American songwriter Cole Porter once quipped, “I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles,” and it’s fair to say that this summer will be hotter than most. From 26 July 2024, the French capital will be lit up with sporting fervor as thousands of tourists and fans descend on the city for the XXXIII edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. When Paris first hosted the competition in 1924, there were only 17 sports on the agenda. Fast-forward a century, and there are 32 listed, including four thoroughly Gen Z additions: breakdancing, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding. And just as the city is breaking new ground with sport, it also has more to offer than the Eiffel Tower and escargots – as our local insiders reveal. Each represents a different field of expertise, from climbing to surfing, with many training for this year’s Olympics. Dancer Salif Gueye reveals where to go clubbing on a Monday night; surf skater Hortense Boudet shares the top spot to watch her sport; and paracyclist Marie Patouillet spotlights a queer cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. So what are you waiting for? On y va!
Marie Patouillet
Sport: Paracyclist
Where they live: 19th arrondissement
35-year-old Marie is one of France’s most promising Paralympians, having been awarded bronze twice in Tokyo, and with five silver medals at the paracycling world championships. She is also a Dior Ambassador and a vocal advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, living with her wife and cat in Paris. Originally a runner, she’s relatively new to cycling, having pivoted from the track to the velodrome in her late 20s after her disability forced her to change sports. She is also a trained GP.
Where do you live in Paris, and what’s your favourite part of the city?
I live in the 19th arrondissement. It’s a vibrant neighbourhood: it’s quite green, featuring the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, where I love to walk with my dog, and the Parc de la Villette with the Canal de l’Ourcq.
What restaurant would you choose to eat at for the rest of your life?
At KOKO Quai de la Loire, they have otsumami, which includes hot and cold Japanese tapas, plus typical Japanese dishes with a few nods to French fare. I always order the miso-roasted eggplant and seaweed salad. There’s also a terrace for lunch in the sun.
What’s the most typical French restaurant?
The great classic would be Bouillon Chartier, but in Paris, there are many bistros and neo-bistros that are less well-known – I love trying them out!
Can you tell us about a hidden gem in Paris that no one else knows about?
La Bouche Cabaret in the 18th arrondissement. It’s a self-managed queer cabaret with extraordinary artists.
What makes Paris the best city in the world for the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
Its diversity. However, it’s a shame that Paris is so inaccessible for people with disabilities – there’s still a lot to be done to improve that.
Naomi Schiff
Sport: Retired racing car driver
Where they live: 15th arrondissement
Sky Sports F1 presenter and former racing car driver Naomi Schiff began her career aged 16, competing in single-seater racing cars. The 30-year-old is set to tie the knot later this year. She has a great community vibe in her neighborhood, filled with artisanal stores and weekend street markets.
Where would you go for late-night dancing?
One of the most wonderful dancing spots in Paris has to be the open air dancing at the Quai Saint-Bernard. As long as it’s not raining, crowds gather to dance tango, salsa, and more. It’s a must! If you want to go clubbing, I recommend Silencio.
What’s a tourist attraction that’s actually pretty cool?
As cliché as the Eiffel Tower might seem, grabbing a picnic blanket and enjoying the sparkles of the Eiffel Tower at night is magical. At 8pm, the Eiffel Tower lights up and sparkles on the hour every hour for 5 minutes until 11:05pm.
Hortense Boudet
Sport: Surfskating
Where they live: 18th arrondissement
25-year-old Hortense Boudet moved to Paris at 22. A lover of all sports, she first discovered skateboarding in high school and later caught the surf skating bug, which combines her love of both skating and surfing through a special skateboard. It’s ideal in a landlocked capital city.
Where’s your favorite place to go dancing?
I love going to clubs, but space can be limited for expression! L’Arc is one of my favorites due to its music and crowd. Matignon is great on Mondays with hip-hop music.
Where’s the best place to go to watch some surf skate?
The best spot is 8 quai Anatole France in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, where riders come to train, hang out, and enjoy the community vibes.
What makes Paris stand out for the Olympic and Paralympic Games?
Paris is an inspiring city, and I hope it will bring a sparkle to the Olympics that connects everyone.
Lisa Zimouche
Sport: Freestyle football
Where they live: South of Paris
Lisa Zimouche is a well-known freestyle footballer, gaining fame with her viral videos. Her journey showcases the passion and creativity found within Parisian culture.
Where’s the most quintessential French restaurant?
The most quintessential French restaurants often serve escargots. I’ve been to the oldest one in Paris, À La Petite Chaise, which opened in 1845.
Where’s the best place to hide in the winter?
A good karaoke spot, such as Le 3bis Paris, maintains warmth for winter visits with fun memories.
Oriane Berton
Sport: Rock climbing
Where they live: Massy, South of Paris
A 19-year-old climbing prodigy, Oriane has excelled in sport climbing and bouldering, breaking records since beginning her career. She is passionate and inspiring, eagerly anticipating her Olympic debut.
What’s the tourist attraction that’s actually pretty cool?
The Fondation Vuitton captures substance and form, with beauty both inside and outside its walls.
Manon Lanza
Sport: Extreme sports
Where they live: Splits her time between Biarritz, Paris, and LA
30-year-old Manon Lanza is dedicated to board sports, whether surfing, snowboarding, or skateboarding, and has founded a movement to support women in these sports.
Where’s the best place to enjoy the sun in summer?
Canal Saint Martin is a lovely spot to relax by the water, offering a tranquil area to unwind or socialize.
