The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is an unmissable event, marking a historic moment for Paris and athletes from around the world. For the first time, this ceremony will take place right in the heart of Paris, in an emblematic setting: from the Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. Scheduled to take place on 28 August 2024 at 8pm, the evening will feature a unique show celebrating the Paralympic athletes and the values they embody.
Under the artistic direction of renowned director Thomas Jolly - who also directed the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on the Seine on 26 July 2024 and the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games at the Stade de France on 11 August 2024 - this Opening Ceremony combines tradition and innovation to deliver a memorable spectacle. Emblematic figures from French Paralympic sport, such as Marie-Amélie Le Fur (multiple medallist in athletics), David Smétanine (Olympic gold medallist swimmer in Beijing in 2008), and Nantenin Keïta (world champion in athletics), are present to celebrate this moment. French athletes who have qualified for these Games, such as Alexandre Léauté (cyclist) and Théo Curin (swimmer), are also expected to attend to represent the new generation of champions.
© Paris 2024
The ceremony takes place in a unique setting, stretching from the iconic avenue des Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde. This site, located in the heart of Paris, has been chosen for its strong symbolism and its ability to welcome a large public in a historic and prestigious environment.
For this major event, traffic in the areas around the Champs-Élysées and the Place de la Concorde is restricted. The authorities strongly encourage the use of public transport to get to the ceremony. The nearest open metro stations include Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 and 9), Madeleine (lines 8, 12, and 14), Saint-Philippe du Roule (line 9) or Miromesnil (line 13).
NB: Concorde station will be closed until 1 September 2024 for lines 1 and 8 and until 21 September 2024 for line 12. Tuileries station (line 1) is closed until 1 September 2024. The Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau station will be closed from 22 August to 8 September 2024.
As for cycling, cycle paths are available, but access to the immediate event areas is limited. Temporary cycle parking facilities will be provided close to pedestrian areas, facilitating access for cyclists.
Tickets to attend this historic ceremony are available on the official website of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. It is advisable to book early due to the expected high demand. Prices vary - from €150 to €700 - depending on the category and location, offering various options for experiencing this unique event.
It is possible to attend the parade free of charge on the Champs-Élysées upstream from the Place de la Concorde, within the limit of the gauge set by the Préfecture de Police.
And don't forget the celebration sites of Paris fête les Jeux, which will be broadcasting the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games free of charge on giant screens.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which take place from 28 August to 8 September 2024, officially kick off after this opening ceremony for a fortnight of intense sporting events, bringing together athletes from all over the world.
The competitions kick off on 29 August 2024, with a dense and varied programme. Spectators will be able to witness exceptional performances in various Paralympic disciplines.
Some competition venues and events:
© Paris 2024
Like the Olympic athletes, the Paralympic athletes will be staying at the Olympic Village, located in Saint-Denis. The site is being transformed into a unique living space for athletes from all over the world. It is not just a place to rest, but also a cultural and gastronomic meeting point. The menus have been created by three renowned chefs, all members of the ‘Chefs pour les Jeux’ collective: Thierry Marx, Amandine Chaignot, and Mory Sacko, have designed meals that combine French culinary tradition and global gastronomic diversity. Their approach guarantees an exceptional culinary experience that respects the nutritional needs of athletes, while celebrating the richness of French cuisine.
© Yoel Taieb
At the end of the opening ceremony, the Paralympic cauldron, located in the Tuilerie garden, was lit. It was accessible to the public from the following day, 29 August 2024. The cauldron is raised into the Paris sky every evening. The cauldron is accessible free of charge from 29 August to 7 September 2024, from 10am to sunset. However, reservation is mandatory.
