The spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is reborn this summer in Paris, with a program that echoes the highlights of the festivities. While swimming in the Seine is once again open to the public for the first time in 100 years, from July 5, 2025, the Olympic cauldron will once again rise into the Paris skies, while sports demos will be staged all over the capital throughout the summer.
And on August 28, 2025, the Paralympic Games are in the spotlight, as we celebrate the first anniversary of the opening ceremony that brought the famous Place de la Concorde to life, one of the emblematic sites of Paris 2024. For the occasion, the city of Paris is planning a number of activities as part of Paris Plages, and one of the highlights is likely to be the cecifoot pitch that will stretch out across the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville. The general public will have the chance to try their hand at this handisport, a derivative of soccer played by the blind and visually impaired, whose Olympic events were held on the iconic Champs de Mars stadium, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
As a reminder, this sport is played on a smaller pitch than traditional soccer, with dimensions closer to those of a handball court. Two teams of 5 play against each other, with two sighted goalkeepers. The ball contains bells, and it is this sound that enables the players to find their bearings. A number of measures are in place to ensure the players' safety, including shouting "VOY" as they move towards the ball, and protective strips around the pitch.
Dates and Opening Time
On August 28, 2025
Location
Hôtel de Ville - Paris City Hall
parvis hotel de ville
75004 Paris 4
Access
Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11)
