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An unprecedented paralympic ceremony

A magnificent groundbreaking ceremony at the heart of the city

In 2024, Paris and France will host their first-ever Summer Paralympic Games. Paris 2024 is thinking big and reinventing the opening ceremony by taking it outside the confines of a traditional stadium. On 28 August 2024 at 8pm (to be confirmed), Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will be the stage for this groundbreaking celebration at the heart of the city.

This innovative project will be led by Thomas Jolly, Artistic Director for the Ceremonies:  

“While the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games opening ceremony will be the first of its kind, its monumental and popular concept is, for me, first and foremost a magnificent source of inspiration. From the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde, I look forward to creating this spectacle that will transform the heart of Paris, with performances that have never been seen before. A spectacle that will showcase the Paralympic athletes and the values that they embody. A spectacle that will unite spectators and television audiences worldwide around the unique spirit of the Paralympic Games.” 

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A unique moment for athletes and spectators

The ceremony will open with a popular parade on the iconic Champs-Elysées, involving up to 184 delegations from around the world. Spectators will be able to enjoy this unforgettable and celebratory moment for sharing, which will be open to everyone, alongside around 6,000 athletes and officials. For ticket holders, the official parade will then take place on Place de la Concorde, in addition to the protocol and artistic sequences. The celebration of the opening of the Paralympic Games promises to be an exceptional event that will live long in the memories of all the spectators!  

Working closely with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF) and the relevant authorities, Paris 2024 will ensure that universal accessibility is incorporated into all aspects of the ceremony so that the athletes, participants and spectators are able to enjoy an experience that is free from any barriers.

Place de la Concorde is an iconic Parisian square, located between the Champs-Elysées and the Tuileries Gardens, just a short distance from the Assemblée Nationale and the Grand Palais. The largest square in Paris, it links a number of iconic buildings and monuments that illustrate the history of France. Created in the Enlightenment period, Place de la Concorde represents the philosophical, literary and cultural legacy that we have inherited from this philosophical movement which resonates with the Paralympic values. Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées, the world’s most beautiful avenue, will be transformed into an outstanding stage to showcase the Paralympic movement, in a breathtaking setting.

To ensure that the spotlight is firmly on the achievements of the Paralympic athletes, the values that they embody and the emotions that they inspire in us, Paris 2024 wanted to offer them a groundbreaking showcase by organising the first Paralympic Games opening ceremony outside the confines of a stadium. Looking beyond this exceptional setting offered for the leading athletes and spectators from around the world, this ceremony at the heart of the city is a strong symbol illustrating our ambition to capitalise on our country hosting its first-ever Paralympic Games to position the issue of inclusion for people with disabilities at the heart of our society.
Tony Estanguet, Paris 2024 President
The Games have an unrivalled transformational power. By choosing, for the first time, to organise the Paralympic Games opening ceremony at the heart of the city, on Place de la Concorde, this square which symbolises more than any other the unity of our Nation, we are offering opportunities for everyone to see these athletes whose performances both command admiration and are truly inspirational. Enabling us, all together, to capitalise on this unique opportunity to change the way disabilities are viewed.
Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, Minister of Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games
The city of love will get each Paralympian’s heart beating. What an incredible moment for our athletes, who will be part of a historic opening ceremony, on the world’s most famous avenue, surrounded by all the charm of Paris. The Paris 2024 Games will be an exceptional showcase to celebrate Paralympic sport in the eyes of the whole world.
Jitske Visser, Paralympic wheelchair basketball medallist, IPC Athletes’ Commission President
View of the Place de la Concorde at night. A stage with dancers holding lights. The public in the stands are holding flags. The Eiffel Tower can be seen in the background.
© Paris 2024 / Florian Hulleu

Kicking off an unforgettable event

The opening ceremony will mark the start of innovative Games that will leave lasting memories thanks to the achievements of exceptional athletes. Each Paralympic sport will have a prestigious space for expression, with events held at iconic sites that are representative of France’s heritage.

Grand Palais

This iconic monument is a jewel in the French capital’s architectural crown. It will host the fencing and taekwondo events during the Paralympic Games.

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Champ de Mars Arena

This ‘temporary Grand Palais’ at Champs de Mars will be used for the judo and rugby events during the Paralympic Games.

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Esplanade des Invalides

Built right in the centre of Paris, the Hôtel des Invalides contains museums relating to France’s military history. The esplanade in front of this complex has become a popular hangout for locals. Located in an area with many future Paralympic venues, Esplanade des Invalides will host the archery events during the 2024 Paralympic Games.

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Eiffel Tower stadium

The Eiffel Tower stadium will be a temporary structure built specially for the Games. Just a stone’s throw from the Champs de Mars Arena and the École Militaire, this stadium at the foot of the Eiffel Tower will be used for the football 5-a-side tournament.

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Château de Versailles

Built in the 17th century, the Château de Versailles is an excellent example of France’s rich historical heritage. The equestrian events will take place in the gardens of this worldrenowned location during the Paralympic Games.

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Roland Garros stadium

This prestigious stadium hosts one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments – the French Open. This legendary venue will host the tennis tournaments during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

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Bercy Arena

Bercy Arena is one of the most famous sports facilities in France. Built in 1984, this arena has hosted a number of international competitions, including the Paris Masters tennis tournament and the world handball championships. The wheelchair basketball events will take place in this recently renovated facility.

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Paris La Défense Arena

Paris La Défense Arena is a modular multipurpose facility that has welcomed over 2 million spectators since it was built in the western outskirts of Paris in 2017. In 2024, this ultramodern structure will contain a swimming pool and host the Paralympic swimming events.

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Inclusion at the heart of the Games and their opening ceremony

Through these Games and their ambitious opening ceremony at the heart of the city, Paris 2024 wants to leave a lasting and necessary legacy by changing the way disabilities are viewed and, looking beyond the Games, helping to build a more inclusive society and public space:

Perle Bouge, two-time Paralympic para rowing medallist and member of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Commission:
Pride, impatience, determination: these are the feelings inspired in us when we discovered the concept for this opening ceremony. I am really looking forward to being there and sharing these intense emotions with thousands of spectators.