Construction on the bridge began in 1896 and was completed in 1900, in time for the Paris Universal Exhibition. It was considered an engineering marvel at the time; with a single arch span, it was built low so as not to obstruct views of both sides of the river. Spanning 160 metres long and 40 metres wide, the bridge symbolises the wealth of early-20th-century France.
At the venue:
Road Cycling (July 27-August 4)
Triathlon (July 30-August 5)
Marathon Swimming (August 8 and 9)
ESPLANADE DES INVALIDES
Above Esplanade des Invalides will host the archery events (Photo: ©Paris 2024)
Esplanade des Invalides will host the archery events (Photo: ©Paris 2024)
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Connecting the bridge to the Hôtel des Invalides, the Esplanade des Invalides is a vast, open lawn, established in the 17th century and a popular site today for strolls, picnics and cultural events. It is a testament to France’s military heritage and serves as a vital green lung in the heart of the city. Commissioned by King Louis XIV in 1670, the Hôtel des Invalides was originally intended as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Today, it houses the Musée de l’Armée, one of the most extensive military museums in the world, while the Dôme des Invalides, a magnificent example of French baroque architecture, contains the tomb of Napoleon, making it a pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts.
At the venue:
Archery (July 25-August 4)
See also: 10 historic firsts and significant features of Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games
PLACES TO SEE, EAT AND STAY
SEE
Pont de la Concorde Bridge, Grand Palais, Champs-Elysées, Jardin des Tuileries, Musée de l’Orangerie, The Army Museum, Jardin du Luxembourg, Rodin Museum, Rue Saint-Honoré for shopping
EAT
Café de Flore Opened in the 1880s and is a popular hangout of famous writers, artists, and intellectuals from the 1900s onwards. Café de Flore has maintained its artistic and fashionable reputation and remains a tourist draw. Its menu includes classic snacks like croque monsieur and quiche Lorraine, but really, everyone comes for the famous hot chocolate. 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain
Pierre Hermé You can’t go to Paris without trying Pierre Hermé’s famous macarons—they taste even better in the French capital. The rose-flavoured Ispahan and passion-fruit-flavoured Mogador are our favourites. 4 Rue Cambon
Above Café de Flore (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Pierre Hermé (Photo: Getty Images)
Café de Flore (Photo: Getty Images)
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Alléno Paris Helmed by renowned chef Yannick Alléno, this three-Michelin-starred spot serves exquisite neo-French cuisine amid a beautiful setting in a neo-classical mansion in the Champs-Elysées gardens. 8 Avenue Dutuit Champs-Elysées
Auberge Bressane If you’re looking for the absolute classics, they’re here in spades; think soufflé, coq au vin and snails, accompanied by a vast wine list with bottles from all over the country. 16 Avenue de la Motte-Picquet
Don’t miss: Vegetable bourguignon? The Paris Olympics 2024 is going vegetarian
The Coco Chanel Suite at the Ritz Paris on Place Vendome (Photo: Ritz Paris/LNB Agent/Jerome Galland)
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STAY
Hôtel de Crillon A landmark Rosewood hotel overlooking the Place de la Concorde, with a neoclassical design that hints at the sumptuous interiors. In addition to luxurious accommodation, it boasts a spa and wellness centre and one-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Ecrin.
Ritz Paris This is, after all, one of the world’s most famous luxury hotels. If that’s not appealing enough, it also boasts a collection of lavish suites named after famous personalities who stayed there. One is the Coco Chanel Suite, the elegant former accommodation of the designer who lived there for over 30 years.
Above Le Bon Marche
Le Bon Marche
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SHOP
Opened in 1852, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is the oldest department store in Paris. Its posh selection of luxury brands for women and men, the beauty floor, shoe salon, home goods and children’s section are main draws to Parisians and tourists alike, and it has a tax-refund lounge on the third floor for easy facilitation. Don’t miss La Grande Épicerie food hall for exclusive fine foods, pâtisserie and wine.
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Elizabeth Soong is the managing editor of Malaysia Tatler. She loves a good laugh, but is serious when it comes to work, and gets a high from dancing, cats purring, plus enjoys musicals or binge-watching a good TV series. Continually inspired by the people she meets, edits and writes about, you're welcome to see what she's up to on her Instagram @lizsoong.
