A Serene Walking Journey Along the Seine During the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Sports John Brightwater August 31, 2024

A Serene Walking Journey Along the Seine During the Paris 2024 Paralympics

As the anticipation and exuberance surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games propel the city into a state of festive vibrancy, it becomes increasingly vital to carve out moments of tranquility to appreciate the grandeur of the occasion. An excellent method to achieve such an experience is to forgo public transportation from time to time, instead opting for a leisurely stroll through a city that serves as the magnificent backdrop for these remarkable Games. Today, I embark on a portion of the route traversed by athletes during the illustrious opening ceremony, alongside the enchanting banks of the river Seine.

On this third day of the Paralympic Games, I find myself privileged to hold a press pass for the Grand Palais, where the Para Taekwondo finals will take place this evening. This rare opportunity grants me some free time, allowing me to appreciate one of the most iconic urban walks in the world.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have transcended the athletic competitions, becoming a celebration of the city itself. Initially met with skepticism regarding the decision made by Mayor Anne Hidalgo to utilize existing venues in central locations, critics expressed concerns over the strain on local infrastructure and the disruption to residents’ lives. However, their dissent has faded, rendered quiet by the undeniable allure of the City of Light. From the very beginning, exemplified during Thomas Jolly’s spectacular opening ceremony, it has become clear that the true star of these Games is Paris itself.

Opting for an invigorating fifty-minute walk along the river Seine rather than taking public transport, I begin my journey from my base on Île Saint-Louis. I invite you to join me on this awe-inspiring city route. Those familiar with Paris will recognize that this particular walk has dramatically evolved over the past two decades. The introduction of bike lanes along both banks of the river and the transformation of the old riverside road into pedestrian-friendly spaces have vastly enriched the experience.

Historically, the banks of the Seine were cherished only by locals during warm summer evenings, where they picnicked or enjoyed romantic strolls while disregarding the tourists on the riverboats. The former intimate corners have long vanished, but since the inception of the Paris Plages initiative in 2002, they have flourished into vibrant, eco-friendly public spaces. The right bank now boasts deck chairs, picnic tables, restaurants, and recreational zones, where spontaneous yoga and dance sessions materialize as soon as the weather warms.

From morning until night, joggers, cyclists, families, locals, and tourists coalesce harmoniously amid the shadows of the Town Hall and the Louvre, along with the picturesque bridges that characterize this remarkable stretch of the Seine. I commence my journey at Pont Marie, a historic bridge connecting Île Saint-Louis to the right bank, aptly named after the chief architect for the de Medici family. From this vantage point, it is a brief ten-minute walk to the vibrant Bastille Square in the north, the intellectual haven of the Latin Quarter to the south, and the world-renowned Notre Dame Cathedral to the west.

The area between Pont Marie and Pont Louis Philippe is particularly lively, featuring river barges transformed into restaurants offering an array of delectable cuisine and cozy seating. For those with an inclination towards salsa dance, free lessons abound, accompanied by an eclectic mix of street performers that enliven warm evenings.

If such extravagances do not appeal to one, I suggest bringing a simple picnic of baguette and camembert to relish alongside the Seine—sometimes simple pleasures yield the most profound satisfaction. For those with more scholarly pursuits, a visit to the enduring Lady of the Seine offers insight into the commendable restoration efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral. While the interior remains closed, the exterior stands as a testament to artistry, offering myriad opportunities for memorable photographs.

As I continue towards the Pont du Carrousel, I encounter a more serene ambiance; pairs of couples embrace on stone benches, while locals leisurely stroll with their pets under the sun that so generously bathes the right bank. At this halfway mark, I depart the river’s edge to explore three of Paris’ most illustrious landmarks: the Louvre Museum, the Pyramid of the Louvre, and the Olympic Cauldron, which has emerged as a symbol of these Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Speculation is rife that the cauldron will become a permanent feature of the Parisian skyline; however, regardless of its future, one cannot help but feel moved by its nightly ascent into the sky, a luminous emblem of peace and unity that graces the City of Light. As my journey draws to a close and I approach the Grand Palais, I reflect that just weeks prior, Olympic athletes walked the same path I have traversed. In the coming days, the Paralympic Games will conclude, prompting a return to normalcy for Paris—yet I am left pondering whether the resonance of these historic Games will forever transform my beloved city from a City of Light to a City of Love.