A century after Paris last hosted the games – which inspired the classic film Chariots of Fire – the City of Lights will welcome the Olympics in July . . . now with breakdancing
Mind the (Generation) Gap
Game on! Here’s Where to Play in the Paris Olympics
The City of Lights is welcoming the Games this month — it is shaping up to be the most stylish yet
By Rosemary Counter|July 17, 2024
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40s
›Inspiration: Paris Hilton
The reality star poked fun at herself during an Olympic promo, teasing that all eyes of the world will be watching. (“Oh, the other Paris,” she deadpanned.)
›Game Plan: River of Dreams
After 68 days travelling France, the Olympic torch lands at the Opening Ceremony July 26, which will be held not in a stadium, but on a parade of colourful boats along the Seine River, with a celeb-worthy street party on the banks.
›FAIRE LA FÊTE: Stay Chic
Paris (the city) is doing some pre-Games cosmetic work, including the renovation of iconic Le Meurice hotel, where Picasso was married and Salvador Dali lived.
50s
›Inspiration: Donovan Bailey
After winning the 100 metre sprint at Atlanta 1996, Bailey has reigned as one of Canada’s most celebrated athletes. We’re hoping he’ll return in his role as a CBC commentator.
›Game Plan: TAKE A BREAK
At Trocadéro Gardens Champions Park, winners will mingle with fans. Among them are breakdancers, now that it’s an official sport. Another cool update? Snoop Dogg’s hosting for NBC.
›FAIRE LA FÊTE: haute cuisine
Where else can you eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant while watching the Olympics? Nab a table at Le Jules Vernes in the Eiffel Tower for an unforgettable view of the celebrations below.
60s
›Inspiration: CARINE ROITFELD
The Parisian fashionista – former French Vogue editor-in-chief, now head honcho of CR Fashion Book – remains impossibly chic at 69, which she sassily declared her “new permanent age” to the NYT.
›Game Plan: Vintage STYLE
With rumoured soirées at the Grand Palais and Louvre, plus a gala at the Musée d’Orsay that will recreate 1924’s “Olympic Costume Ball,” no doubt all of Paris’ most soigné will be present.
›FAIRE LA FÊTE: IN THE BAG
The Games official sponsor is LVMH, making for fabulous French team uniforms. Pick up a somewhat elevated souvenir at Louis Vuitton’s flagship store on the Champs-Élysées.
70s
›Inspiration: BRIGITTE MACRON
Gold-medal fashion winner Brigitte Macron, who wears LV for official occasions, met her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron, 54, when she was his high school drama teacher. Oh la la!
›Game Plan: TRACK STAR
Macron, who has been spotted jogging through the grounds of the Élysée Palace, will appreciate the marathon: It starts at Hôtel de Ville (the birthplace of the Revolution), goes to Versailles and ends at Napoleon’s Tomb.
›FAIRE LA FÊTE: toast of the town
Grab a tipple in the trendy 3rd Arrondissement atop the Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers – the Herbarium Bar’s cocktail menu reads like it was penned by Colette. Try a gin-and-ginger Le Grain de Beauté or a passion-fruit-filled Histeria.
80s
›Inspiration: CATHERINE DENEUVE
It will be a win to spot the ever-gorgeous octogenarian actor, who has symbolized French style and sensuality since the risqué Belle de Jour made her world famous in 1967.
›Game Plan: good grooming
The home of the similarly scandalous Marie Antoinette, the Palace of Versailles is naturally rising to the Olympic occasion: Its lush gardens will host the equestrian events, including show jumping and dressage, a perfect fit for Deneuve.
›FAIRE LA FÊTE: palace intrigue
With 2,300 rooms, the vast royal digs of Louis XIV are a spectacle in themselves. Don’t miss the symmetrical Great and Small Stables, the latter of which could hardly be described as small – it can house 2,000 horses.
A version of this article appeared in the Feb/March 2024 issue with the headline ‘Mind the Gap: Generational Guide', p. 58.
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