A general view of the Stade de France. GETTY IMAGES

After the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the French capital will once again become the world centre of sport. This time, it will host the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8. It will be the first time that France has organised an event like this, with 18 venues for all competitions. 

Over these 11 days, more than 4,400 athletes with physical, intellectual, visual, and cognitive disabilities from 182 countries will compete. The Paralympic programme includes 549 medal events across 22 sports. Venues like the renowned Bercy Arena and the historic Grand Palais have been chosen for their unique features and ability to provide an enhanced experience.

Bercy Arena

Bercy Arena, officially known as Accor Arena, stands as one of Paris’s most iconic sports venues. Situated in the 12th arrondissement, this arena was originally opened in 1984 and renovated in 2015, distinguished by its pyramid-like design that makes it a landmark in the cityscape. 

Known for hosting major sporting events such as the Rolex Paris Masters and the European Handball Championships, it will now serve as the centre for wheelchair basketball during the Paralympic Games. With its modern facilities and historical prestige, Bercy Arena is well-equipped to handle the high-energy atmosphere of Paralympic basketball.

Bercy Arena. GETTY IMAGES
Bercy Arena. GETTY IMAGES

Champs de Mars Arena

Just a short walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars Arena will host judo and wheelchair rugby. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and completed in early 2021, this temporary venue merges contemporary aesthetics with sustainable practices. 

Its wooden structure, echoing the elegance of the Grand Palais, blends harmoniously with the surrounding Champ de Mars. This eco-friendly and modern venue will provide an excellent setting for these dynamic sports, reflecting Paris’s commitment to both modernity and sustainability.

Châteauroux Shooting Centre

The Châteauroux Shooting Centre will be the backdrop for the Paralympic shooting events. Opened by the French Shooting Federation in 2018, this state-of-the-art facility is among the largest in Europe. It features numerous shooting ranges and a newly constructed finals building, completed in 2022, catering to international competitions. The centre’s advanced facilities ensure it will be a prime location for showcasing shooting skills during the Games.

Clichy-sous-Bois

Clichy-sous-Bois, located in Seine-Saint-Denis, will be the start and finish point for the road cycling events. From 4 to 7 September, this vibrant suburb will host the para-cycling races, featuring a route that winds through its scenic streets. 

The choice of this location highlights the integration of various Parisian neighbourhoods into the Paralympic experience, bringing the Games directly to local communities.

Stade de France

The Stade de France, France’s largest stadium, will once again transform into the main stadium for the Paralympic Games.

Since its inauguration in 1998 for the FIFA World Cup, it has hosted numerous significant sporting events, including World Athletics Championships and Rugby World Cups. 

With its extensive seating and state-of-the-art facilities, the Stade de France will provide a grand stage for the athletics events, showcasing the highest level of competitive sports.

Eiffel Tower Stadium

A temporary stadium constructed near the Eiffel Tower will host football for the visually impaired. This location, known for its central role in Parisian celebrations and events, will offer a unique and iconic backdrop for the sport. 

The venue’s proximity to the Eiffel Tower adds a touch of Parisian charm and ensures an inspiring setting for athletes and spectators alike.

A general view of the Eiffel Tower Stadium. GETTY IMAGES
A general view of the Eiffel Tower Stadium. GETTY IMAGES

Nautical Stadium Vaires-sur-Marne

The Nautical Stadium Vaires-sur-Marne, completed in 2019, will serve as the venue for rowing and canoeing. This cutting-edge facility, part of the Vaires-Torcy leisure complex, features a 2,200-metre sprint course and a variety of training and administrative spaces. 

Designed by Auer+Weber+Assoziierte, it reflects the latest in sports architecture and will offer a premier location for these water sports.

Roland Garros

Roland Garros, home of the French Open, will be a key venue for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, hosting wheelchair tennis and sitting volleyball. 

Known for its rich history and world-class tennis, this iconic stadium will extend its legacy to include these Paralympic events. Located near the Bois de Boulogne, Roland Garros will provide a prestigious and familiar setting for athletes competing in these sports.

Grand Palais

The Grand Palais, with its magnificent glass roof and historical significance, will host fencing and taekwondo. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, this venue is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Following a recent restoration, the Grand Palais will once again serve as a stunning backdrop for high-profile sporting events, blending historical grandeur with modern competitive spirit.

Invalides

The Esplanade des Invalides, a spacious green area in the heart of Paris, will be the venue for archery. Situated in front of the Hôtel des Invalides, this location offers a picturesque and historic setting for the archery competitions. The blend of historical architecture and lush green spaces will create a unique atmosphere for athletes and spectators.

The Esplanade des Invalides. GETTY IMAGES
The Esplanade des Invalides. GETTY IMAGES

La Courneuve

La Courneuve, located in Seine-Saint-Denis, will host the marathon, starting from Georges Valbon Park. This extensive park will serve as a vibrant and celebratory hub during the Paralympic Games, providing a scenic route for the marathon and a lively atmosphere for the athletics events. 

The park’s transformation into a central part of the Games highlights the integration of Parisian green spaces into the Paralympic experience.

Paris Nord Arena

The Paris Nord Arena, located in the Villepinte Exhibition Centre, will host sitting volleyball. This large and versatile venue, known for its capacity to accommodate major events, will be transformed into a prime location for this sport. With its extensive space and modern facilities, the Paris Nord Arena will offer an excellent environment for both athletes and spectators.

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French royal heritage, will host the equestrian events. A temporary open-air stadium will be constructed on the Étoile Royale esplanade, surrounded by the palace’s magnificent gardens. This historic and picturesque location will provide a regal setting for the equestrian competitions, blending the grandeur of French history with the excitement of the Paralympic Games.

Paris La Défense Arena

The Paris La Défense Arena, located in Nanterre, will host the swimming events. Known for its impressive scale and technological advancements, this arena will offer state-of-the-art facilities for the swimming competitions. With its vast capacity and modern amenities, it will provide an exceptional setting for showcasing the talents of the world’s top swimmers.

A general view of the Paris La Defense Arena. GETTY IMAGES
A general view of the Paris La Defense Arena. GETTY IMAGES

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III, spanning the River Seine, will be the site for the triathlon. This historic bridge, with its ornate statues and central location, will offer a stunning backdrop for the triathlon events. Its historical and architectural significance will add a unique and picturesque element to the competition, linking various key Paralympic venues.

Porte de la Chapelle Arena

The Porte de la Chapelle Arena, a newly designed venue focusing on sustainability, will host badminton and weightlifting. Located in the northern part of Paris, this facility will not only cater to the needs of the Games but also serve as a cultural and sports centre for the local community. Its modern design and commitment to environmental responsibility make it a fitting addition to the Paralympic venues.

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles

The Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres, will host boccia, goalball, and table tennis. This extensive venue, part of the larger Expo Paris complex, is known for its ability to accommodate large-scale events. Its spacious layout and comprehensive facilities will provide an ideal environment for these diverse sports.

Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome

The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome, a top-tier cycling venue, will host track cycling events. Since its opening in 2014, this velodrome has been a hub for cycling competitions, including national and international events. Its modern design and extensive facilities make it a prime location for the Paralympic track cycling events.