Cultural itinerary in Paris Region: on the 2024 Olympic marathon trail

In 2024, there is no king to overthrow, but there is a gold medal. While we wait for D-day, 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.

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.

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 will come across some must-see Parisian monuments which were not all present in 1789.

Before 2024, the Place de la Concorde is having a makeover. Soon, an open stage will be set up on this historic site, where skateboards and BMX bikes will aim to go higher than the Obelisk of Luxor. Which actually got its tip back in June 2023. When it arrived in 1830, it was already missing.

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.

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 Today, dogs and guns have been replaced by more peaceful activities: jogging, fishing, pony rides, canoing, and cultural walks.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 Paul 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.

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.

Ah Versailles! For the women of the Revolution, the goal has been achieved. For the marathon runners, it is not time to slow down. The Olympic Gold medal isn’t hiding inside the château. But for you, the stopover is obligatory, as numerous activities are available.

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:

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 will come 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.