The Paris 2024 Olympics have been deeply integrated into the city and surrounding area, in direct dialogue with architectural heritage. Iconic locations have been transformed into sports venues, fencing competitions are happening inside the newly reopened Grand Palais, beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower, cycling time trials through the city streets, and even triathlon events are taking place in the waters of the Seine.
Equestrian events, on the other hand, are hosted in none other than the park of the palace of Versailles, together with five modern pentathlon events and para-equestrian events in a temporary arena. An art exhibition titled "Horse in Majesty – At the Heart of a Civilization" completes the program, featuring Jacques-Louis David's famous painting "Napoleon Crossing the Alps," showing Bonaparte on his white stallion, Marengo.
Horses, like grand architectural estates, have always been symbols of the power and wealth of the European monarchy. At Versailles, the Grandes and Petites Écuries (Great and Little Stables) — built by Louis XIV in front of the palace and now home to the National School of Architecture — were particularly integrated into the monumental complex, housing hundreds of animals and adorned with rich sculptural decorations, notably the three galloping horses created by Pierre Granier and Jean Raon.
The temporary outdoor arena has been constructed on the Étoile Royale esplanade, flanked by stands with 20,000 seats, offering a direct view of the majestic palace facade. The individual and team cross-country competitons are taking place along the Grand Canal — crossed by temporary floating bridges — and through the vast wooded areas of the park. On this occasion, horses will run through a fountain that hasn't held water for over forty years.
Opening image: Paris 2024.