If you’re like most of us, you won’t be traveling to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, but if you read An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder, not only will you take a trip back to the 1900 World Exposition in Paris, but you’ll also experience some of the sites featured in this year’s Olympics.
Place de la Concorde
Once the home to Madame Guillotine, now a beautiful public square, in 1900 it was the entrance to the Exposition. The figure on top of the arch is Peace and is holding an olive branch. Because the exposition featured new innovations, the entrance, which was 120 feet tall, would have been illuminated at night.
In July 2024 Paris will be featuring many of the Olympic events right in the city center. The Place de la Concorde will feature BMX freestyle, skateboarding, and break dancing. Though the entrance to the exposition is long gone, you will recognize the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the square, flanked by the beautiful Fontaine des Mers and Fontaine des Fleuves.
Pont Alexandre III
The graceful Alexander III bridge crosses the Seine and connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements (districts) of Paris. The construction on this Art Nouveau beauty began in 1896 and it was completed in time for the April 1900 opening of the exposition.
Paris hosted the 1900 Olympics as well as the exposition. It was only the second Olympics in modern times. Then there were only seven swimming competitions–all held in the Seine about one mile outside the city limits between the Courbevoire and Asnières bridges. Assuming the water quality passes, this year the 10k open water marathon will launch from a pontoon located just below the Alexander III bridge. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful bridge in Paris, thought I doubt the competitors will have much time to admire it.
The Grand Palais
The Grand Palais has been closed for three years due to construction. I have never seen more than the outside, so I am looking forward–more than usual–to the fencing and Taekwondo events at the Olympics. Mostly because I want to see the interior of this amazing building with its soaring glass roof. The Grand Palais was built for the 1900 Exposition to house the international exhibits of paintings, sculpture, cartoons, drawings and engravings. I saw photographs of the grand re-opening of this building recently and the interior is just breath-taking!
Montmartre
Montmartre features frequently in An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder. It was the center of the art world at the time. The artists of the Impressionist and Post-impressionist movements lived and worked there, and my characters walk these narrow, twisting, cobble stone streets. The hilly streets will play a role in the cycling races as the competitors will make several passes through Montmartre. My legs are burning just thinking of it!
Of course there are other Olympic venues around the city. The Eifel Tower will watch over beach volleyball on the Champ de Mars. The Palace of Versailles will host the dressage competition. The opening ceremony will take place along the Seine in the heart of the city. I know I’ll be watching and marveling at how long many of these spectacular venues have been fascinating visitors to Paris including me and my characters.