From Goutal to the Olympics, a Parisian stroll with an Olympic flavour
What an event! The emblematic Goutal Saint-Sulpice boutique has reopened its doors. An exceptional new showcase for the woman who, for 30 years, has let her delicate fragrances perfume the alleyways and avenues of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. And as the City of Light gears up for an Olympic summer, the Goutal boutique becomes the starting point for a Parisian stroll filled with the scents of exploits and strong emotions.
Place Saint-Sulpice sensory walk
Treat yourself to a sweetly scented stroll around No. 12 Place Saint-Sulpice. Once you've passed the white-clad shop front, set against graceful columns, let yourself be carried away into this kingdom of tenderness. It's an enchanting place, dressed in the finest materials to reflect the art of entertaining and the generosity of the House of Haute Parfumerie. Everything here has been designed to strike a delicate balance between Parisian authenticity and elegant modernity, so as to best tell you each of the stories and memories captured in the Goutal bottles. An exceptional spirit inspired by the City of Light... Discover an equally authentic and modern Paris, which for the first time has turned its emblematic sites into the exceptional arenas of an exciting Olympic spectacle. Or when the City of Light combines architectural heritage and sporting feats.
An Iron Lady in Olympic form
It happened on the night of 6 to 7 June 2024. In the morning, the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris par excellence, woke up adorned with five giant Olympic rings. A way of officially placing the capital at the heart of the Games and vice versa. At the foot of the metallic curves of the Iron Lady, its immense Champ-de-Mars, a prestigious public garden and customary gathering place for Parisians, will become a warm open-air arena for the beach volleyball events. Just next door, a Grand Palais Éphémère will be the venue for judo and wrestling events.
Freestyle Concorde
A royal place to welcome the ultimate in Olympic hype! Skateboarding, breakdancing, BMX and 3x3 basketball: the show promises to be spectacular on the Place de la Concorde. Staked with its obelisk, bathed in monumental fountains and lined with the most prestigious hotels in Paris, it is one of the most famous squares in Paris. An open square steeped in history, with the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre on one side and the inevitable Champs Élysées avenue on the other, sloping gently up to the Arc de Triomphe. One of the most beautiful views in the city!
Martial arts in the nave of the Grand Palais
While fencing and taekwondo are being showcased at the Grand Palais, take the opportunity to admire this jewel of the 1900 Universal Exhibition and Paris, set between the banks of the Seine and the Champs Élysées. Listed as a historic monument, the Grand Palais is a veritable architectural masterpiece, dominated by its large glass roof and monumental glass, iron and steel nave. As the venue for the Olympic Games in 2024, it has always been a cultural mecca, hosting a succession of art, fashion and sports exhibitions and fairs.
A bull's-eye at Les Invalides
You can see it from the steps of the Grand Palais: the golden dome of the majestic Hôtel national des Invalides. Built in the 17th century by the Sun King to house those who had served in the royal army, the "cité des Invalides" is one of the capital's outstanding monuments. A place of history, it is also a place of culture, home to the Musée de l'Armée and the impressive tomb of Napoleon I. Opposite the Hôtel is the vast, green Esplanade des Invalides. A favourite meeting place for Parisians and tourists alike, it will also be the meeting place for archers from all over the world, who will come here to challenge each other in archery competitions.
Beautiful setting on the Seine around the Alexandre III bridge
Between the Grand Palais and the Invalides, a link: the Alexandre III Bridge. A link between France and Russia when it was inaugurated at the 1900 Universal Exhibition. Today, it unites two Olympic venues, symbolising the desire to bring the Games to life everywhere, right in the heart of Paris. With its four monumental pylons, each topped by gilded bronze statues, the Alexandre III bridge will provide a unique backdrop for the finish of the cycling time trial, as well as the eagerly awaited open water swimming event! As for the banks of the Seine, they will be, as usual, a wonderful place to share your emotions, a promise of total immersion in the heart of the festivities.
The Trocadero, Olympic balcony
Cross the Pont d'Iéna to reach the Trocadéro. Here, the Palais de Chaillot unfurls its curved wings that seem to soar towards the Seine, while a clever interplay of terraces and gardens gently slopes down to the foot of the Iron Lady. A breathtaking vantage point and the promise of an exceptional experience for spectators who, from this Olympic balcony, will be able to take full advantage of the triathlon, road cycling, walking and open water swimming events.
Olympic flavour around the Musée d'Orsay
Did you know? Orsay station was built to welcome visitors to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. This international event was also the second modern Olympic Games, and the first to be held in Paris. From 13 July to 22 September 2024, this legacy will take pride of place on the walls of the station, which has since become one of the finest museums in Paris. And did you know? From the Musée d'Orsay, you're just a few steps from the historic Goutal boutique on rue de Bellechasse. Where, in 1981, it all began for Annick Goutal. A legendary place and a unique opportunity to discover one of the House's timeless fragrances.
Town Hall, an institution for a marathon
It is at the foot of its neo-Renaissance façade that the marathon runners will set off from the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville de Paris, formerly known as the Place de Grève and now renamed the Esplanade de la Libération. The Hôtel de Ville de Paris and its forecourt are key venues for events, exhibitions and culture in Paris.
Joyous and festive, lively and warm, this City of Light in the colours of the Olympic Games will be a rare opportunity to enjoy a capital decked out in its finest finery. A Paris that is elegant and authentic, poetic and creative. The very same Paris that you can discover through the perfumes of Goutal, the iconic Parisian house of reference.