Discover 10 facts about Paris as it prepares to host the 2024 Olympics, from unique medal designs to innovative opening ceremonies.

Paris 2024, officially the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, is happening from 26 July to 11 August 2024. It’s not just taking place in Paris but also 16 other places in France, and Tahiti. This is Paris’ third time hosting the Summer Olympics. These Games are going to be epic, with new cutting-edge designs and details. Why? Because the city of art is hosting the Olympics!

1/10 Special Trunks by Louis Vuitton

To mark Louis Vuitton’s support for Paris 2024 and its history of crafting handmade trunks for the world’s greatest occasions and sporting events, the brand has unveiled special trunks for storing Olympic and Paralympic medals and torches.

The Medals Trunks are lined with black matt leather inside and feature the iconic Monogram canvas outside. The Torches Trunks’s façade are adorned with the Damier motif canvas.

2/10 Medals with a Piece of the Eiffel Tower!

Chaumet, a French jewellery brand and a LVMH Group company, has unveiled the official medal designs for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Each medal contains a piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower. This marks the first time such a technique has been used for Olympic and Paralympic medals.

3/10 The Design of the Paris 2024 Games Torch

A famous object of the Games, the torch embodies the identity of each edition through its shape, colour, and inspirations. The Paris 2024 torch, designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, is a piece of art reflecting the image of these Games.

Distinguishable primarily by its colour, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games torch draws inspiration from three themes: Equality, Water, and Peacefulness.

4/10 Poster Combined for the First Time

For Paris 2024, Ugo Gattoni, a French illustrator known for his surrealistic style, was commissioned to create the posters. Gattoni’s artwork, reflecting the theme “Games Wide Open,” merges the traditionally separate Olympics and Paralympics posters into a single, cohesive design, marking a historic first for the Games.

5/10 Opening Ceremony Set on the River Seine!

The opening ceremony is planned to depart from the traditional stadium venue for the first time. It is proposed that the parade of nations will proceed by boat along the Seine, from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’Iéna. The official protocol will then be observed at Place du Trocadéro within a temporary ‘mini-stadium’. The 6-kilometre parade route will feature cultural displays and scenic views of Paris landmarks.

6/10 A Purple-Track Treatment

The purple track at Paris 2024 was chosen to innovate and diverge from traditional designs, reflecting the committee’s creative ethos. Inspired by lavender, it complements the Games’ colour scheme of blue, green, and purple, with varying tones highlighting performance areas and historical nods to past Olympic tracks.

The purple track is a historic first and carries significant meaning. The choice of purple, along with a shade of grey reminiscent of the 1924 Olympic track, marks a departure from the traditional red. The colour symbolises a mix of energy and calmness, potentially offering a psychological boost to athletes by blending the energetic qualities of red with the calming effect of blue. Moreover, the track’s innovative design by Mondo, incorporating renewable materials and advanced technology for improved performance, underscores the commitment to sustainability and athlete excellence.

7/10 The Phryges: Paris 2024 Mascots

Paris 2024 introduces the Phryges, mascots inspired by the Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom throughout French history. The Phrygian cap, a historic emblem of revolution and liberty, has been a part of key moments in French history, from the construction of Notre-Dame to the French Revolution and beyond. The Phryges continue this legacy, promoting the values of freedom and sport.

There are two main Phryge mascots. The Olympic Phryge is a thoughtful strategist who embodies the spirit of Olympic athletes, leading the charge to get France moving. The Paralympic Phryge, equipped with a running prosthetic, is fearless and adventurous, inspiring everyone to embrace sports and celebrate athleticism. With their rich history, the Phryges aim to get France active in anticipation of the Games, reinforcing the message that sport can revolutionise lives, health, and communities.

8/10 French Team Uniforms for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony

French athletes will don a distinct Berluti ensemble, featuring a white shirt and a midnight-blue tuxedo jacket with a burnished lapel in the colours of the French flag.

9/10 Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremony Uniforms for Paris 2024 by Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has revealed Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremony Parade uniforms for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This marks Ralph Lauren’s ninth time as an Official Outfitter for Team USA. The 2024 Opening Ceremony uniform features a modern, tailored look with a single-breasted wool blazer, striped oxford shirt, tapered jeans, and classic suede buck shoes. The Closing Ceremony uniform includes a sporty moto-style jacket, white denim, and a Polo shirt crafted with innovative flat-knit technology.

The collection draws inspiration from Paris and the heritage of Olympic and Paralympic sports, featuring a patriotic palette of red, white, and blue. The collection is crafted with sustainable materials, including recycled polyester and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool.

10/10 Venus de Milo Promotes Paris 2024 Olympics

The Venus de Milo, one of the most renowned ancient Greek statues, has temporarily relocated from the Louvre Museum to the French National Assembly. It is joined by six representations of itself in various sports and colours to promote the 2024 Olympic Games. This initiative by the French government aims to celebrate both the Olympics and the nation’s cultural heritage. The Venus de Milo serves as a symbol of ancient artistry and the Olympic spirit. The statue will be on display at the French National Assembly until September 22, 2024.