What to do in Paris during the Paralympics?
For 12 days, Paris will show its pride in hosting the first summer Paralympic Games in its history.
From 2024 Clubs to celebration sites, all are open to you for two weeks of unrivalled sporting, festive and cultural programming.
The capital is getting a makeover to welcome the 22 Paralympic disciplines: the promise of spectacular new feats at the heart of iconic, world-famous venues. So, are you ready to celebrate the performances of our para-athletes? From the banks of the Seine to the foot of the Eiffel Tower, via the Champs-Elysées and Place de la Concorde, explore an unrivalled playground, accessible to all, to celebrate all differences!
24 hours in Paris to experience the Games
Put on your best sneakers or your best running blade, a sporty morning awaits you! Join us on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville to learn or perform in a range of para-sport disciplines: sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball or rugby, boccia or blind football, you're sure to find something to your liking during an emotionally-charged morning.
Paris 2024 is also an opportunity to get closer to and better understand the day-to-day challenges of disability. From the Terrasse des Jeux to the Maison de la Solidarité, numerous associations invite you to take part in activities and conferences on disability. Quizzes on mental disability, sign language lessons, wheelchair rides, a sensory area on the theme of autism... a rare immersion in building a more accessible and inclusive world tomorrow, through sport and education.
It's already early afternoon and time to cheer on our athletes at the Club France! Timothée Adolphe, Nathalie Benoit, Lucas Mazur and Aurélie Aubert, follow the best of the para-athletes' performances live on two giant screens in the heart of La Villette.
After all that emotion, it's time for culture: head to the Théâtre du Châtelet for the “Laissez-nous danser” show created by the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris. On one of the biggest stages in Paris, professional, apprentice and amateur artists, as well as athletes with and without disabilities, will dance to the most iconic pieces of French music. Or discover the Panthéon and the exhibition “Histoires paralympiques: de l'intégration sportive à l'inclusion sociale”: open until September 29, this project by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux is dedicated to the history of Paralympism, tracing its evolution and the battles for equality, from the beginnings of rehabilitation for war wounded to the audience success of the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
To round off this dizzyingly Olympic day, join us on the forecourt of the 11th arrondissement town hall for musical and cultural evenings, and for the more adventurous, dance the night away to the sounds of the best DJs from the wild Club France parties, before a well-deserved rest.
**8 reasons to stay in Paris for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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1. Join in the excitement of the Paralympic Games: whether you're in front of one of the two giant screens on the Terrasse des Jeux in front of the Hôtel de Ville, at Club France in the heart of the Parc des Nations de la Villette or in front of the 15th arrondissement town hall, you won't want to miss any of our champions' performances wherever you are in the capital.
2. Learn in silence with sign language classes: between August 30 and September 5, alone or in groups, leave the talking to your hands and come and learn French Sign Language to music. Organized in the Terrasse des Jeux by Carrefour, Official Partner of Paris 2024, a quiet area as well as noise-cancelling headphones, relaxing lights, anti-stress games and other accessories will also be available during this event for people with disabilities.
3. Learn about the various Paralympic disciplines at the Terrasse des Jeux: sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball or rugby, boccia or blind football, these Paralympic Games offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of handisport. Alongside organizations such as “Moove Toi”, or the Comité Régional IDF Handisport, come and discover your favorite sports and many others in a whole new light.
4. Raising awareness and understanding disability issues: the Paralympic Games are also an opportunity to learn a little more about disabilities, whether physical or mental: opening up dialogue through the values of sport and inclusion. A quiz on mental disability with “Special Olympics” at the Terrasse des Jeux, a conference on the journey of a disabled athlete, a brail activity, a wheelchair course, a sensory area on the theme of autism and a demonstration of innovative solutions in the field of disability and parasport at the Maison de la Solidarité, all provide an opportunity to build a more inclusive world together and through sport.
5. Meet the capital's best para-sport clubs: on Saturday September 7, more than 6 para-sport clubs will be on hand at the Fabrique de la Solidarité to present their disciplines and give everyone the chance to practice a sport they enjoy.
6. Musical culture in the 11th arrondissement: during the Paralympic Games, the Mairie du 11e arrondissement de Paris is offering a cultural program on Place Léon Blum: a “Dance and Disability” show with Les Chemins de la Danse and its disabled dancers, followed by a grand ball open to all, and a concert by 11 string instruments from the Charles Münch Conservatoire to celebrate the values and achievements of para-sport.
7. Enjoy an evening of cinema on the themes of sport and disability: at Quartier Jeune with a film retracing the life of Silke Pan, a top-level athlete who, despite the obstacles, pursues her dreams and her life as a woman, followed by exchanges translated into French Sign Language; at Parc Monceau in front of a short film by the Réal des mêmes association to raise awareness on disability... take the opportunity to spend a pleasant evening with family and friends. All screenings will be accessible via audiodescription, so that everyone can enjoy these great Paralympic moments.