The Paris 2024 Olympic Village through the eyes of Jean Balthazard

An essential part of each edition of the Games, the Olympic Village is the place of residence of most of the athletes. Dining room, gym, medical clinic, family space… In Paris, everything has been done to put the athletes in the best conditions. Guided tour, in photos, with our journalists Jean Balthazard and Jasmine Legendre.

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The 337 Canadian athletes sleep in the building that proudly displays their colours. The moose in front serves as a rallying point for them, as it does before they leave for the Opening Ceremony of the Games on Friday. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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A multitude of services are offered to athletes including a medical clinic, a supermarket, a hair salon and a gym that never closes for those who want to perfect their physical condition before their event. The training room was built on two floors. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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The dining hall can accommodate up to 3,200 people at a time. An estimated 40,000 meals are served there each day, for a total of 13 million over the course of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A chef we met on site told us that there was already “chaos in the kitchen” because there was a shortage of food. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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The Olympic Village will host over 14,500 athletes and their companions throughout the Games, who will be housed in 82 buildings. The village covers 52 hectares, the equivalent of 70 soccer fields. People get around on foot, by bike or by electric cart. It is estimated that by the fall of 2025, it will be possible to accommodate 6,000 people. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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The Canadian women’s swimming team poses around the iconic Olympic rings installed in a central alley of the village. They are surrounded by the athletes’ residences, including Canada’s. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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Two new features this year in the village: a family area and a relaxation room have been made available to athletes. In the “nursery” sponsored by Pampers, parents can spend quality time with their children and have a changing table and a breastfeeding area. The relaxation room offers aromatherapy, relaxation areas and virtual reality headsets so that athletes can relieve the stress of the Games. Jean Balthazard The Duty

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