Cultural itinerary in Paris Region: on the 2024 Olympic marathon trail
- Paris 2024
- Paris Region in the footsteps of athletes
- Cultural itinerary in Paris Region: on the 2024 Olympic marathon trail
An emblematic Olympic event, the marathon traditionally brings the competition to a close. A tradition that maintained in 2024, but with a slight twist. Contrary to previous years, the women’s marathon took place after the men’s marathon. This committed decision echoes the official marathon itinerary. Paying tribute to the women of the French Revolution, it follow part of the October 1789 march itinerary. A journey that resulted in driving Louis XVI out of Versailles.
Shall we follow in the footsteps of these courageous women? No revolution or race on the programme, but enriching discoveries and good memories for children and adults alike.
L’Hôtel de Ville, where it all begins
October 1789. Paris was hungry. Fired up by the king’s inactivity, the Parisian women met up in front of the Hôtel de ville. Two centuries later, this historic place still hosts certain events, but otherwise festive ones. For example, the Fnac Live, a festival which takes place every year in late June. The line-up is generally pop, electro and suitable for all. The Hôtel de ville also hosts pop-up exhibitions in the Saint-Jean room or in the Paris Rendez-Vous space. They are always free.
The tour Saint-Jacques
The remains of the Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie church, this stunning Gothic-style tower is the starting point of the Camino de Santiago. Just as mysterious as its gargoyles, the Tour Saint-Jacques has inspired numerous legends over the centuries. To find out more about its history, make the most of a guided tour with the MagmaCultura agency.
BHV Marais
One of the Parisian shopping temples is hiding behind this acronym. Stationery, fashion, DIY, tools, home and garden decoration… In the aisles of the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Explore Paris along the Seine
Without any outcome at the Hôtel de Ville, the Parisian women headed towards Versailles. And the river Seine accompanied them. Still following in their footsteps, the Olympic runners came across some must-see Parisian monuments which were not all present in 1789.
A cruise on the Vedettes du Pont Neuf
The Pont Neuf’s construction began in 1578, and it is the oldest bridge in Paris. Innovative for its time, it was the first stone bridge in the capital, and the first to be decorated. To see its 384 badges closer up, hop onto one of the speedboats, which leave from next to the Île de la Cité. The cruise will take you to the west of Paris, where the Louvre, the musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel tower await you.
Visit the Louvre museum
This building, built over several centuries, was the residence of the French monarchy, until Louis XIV decided he preferred Versailles. Transformed into a museum shortly after the Revolution, it is now home to nearly 35,000 works of art. And the answer is no, you won’t be able to admire them all. According to the museum, if you spend 15 seconds in front of each work of art, you would need 146 hours of visiting time. It is therefore recommended that you plan to spend 4 hours there and to plan your itinerary.
Stroll through the Tuileries Garden
Demanded by Catherine de’ Medici to embellish her Tuileries palace, this park is a spectacle of perspectives. Redesigned by Le Nôtre, the Tuileries Garden is designed around a central axis which links The Place de la Concorde to the Carrousel du Louvre. Here, a wander quickly turns into a cultural walk, amongst statues of Rodin or Giacometti, and the Orangerie or the jeu de Paume museums which border the garden.
A detour via the Place de la Concorde
Transformed for the Olympic Games into an urban park to admire the skateboard, BMX freestyle and breaking athletes, this large open stage was then magnified to host the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics. A mythical square that has undergone a multitude of changes but which, with its Obélisque, remains an emblematic site in Paris.
The modern art museum
Housed in the East wing of the Palais de Tokyo](/en/palais-de-tokyo), the museum of modern art has a collection of over 11000 works from different trends. Some great artists are represented: Picasso, Braque, Picabia, Léger, Modigliani, Klein… The temporary exhibitions are accompanied by a contemporary programme where young 21st century creators and trends are highlighted.
The storming of the Eiffel tower
The Eiffel tower stands proudly on the marathon runners’ itinerary. They can admire it from the Trocadéro gardens. And you? Aim for the summit for a breathtaking view. And if you’re afraid of heights, the second floor also has a beautiful panoramic view.
The Parisian Statue of Liberty
Climb aboard a Batobus of Paris to test one of the city’s alternative methods of transport. On your way, you’ll come across numerous historic monuments, including the famous Île aux Cygnes Statue of Liberty.
Boulogne-Billancourt
At the 11th kilometre, the marathon itinerary moves away from the river Seine. It goes through Boulogne-Billancourt by following Avenue du Général Leclerc. The athletes won’t be going through Bois de Boulogne, but we recommend the detour. This green space — which is bigger than Central Park — was the former hunting grounds for the kings of France. Today, dogs and guns have been replaced by more peaceful activities: jogging, fishing, pony rides, canoing, and cultural walks.
When leaving the woods via the south, you’ll come across a museum with a famous name. In the Belmondo family, I would like… Paul, the grand-father! Here, we are referring to one of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. Housed in the château Buchillot, the Belmondo museum brings together his most touching and timeless pieces of work.
Continue towards south Boulogne-Billancourt, head towards the Albert-Kahn museum. Within its walls, 2300m2 of permanent and temporary exhibitions await you. They will take you on a journey through more than 60 countries, according to the autochromes and films collected by the founder Albert Kahn’s team. Conclude your visit in the museum gardens. From its Japanese sakura to the Colorado spruces, this area is a botanic version of a round-the-world trip.
Sèvres
Versailles is getting closer, but there is still a way to go, and a few wonders are yet to be discovered. Passing through Sèvres, you’ll come across its factory. A building which is just as historic as the art that it protects. Porcelain of the highest standard of quality is produced here. The place is also a museum. Nearly 55,000 articles, which are just as precious as they are ancient, are exhibited.
We can also buy more recent works of art. To do so, make an appointment in the Showroom de Sèvres. Caution! This is not somewhere where you can buy a simple travel souvenir. Becoming the happy owner of a Sèvres porcelain article means getting close to the fineness and beauty of a 300-year-old savoir-faire.
Near the factory, you’ll find the Jardin des métiers d’Art et du Design (or JAD). In the 2600m2 of this area, cabinet-makers, sculptors, craftspeople/upholsterers, textile or olfactory designers allow their imagination to run wild. And of course, you can access their creations. And more! With the cultural programme, meetings, workshops and courses, the more curious amongst you will be inspired by the JAD artists.
Finally, before leaving Sèvres, stop at the Maison des Jardies. Two great men spent some happy days in this former winegrower’s building: Honoré de Balzac and Léon Gambetta.
The climax of the marathon: Versailles
Ah Versailles! For the women of the Revolution, the goal has been achieved. For the marathon runners, it was not time to slow down. The Olympic Gold medal wasn’t hiding inside the château. But for you, the stopover is obligatory, as numerous activities are available.
Issy-les-Moulineaux
The tour is almost finished, but the visits are far from over. In Issy-les-Moulineaux, just outside Paris, here are five places to stop off:
The finish line at the Invalides
Back within the walls of Paris. The final kilometres are representative of the first: historic. Keep it up, the finish line is just around the corner.
The marathon runners came close to the Hôtel national des Invalides. Take a detour to dive into French military history. The Army Museum is home to over 500,000 military objects, one of the biggest collections in the world.
Still in the Hotel, the musée des Plans-Reliefs brings together the military models which were so precious to former military strategies. These miniature reconstitutions have a journey all over the Kingdom of France in store for you.
Finally, to end the itinerary: the Dôme des Invalides. Since 1861, this chapel has been home to the tomb of one the most renowned conquerers of all time: Napoleon 1st.
Also to be discovered
- Copyright image: CPR / Ooshot / Cuéllar