Recap of the Best Parisian HQs during the Olympics

© Pavilion EDF at Pavilion Gabriel, Coca-Cola Food Fest, and Ground Control.

They say a country only hosts the Olympic Games once every hundred years! Rather than complaining, even though we're so good at it (get your Pass Jeux and everything will be fine), why not take this opportunity to join the celebration? Since you might not know where to start, we've prepared a selection of the most feel-good HQs for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Whether you want to indulge in a street food feast while watching the events, network at a chic pavilion of a competing country, party until the early morning, or enjoy live concerts, here's a spotlight on the top spots designed to make your summer in Paris unforgettable.

The Spot: This is THE place to be if you want to meet French athletes! During the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Grande Halle de la Villette will celebrate all French athletes, medalists or not, every day. Besides watching the events on giant screens, there will be medal celebrations, meet-and-greet opportunities, artistic and sports activities, concerts, DJ sets, and shows throughout the summer, designed to unite a broad French fan base. Cocorico!

The Program: You’ll want to spend the entire day at Club France with all the exciting events planned! There will be hundreds of sports initiations and group classes led by coaches available to the public (wheelchair rugby, beach volleyball, high jump, climbing, etc.). Keep an eye out: athletes will even give demonstrations. For the party lovers, there will be concerts and DJ sets every evening. Must-see shows include the legendary Bob Sinclar (July 27, 11 PM), Angelin Preljocaj's contemporary dance troupe (July 30, 6 PM), Hervé (August 2, 11:30 PM), L’Impératrice (August 3, 11:30 PM), and the duo Amadou and Mariam for the closing ceremony (September 7, 10:30 PM). A fantastic lineup!

Club France at the Grande Halle de la Villette and its surroundings, 211 avenue Jean Jaurès, Paris 19th. Open daily from July 27 to August 11 from 10 AM to 11 PM for the Fan Zone and activities and until 2 AM in the Grande Halle, and from August 29 to September 8 from 10 AM to 2 AM. Tickets are €5 during the Olympics. Free during the Paralympics. Reservations online.

© Jean Bernard Thiele, and Angelin Preljocaj (@balletpreljocaj) by Yang Wang.

The Spot: A fiesta is brewing at the former Invalides air terminal this summer, and it would be a shame to miss it. Especially since it’s party time every day at the Coca-Cola Food Fest, a 1,000m² giant food court set up at the Invalides air terminal. Chefs from around the world and non-stop concerts will fill the summer, with the major Olympic events broadcasted on multiple screens to cheer on French athletes live.

The Program: Announced weekly, the program varies every evening with DJ sets or live concerts in either rock or hip-hop vibes, always exciting. Grab a spot at the banquet-style tables or in the quieter bistro-like area to order, via QR code, dishes like Erica Paredes' Queen Bee Burger, Julien Dumas' French Fish & Chips, Pamela Yung's Pizza Potatoes, or Claire Heitzler's chic pastries (meal + dessert + drink €15-23), obviously paired with a chilled Coca-Cola (€4.50).

Coca-Cola Food Fest, until September 8, daily from 11 AM to midnight at the Invalides Air Terminal, Paris 7th. Full program on coca-cola.com.

© Coca-Cola Food Fest by Clémence Renoux and Alex Pixelle.

The Spot: David Lynch’s Silencio was named after the eerie bar Naomi Watts visits in Mulholland Drive. With a black entrance door and no sign, you descend to the second basement to enter a series of gold-leaf-covered caves with cozy lounges perfect for getting to know your evening crush better... From July 26 to August 11, every evening without exception, the city's hottest club transforms into a cool haven open to all without membership, showcasing themed art and a DJ from a competing Olympics country every night to entertain the world's most stylish clubbers.

The Program: Pulsating with exciting DJ sets (lineup available here), Silencio will host a special photo exhibition dedicated to Olympism in collaboration with Magnum Photos, featuring captivating prints by Patrick Zachmann, Dennis Stock, the brilliant Steve McCurry, Nanna Heitmann, and Miguel Rio Branco. Alongside these photos for sale, you can enjoy live screenings of artistic videos selected by the CNAP in the cinema room. Also notable: the pre-party at Silencio des Prés from 7 PM to 11 PM for flirting over signature cocktails by Rémy Savage (Disco kakigori: Amaretto Disaronno, Yuzushu, lapsang souchong infusion, lime, €18) and delightful plates (sando Tonkatsu, Karashi sauce, €28).

Silencio, 142 rue Montmartre, Paris 2nd, club open every evening during the Olympics.

© Silencio Club by Alexandre Guirkinger.

The spot : Celebrating Denmark and showcasing all its assets, the Danish Pavilion will be set up at its house on the Champs-Elysées during the Olympics, in the courtyard after Flora Danica. Here, you'll find an adorable terrace designed by Danish designers and architects (naturally, they are the best) to play, learn, and celebrate the little things in life, hygge style. Themes include ecological transition, design, gastronomy, and well-being, driving tastings, exhibitions, and workshops that are all completely free.

The program : From workshops to make LEGO flower bouquets, discovering Sun Lolly popsicles or Mikkeller non-alcoholic beers, avatar therapy demonstrations (yes, really), or inspiring talks on travel, you’ll definitely want to book your next trip to Denmark. The highlight : the church transforms into a cultural space hosting readings, exhibitions, and nightly live concerts by renowned Danish artists, including electro star Lydmor, Brimheim and Teitur from the Faroe Islands, Afrobeat king JJ Paulo, rising star Dayyani, and the Danish National Girls' Choir, sponsored by Denmark's new queen, Mary.

Danish Pavilion, 143 avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris 8th, open daily from July 26 to August 11, 2024, from 11 AM to 10 PM (until 4 PM on August 1).

© VisitDenmark.

The spot : Head to Ground Control, a 6,500m² festive and cultural spot transformed with SNCF colors for the Olympics. The railway company, which used to operate the venue, teams up with the establishment to create Voie 24, a unique bubble of life for this sporty summer. The public is invited, free of charge, to enjoy the sports and artistic program and watch the Olympics live on giant screens.

The program : It’s all about fun here ! Among the numerous activities: football, fencing, judo, and badminton tournaments, DJ sets, shows, drag performances, concerts, mental health talks, muscle strengthening classes, breakdance, virtual reality climbing, and even kayaking simulators. In the kitchen, the 12 food stalls also join the theme, transforming their signature dishes into "Chicken Javelin Wrap," "PlungeThon," "Tostada Bolt," "BMX Burger," or "Chorifoot." For drinks, they couldn't miss out on a special Olympics beer : extramousse (Cold IPA), created in collaboration with Ground Control, Communale & Brasserie du Grand Paris.

Voie 24 at Ground Control. 81 rue du Charolais, Paris 12th. Open Wednesday to Sunday until July 26, then daily from July 27 to August 11. Monday to Friday from 12 PM to midnight, Saturday from 11 AM to midnight, and Sunday from 11 AM to 10:30 PM. Free entry. Program details here.

© Ground Control by Akim Bezzouaoui.

The spot : Next to the Concorde site, Pavilion Gabriel has been transformed into the EDF Pavilion for the Olympics. This iconic Champs-Élysées location features an immersive and interactive journey through various rooms to explain the role of the French company in promoting sports and athletes, and to discover Olympic and Paralympic disciplines for free. Perfect for doing sports even if you’re not athletic !

The program : A dozen immersive activities will be offered daily in themed rooms. The most impressive ? Those dedicated to swimming and athletics. Before grabbing a paddle for virtual reality canoeing, take a photo with your favorite athletes at the Photobooth in the middle of the pool among giant buoys. The most athletic will enjoy the "air swimming" race – a record even Alain Bernard couldn’t beat – or a wheelchair race initiation to raise visitor awareness in a room recreating an athletics track... complete with its smell ! The icing on the cake ? Daily draws to win tickets for the Olympics and Paralympics. Try your luck !

EDF Pavilion at Pavilion. Gabriel, 5 avenue Gabriel, Paris 8th. Open from July 12 to August 11 and from August 24 to September 8, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Closed on July 26 and August 28. Activities for ages 7 and up. Free entry. Reservations online.

© Pavilion EDF

The spot : It's hard to be more elegant than the mansion housing the Swiss Embassy in France on rue de Grenelle. This true 18th-century palace will be the venue for Swiss House, a national house open to all that promises a program fitting this extraordinary location for the Olympics and Paralympics. In its garden, the pavilion invites you to discover the treasures of Swiss culture in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, with live broadcasts of the events.

The program : Swiss cheese and wine tastings, small dishes by chef Marius Frehner of Gamper Restaurant in Zurich, a Swatch pop-up, live concerts by artists from various genres (classical, pop, electro...), a space dedicated to the ON running brand, and even stand-up shows will be featured at Swiss House. Highlights include the Swiss National Day on August 1 with a big barbecue and lots of activities for kids, a concert by the captivating Lucas Dorado on August 9, and the comedy club night on August 31.

Swiss House Paris, Swiss Embassy, 142 rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th. Open daily from July 24 to August 11 during the Olympics, from 11 AM to 11 PM, then during the Paralympics from August 27 to September 8, Monday to Wednesday from 2 PM to 10 PM, and Thursday to Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM.

© Swiss House.

Discover also our favorite addresses around the Olympic sites and the restaurants open continuously during the Games.