What Next for Paris After the Olympic Games?

Paris 2024 was a vibe, and the withdrawal symptoms are real. The legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, however, extends far beyond the sporting events themselves.

A poignant souvenir is the Olympic bell, engraved with the Paris 2024 emblem, that gold medallists rang in the Stade de France. It will be installed in one of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s towers, a symbolic gesture that connects the restoration of the cathedral (set to welcome back the public in December 2024) with the Games.

One of the most tangible legacies is the transformation of urban spaces. The Olympic and media villages were designed to be converted into innovative eco-districts, providing 4,000 new housing units, with nearly 40% dedicated to social housing. In Seine-Saint-Denis, a historically under-served region, the Games have sparked significant improvements and increased connectivity.

Perhaps the most controversial legacy is the restoration of water quality in the Seine, an initiative that will allow the public to swim in the iconic waterway as early as next summer.

The Paralympics have been a catalyst for improving inclusivity and accessibility: by the end of 2024, 3,000 new inclusive clubs will be established to provide better access to sports for people with disabilities.

And last but not least, the government has declared the promotion of physical and sporting activity a national cause, including the introduction of 30 minutes of daily physical activity for 4.5m primary school children.

From France Today Magazine