Paris 2024 Olympics - World news, culture and opinion

How the 2024 Olympics transformed Greater Paris into a supersized stadium

Previously unpublished data on visitor numbers in Paris and its suburbs during the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games reveal how the city and its residents adapted, and how the Games accelerated Paris's transformation.

Published on August 21, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Emeline Cazi

News

Léon Marchand rides post-Olympic wave into World Championships in Singapore

Since winning four gold medals at the Olympics last year, the French swimmer has been learning to live with his newfound fame. Before the World Championships began, he took a trip to Australia to train and relax.

Published on July 28, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Denis Ménétrier

News

Paralympics shifted perceptions, but not the living conditions of people with disabilities

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games sparked a surge of public enthusiasm, increased enrollment in disabled sports, but brought little improvement to the everyday lives of people with disabilities.

Published on July 28, 2025, at 1:07 am (Paris), updated on July 28, 2025, at 8:05 am Anne-Aël Durand

Your stories

'The scar will never heal': French athletes who fell short at the Paris Olympics face delicate path to recovery

Sixty-four medals, 16 titles – and heartbreak. French athletes whose Olympic podium dreams slipped away had to learn how to cope in the aftermath of the Games.

Published on July 27, 2025, at 2:43 pm (Paris), updated on July 28, 2025, at 9:22 am Valentin Moinard

Feature

2024 Olympics: A Montmartre street again becomes Paris's cycling hotspot for Tour de France finale

After three weeks of racing, the Tour delivers one last thrill on Sunday during its final stage, with a passage through Rue Lepic in Montmartre. This is a nod to last year's Paris Olympic road race, which saw incredible public enthusiasm.

Published on July 27, 2025, at 11:15 am (Paris) Valentin Baudry

Gallery

In photos: What remains of the Paris Olympic sites?

One year after the Olympic Games, Paris claims a legacy that breaks with the excesses of the past. Instead of empty stadiums or abandoned wastelands, the city boasts reused facilities, transformed neighborhoods and spaces opened up to residents. Here is a look back, in pictures, at the Olympic sites.

Published on July 26, 2025, at 10:57 pm (Paris) Photography desk

News

Paris 2024 volunteers recall the thrill of being part of history 'from the inside'

One year on, many volunteers from the Olympic and Paralympic Games have continued their involvement in sports, proudly wearing their turquoise and navy blue outfits.

Published on July 26, 2025, at 7:15 pm (Paris) Louise Le Borgne Malo Comor

News

A year later, French fans relive the 'non-stop joy' of Paris 2024

The success of the summer 2024 event was also thanks to the fervor of fans at the competition venues. One year later, several of them recall the 'incredible excitement' that swept the French capital.

Published on July 26, 2025, at 6:08 pm (Paris), updated on July 28, 2025, at 9:26 am Patricia Jolly

In Depth

One year later, the contested legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics

Once the 'enchanted interlude' of the Olympic and Paralympic Games ended, many of the promises made about the benefits for French sport have been forgotten as the host seeks to fix its public deficit.

Published on July 26, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris) Nicolas Lepeltier

Interview

Thomas Jolly, director of Paris 2024 Olympics ceremonies: 'You're always reminded of where you come from'

'I wouldn't have gotten here if…' In this series, Le Monde interviews a public figure about a decisive moment in their life. The theatre director reflects on the unwavering support of his family.

Published on July 25, 2025, at 5:50 pm (Paris) Sandrine Blanchard

News

Paris brings back statues of pioneering women from 2024 Olympics ceremony

A statue of lawyer Gisèle Halimi, a champion of abortion rights, was among the first of the 10 statues presented last summer to be installed in northern Paris.

Published on July 19, 2025, at 10:06 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Paris Olympics and Paralympics cost taxpayers nearly €6 billion

The organization of the two sporting extravaganzas last summer cost €2.77 billion, which included €1.4 billion for security. A further €3.19 billion was spent on work linked to infrastructure projects.

Published on June 23, 2025, at 1:14 pm (Paris), updated on June 23, 2025, at 2:31 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Iconic cauldron from Paris Olympic Games returns to light up summer nights

The 30-meter-tall floating ring first dazzled during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The cauldron's return is part of French President Emmanuel Macron's effort to preserve the Games' spirit in the city.

Published on June 21, 2025, at 11:06 pm (Paris), updated on June 22, 2025, at 8:33 am Le Monde with AP

News

Upgraded Olympic balloon set to rise again in Paris

The popular balloon that lifted the electric Olympic cauldron over Paris during last year's Games will lift off again on Saturday night, during France's annual celebration of music.

Published on June 21, 2025, at 9:02 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Paris Games balloon returns to French capital, minus the Olympic name

The balloon has been installed in the Tuileries Garden. It will rise into the sky with its electric flame on June 21.

Published on June 13, 2025, at 5:22 pm (Paris), updated on June 13, 2025, at 5:24 pm Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Paris 2024 Olympics report a €76 million budget surplus: 'This money is going to sport'

The Paris 2024 organizing committee plans to present its closed accounts at a final board meeting on June 17, before it begins a liquidation process. It must give 80% of the profits to French sporting groups.

Published on June 9, 2025, at 1:02 pm (Paris) Nicolas Lepeltier

News

Over 200 defective Paris Olympics and Paralympics medals to be replaced

Athletes have complained that their medals have become tarnished or chipped, sometimes within weeks of the Games ending last year.

Published on February 28, 2025, at 4:38 pm (Paris), updated on February 28, 2025, at 5:14 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Olympic balloon to return to Paris every summer up to LA Games

President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that one of the most popular symbols of last summer's Olympics will be back until 2028.

Published on January 31, 2025, at 2:34 pm (Paris), updated on January 31, 2025, at 3:41 pm Le Monde with AFP

Column

Tony Estanguet, Paris Olympics committee president, talks opening ceremony, rain, and feeling 'gutted'

As the year draws to a close, Le Monde journalist Nicolas Lepeltier recalls his experience interviewing Tony Estanguet, head of the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee.

Published on December 27, 2024, at 7:32 pm (Paris) Nicolas Lepeltier

Your stories

After the 2024 Olympics, the flip side of the medals for some French athletes: Loss of morale, blues and burnout

Once the Olympics and Paralympics were over, some French sportsmen and women found it difficult to move on from the event, whether they suffered a setback or, on the contrary, been crowned with success.

Published on December 26, 2024, at 1:34 am (Paris), updated on December 26, 2024, at 8:30 am Elisabeth Pineau Jérôme Porier Nicolas Lepeltier

Column

Since the Olympics, everyone wants a piece of Léon Marchand − Mick Jagger included

As the year draws to a close, sports journalist Elisabeth Pineau recalls the 'Marchand-mania' of the Paris Olympics.

Published on December 23, 2024, at 6:08 pm (Paris), updated on December 27, 2024, at 4:45 pm Elisabeth Pineau

News

In Toulouse, Léon Marchand's swimming club is overwhelmed by requests

Buoyed by Marchand's achievements at the Paris Olympics, the swimmer's home club is also for the first time having to turn down membership applications.

Published on December 12, 2024, at 8:21 pm (Paris) Elisabeth Pineau

In Depth

Paris 2024 claims it halved its carbon footprint for a 'more responsible' Olympic Games

Questions remain about emissions linked to spectator travel, which are responsible for more than half of the Olympic Games' carbon footprint, and which the organizers had grossly underestimated.

Published on December 12, 2024, at 2:04 am (Paris), updated on December 12, 2024, at 9:06 am Stéphane Mandard

News

Paris 2024 Olympics: Organizing Committee closes accounts with a surplus

The Organizing Committee of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will present its final multi-year budget to the board of directors on Thursday. It will announce a surplus of at least €26.8 million.

Published on December 11, 2024, at 7:01 pm (Paris), updated on December 11, 2024, at 8:09 pm Nicolas Lepeltier

News

'Exhausted,' Léon Marchand withdraws from Budapest world championships

The four-time Olympic champion was originally due to compete in the December World Championships in the 25-meter pool. Describing himself as 'exhausted,' the French swimmer has decided not to take part.

Published on December 1, 2024, at 10:22 am (Paris) Le Monde

Column

Is Antoine Dupont really the best rugby sevens player? The real surprise is that he won no award in 15s

The Toulouse scrum-half was rewarded for his achievements in sevens, having carried France to the Olympic title despite little experience. But it is above all for his exploits in rugby unions that he deserves an award, writes Le Monde's Valentin Moinard.

Published on November 26, 2024, at 2:35 pm (Paris) Valentin Moinard

News analysis

After the fairy tale of the Olympic Games, Paris tries to find its true image

The Olympic Games may have revived the fantasy of the 'most beautiful city in the world,' but the reality of the Paris of the 2020s largely eludes this representation.

Published on November 18, 2024, at 4:45 am (Paris), updated on November 18, 2024, at 9:21 am Isabelle Regnier

News

Paris Olympics horses to be awarded military medals

Fly de Vesquerie, who helped Elodie Clouvel win a silver medal in the modern pentathlon, will be awarded France's Bronze Medal of National Defense. The other three to be honored are Dicton de Vesquerie, Dallones des Dunes and Fast du Pre.

Published on November 8, 2024, at 2:23 pm (Paris), updated on November 8, 2024, at 5:32 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Air France-KLM posts profit drop after Olympic travel slump

The French-Dutch airline group reported profits down 13% from the third quarter last year, as well as a €160 million revenue hit, 'as a consequence of the Olympic Games,' according to their earnings statement.

Published on November 7, 2024, at 12:29 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif taking legal action over gender reports

The Olympic gold medalist is taking legal action over leaked medical records and media reports questioning her gender eligibility. The boxer has faced widespread abuse following her victory in Paris.

Published on November 6, 2024, at 8:48 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

News

Seven people charged with cyberbullying Paris Olympics ceremony director

French authorities have charged the individuals, aged 22 to 79, with cyberbullying and issuing death threats against Thomas Jolly after backlash over his bold performances.

Published on October 25, 2024, at 6:03 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

Investigation

Dressed as a Paris Olympics Phryge: 'Our arms were too short to clap, so we patted our bellies instead'

Jet-skiing in Tahiti, running the 100 meters at the Stade de France and taking selfies in train stations and schoolyards... Against all odds, the Games mascot had France buzzing. Meet the lucky ones who donned the red costume.

Published on October 19, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on October 19, 2024, at 8:04 am Ophélie Neiman

News

French culture minister jumps into row over Olympic rings on Eiffel Tower

Rachida Dati is trying to get the Eiffel Tower onto the state's heritage list, meaning she would have control over it instead of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who is campaigning for a version of the Olympics logo to remain on the tower until 2028.

Published on October 9, 2024, at 2:58 pm (Paris), updated on October 9, 2024, at 3:46 pm Le Monde with AFP

News

Eiffel tower's Olympic rings removed – for now

The early morning operation to remove the Olympic symbol follows a controversial debate, started by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, about whether or not to keep tributes to the Olympic Games on iconic monuments.

Published on September 27, 2024, at 7:41 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Editorial

Let's beware of a post-Olympic drift in the use of AI-powered video surveillance

Paris police chief said he was 'very much in favor' of extending the algorithmic video surveillance system used during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. But the system cannot be made permanent without a careful examination.

Published on September 26, 2024, at 12:45 pm (Paris) Le Monde

News

Paris bans plastic bottles from races

On Monday, Paris City Hall announced a ban on single-use plastic in all its races, including the Paris 20 km in mid-October and the Paris Marathon.

Published on September 25, 2024, at 10:33 am (Paris) Sports department

In Depth

French sports clubs struggle to keep up with the Olympic effect

In the wake of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, clubs are in such strong demand that their resources are being stretched to the limit.

Published on September 22, 2024, at 5:00 pm (Paris) Emma Barets

News

Jordan Chiles' lawyers file Swiss appeal in bid to get Olympic bronze medal restored

The American gymnast was stripped of the medal she won in the individual floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after Romania's Ana Barbosu appealed against her victory and was awarded the medal in her place.

Published on September 17, 2024, at 4:28 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Column

'After the success of the Paralympics, the question of disability must be considered in terms of equal rights'

A simple 'change of perception' will not be sufficient to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities. Non-disabled people must also be expected to change their habits, says Philippe Bernard.

Published on September 16, 2024, at 11:34 am (Paris), updated on May 22, 2025, at 4:20 pm Philippe Bernard

News

Paris bids farewell to Olympics with Champs-Elysées parade: 'It's a bit hard that it's all over'

The French athletes' and volunteers' parade prolonged, for one final night, the excitement seen during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Published on September 15, 2024, at 9:03 am (Paris), updated on September 16, 2024, at 9:37 am Emma Barets, Nicolas Lepeltier, Elisabeth Pineau and Aureliano Tonet

News

Uganda holds funeral for murdered Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei

The 33-year-old long-distance runner, who had died after being set on fire by her partner, was given a military funeral, including a gun salute. Her death has thrown a spotlight on what activists have called a femicide epidemic.

Published on September 14, 2024, at 7:04 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

In Depth

Paris 2024 ceremony artists experienced their own 'Olympic effect'

As preparations continue for the Paris 2024 final Olympic and Paralympic parade, scheduled for September 14, in Paris, musicians and artists share their experiences and the opportunities that followed their performances.

Published on September 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm (Paris) Stéphanie Binet, Rosita Boisseau, Stéphane Davet and Marie-Aude Roux

News

France bids farewell to Olympics with parade on Champs-Elysées, ends with special concert at the Arc de Triomphe

Athletes, volunteers, and workers paraded down the Champs-Elysées on Saturday evening in a celebration including a concert at the Arc de Triomphe monument, where a special pre-recorded performance by Lady Gaga was projected. President Emmanuel Macron and his new prime minister Michel Barnier also attended.

Published on September 14, 2024, at 10:31 am (Paris), updated on September 15, 2024, at 4:36 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

Profile

Paris 2024: Swimmer Oleksandr Komarov, pride of Ukraine and voice of Mariupol

The 36-year-old athlete, triple medalist at the Paris Paralympic Games and flag-bearer at the closing ceremony, lived through the 2022 siege of his home port city.

Published on September 13, 2024, at 10:29 pm (Paris) Anna Koriagina

Interview

Artistic director of Paris 2024 Thomas Jolly: 'We showed and treated plurality without ever neglecting singularity'

In an interview with Le Monde, the director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games looks back on his adventure.

Published on September 13, 2024, at 4:50 pm (Paris) Joëlle Gayot

News

Paris 2024: See Céline Dion and Aya Nakamura's opening ceremony dresses up close

All the Dior numbers that lit up the Paris sky on July 26 can be admired at La Galerie Dior in Paris.

Published on September 13, 2024, at 11:36 am (Paris) Valentin Pérez

News

2024 Paralympic Games: Investigation launched into the disappearance of three Congolese athletes

Congo's only representatives at the Paralympic Games have not been heard from since September 5.

Published on September 13, 2024, at 10:24 am (Paris), updated on September 13, 2024, at 12:20 pm Yanis Soul

News

Paris 2024: As venues get dismantled, the 'enchanted interlude' comes to an end

The various competition venues for the Olympic and Paralympic Games must now be returned to their original state by the organizing committee.

Published on September 12, 2024, at 6:00 pm (Paris), updated on September 13, 2024, at 12:50 pm Nicolas Lepeltier

Interview

Victor Le Masne, musical director of Paris 2024: 'I'll never compose in the same way again'

The composer of 'Parade,' among other works, tells Le Monde about the crazy adventure he has just been through. He says he needs to 'digest' and 'understand' before moving on to other things.

Published on September 12, 2024, at 2:04 am (Paris), updated on September 12, 2024, at 5:51 am Stéphane Davet

Interview

Yvan Gastaut, historian: 'Time will make more room for the Olympics than for the period of political instability. Paris 2024 was unique'

By boosting the 'visibility of the invisible,' the Olympics could become part of people's memories and take on a national heritage dimension, argues the sports history specialist.

Published on September 11, 2024, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Nathalie Brafman

News

Australian hockey player gets 12-month ban after trying to buy cocaine at Paris Olympics

Tom Craig spent a night in Paris custody when he tried to buy the drug during a night out after his participation in the Olympics had ended.

Published on September 11, 2024, at 9:21 am (Paris) Le Monde with AP

News

Rebecca Cheptegei: Man accused of fatally burning Ugandan Olympic athlete dies in hospital

Dickson Ndiema Marangach sustained 30% burns after he allegedly doused the Ugandan Olympian with five liters of petrol.

Published on September 10, 2024, at 10:15 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

Long Read

From chaos to enchantment, the night that changed the Paris 2024 Olympics

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games got off to a bad start with sabotage on France's railway networks and bad weather. But in the course of one evening, the Games were transformed into a moment of collective elation that will go down in history.

Published on September 10, 2024, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on September 10, 2024, at 9:24 am Patricia Jolly

Letter from...

Paris 2024: Ozempic, an unwelcome official sponsor in Canada

The pharmaceutical company behind the anti-diabetic drug turned into a treatment for obesity launched a major advertising campaign through a partnership with Radio-Canada for the Olympics broadcast.

Published on September 10, 2024, at 2:19 am (Paris), updated on September 12, 2024, at 8:19 am Olivier Mougeot

News

The Olympic and Paralympic Games through the eyes of foreign media: 'Parisians remembered what an extraordinary place their city is'

Many international media outlets hailed the massive publicity given to para-sport, and praised a sporting event that transfigured the French capital. 'The city’s happiest collective experience since, perhaps, the Liberation in 1944,' wrote the Financial Times.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 10:46 pm (Paris), updated on September 10, 2024, at 7:14 am Julien Lemaignen

Long Read

Paris 2024: France wins blind football gold against Argentina

Driven by a passionate home crowd, Les Bleus claimed their first Paralympic title on Saturday.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 12:37 pm (Paris) Nathalie Brafman

Editorial

Let's not close the Paris 2024 parenthesis

The Olympic and Paralympic Games were a tremendous organizational, cultural and sporting success. The challenge now is to build on what made these events such a success.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 11:08 am (Paris) Le Monde

In Depth

Paris 2024: France's many post-Games challenges

The Olympic and Paralympic Games organization has been widely acclaimed, but assessing the event's legacy will take time.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 10:56 am (Paris), updated on September 9, 2024, at 10:57 am Nicolas Lepeltier

News

Paris 2024 ends like it began, with a French touch party

The closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games took place on Sunday at the Stade de France, amid torrential rain but in a festive, joyful, and unifying atmosphere – one that represented the 2024 Paris Games.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 10:21 am (Paris), updated on September 9, 2024, at 11:34 am Stéphanie Binet Sylvie Kerviel

Gallery

Paris 2024: The most striking images of the Paralympic Games

Le Monde selected the most memorable photos of the Paris Paralympic Games, from the opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde to the sporting events and the Club France parties at La Villette.

Published on September 9, 2024, at 10:02 am (Paris), updated on September 9, 2024, at 10:40 am Photography desk