Just one year after captivating the world during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, beach volleyball is poised for a grand return to the French capital. This time, the stage shifts from the shadow of the Eiffel Tower to the historic forecourt of the City Hall, promising another unforgettable chapter in Paris’s enduring love affair with sport.
Reliving the Magic: A Legacy Beyond the Games
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games offered more than just athletic prowess; they delivered spectacle. Among the most lauded venues was the temporary beach volleyball stadium beneath the Eiffel Tower, a structure that critics hailed as a “towering achievement” and “the greatest stadium on earth.” Fans, armed with baguettes and an infectious enthusiasm, transformed it into what many described as “the hottest club in Paris.” This was not merely a sports venue; it was a cultural phenomenon, a testament to how seamlessly sport can integrate with a city`s iconic landmarks.
Now, as Paris approaches the first anniversary of that magnificent opening ceremony, the City of Light is eager to rekindle that vibrant energy. From July 25 to 27, 2025, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), in collaboration with the City of Paris and the French Volleyball Federation (FFvolley), will host a three-day celebration of beach volleyball. The chosen location? The esteemed forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, or City Hall – a truly Parisian touch, where centuries of administrative decree will meet the delightful chaos of a volleyball spike, yet no less charming.
A Summer of Sand and Spikes at City Hall
This initiative is part of Paris’s broader commitment to preserving the festive and inclusive spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recognizing the immense success of beach volleyball as a spectator sport, authorities are now offering citizens and visitors alike a chance to participate directly. Starting July 12 and running until August 20, the City Hall forecourt will feature multiple beach volleyball courts, open daily from 13:00 to 19:00 local time.
This isn`t just a fleeting event; it`s a dedicated summer program designed to foster public engagement with sports. Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports, eloquently articulated the vision: “This tribute to the most iconic stadium of the Games, right in the heart of Paris, this time on the forecourt of City Hall, will allow the public to discover and try out the sport.” He emphasized the opportunity for visitors to “relive the emotions of the Games” and even “meet Olympic athletes” – a truly unique proposition for casual fans and aspiring players alike.
Meet the Champions: Your Chance to Spike with Gold Medalists
The celebratory weekend from July 25 to 27 will be particularly special, offering a curated experience for all ages and skill levels. Attendees can look forward to:
- Volleyball Taster Sessions: Perfect for newcomers to learn the basics.
- Casual Matches: Open-access courts for impromptu games.
- Family Mini-Courts: Designed for younger enthusiasts and family fun.
- Sport and Art Area: A unique blend of athletic expression and creative arts.
- Themed Activities: A variety of engaging volleyball-related fun.
Adding a significant layer of prestige, Olympic champions will grace the event. Brazilian women’s beach volleyball gold medalists from Paris 2024, Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda), are slated to return. They will be joined by French men’s beach volleyball player Arnaud Gauthier Rat and his new partner Téo Rotar. Their presence offers a rare chance to connect with the athletes who made history just a year prior.
“It’s impossible to forget what we experienced under the Eiffel Tower last summer,” shared Olympic champion Duda. “The energy and the passion of the fans, the beauty of that stadium, I won’t ever forget it. Coming back to Paris this year means we are coming back to a place and a moment that changed our lives forever. We’re excited to feel the magic again and share it with everyone.”
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative power of the Olympic experience: “Paris 2024 showcased how beach volleyball and volleyball fan engagement belongs on the world’s grandest stages. With the iconic Eiffel Tower as our backdrop and hundreds of thousands of passionate fans filling the air with electric energy in both venues, it was a moment that redefined what a sporting experience can be.” He aptly noted, “This time, it’s not just about watching the action – it’s about stepping onto the sand yourself. Everyone is invited to feel the magic and be part of the celebration.”
An Open Invitation to Parisian Sands
Perhaps the most inviting aspect of this entire endeavor is its accessibility: admission is entirely free. Whether you’re a lifelong beach volleyball aficionado, a curious local, or an international tourist exploring the wonders of Paris, this event provides a unique opportunity to engage with a dynamic sport in a truly iconic setting.
As the City Hall forecourt prepares to trade cobblestones for sand, Paris once again demonstrates its exceptional ability to blend historical grandeur with contemporary dynamism. This summer, don`t be surprised if the sound of cheering and the sight of soaring serves become as much a part of the Parisian soundscape as accordion music and the distant chiming of Notre Dame. After all, if the Eiffel Tower can host beach volleyball, the City Hall can certainly play host to a little `sandy` celebration.
