Les Olympiades

Les Olympiades Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Les Olympiades, nestled in Paris’s vibrant 13th arrondissement, stands as a striking testament to the city’s postwar urban renewal and multicultural evolution. Conceived as part of the ambitious Italie 13 project in the late 1960s and 1970s, this district exemplifies modernist architecture, innovative urban planning, and a dynamic community spirit. Renowned for its elevated pedestrian platform (“dalle”), towering residential blocks named after Olympic host cities, and its transformation into Paris’s largest Chinatown, Les Olympiades offers visitors a multifaceted experience—melding architectural innovation, cultural vibrancy, and a rich Olympic legacy.

Whether you are drawn by its history, unique urban design, or the bustling Asian markets and festivals, this comprehensive guide provides essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, events, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this singular Parisian landmark.

For in-depth background and visitor resources, see ASL Olympiades, Paris Promeneurs, and Tribune de Paris.

Spring scene at Les Olympiades district in Paris with modern high-rise buildings and clear sky in April 2008

Entrance to the Athènes tower viewed from one of its apartments

View of Tour Athènes in Olympiades district, Paris, in February 2008

View of Tour Athènes in Olympiades Paris in February 2008 with urban apartment buildings

View of Tour Athènes in Olympiades, Paris, in February 2008

Winter view of Tour Athènes in Olympiades district, Paris with bare trees and buildings in February 2008

View of Tour Athènes in Olympiades district, February 2008

Mars 2008 view from Athens Olympiades tower with urban cityscape under cloudy sky

View of Mars planet from Athens Olympiades tower in 2008

View of Mars taken from the Athens d'Olympiades tower in 2008

View of the Mars 2008 building from the Athènes d'Olympiades tower in Paris

View of Mars in March 2008 from the Athènes d'Olympiades tower in Paris

People celebrating Lunar New Year 2008 near Olympiades in Paris with colorful decorations and traditional attire

Olympiades complex in Athens Greece modern high-rise buildings

Modern buildings in Olympiades district, Athens

View from Olympiades skyscraper towards Athens cityscape

View of Paris from the Athènes Tower in Olympiades district showing cityscape and modern buildings

Panoramic view of Athens from Olympiades Tower

City view from tour Athènes overlooking Olympiades district in Paris

Historical Background and Urban Design
Cultural Significance and Community Life
Practical Visitor Information
Key Attractions and Photographic Spots
Events and Guided Tours
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Call to Action and Further Resources

Historical Background and Urban Design

The Italie 13 Project and Birth of Les Olympiades

Les Olympiades was born out of the Italie 13 urban renewal project—a response to the declining, insalubrious neighborhoods of southeast Paris in the 1960s. The vision was to create a modern “city within the city,” inspired by the Athens Charter’s principles of light, air, and functional zoning (ASL Olympiades, Paris Promeneurs). The project replaced obsolete industrial sites and dilapidated housing—particularly the former Gobelins freight station—with an innovative, mixed-use neighborhood.

Architectural Features

Central to the district’s design is the elevated pedestrian esplanade, or “dalle,” which keeps foot traffic separate from vehicle circulation below. Rising above it are eight residential towers—each named after Olympic host cities like Tokyo, Mexico, and Athens—alongside social housing blocks and pagoda-roofed commercial pavilions (Paris Promeneurs). This arrangement fosters both social integration and urban connectivity.

Key architectural contributors include Raymond Lopez and Michel Holley, whose vision shaped the district’s diverse forms and functional integration. The neighborhood’s modernist design, showcased at the Grand Palais and lauded as one of Paris’s most ambitious urban initiatives since Haussmann, remains an emblem of 20th-century city planning (arch2o.com).

Originally conceived as a model of mixed housing and integrated amenities, Les Olympiades has evolved to become home to around 10,000 residents, with a balanced mix of private and social housing. The area’s commercial hubs, public spaces, and sports facilities were designed to encourage community life and leisure (Icade press release). The extension of Metro Line 14 has further connected Les Olympiades to the rest of Paris.

Cultural Significance and Community Life

Multicultural Transformation: Paris’s Largest Chinatown

Since the late 1970s, Les Olympiades has become the heart of Paris’s “Quartier Chinois” (Chinatown), welcoming waves of Chinese, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian immigrants (Public Books). The district’s architecture and public spaces proved ideal for Asian markets, supermarkets (notably Tang Frères), and eateries, creating a vibrant multicultural hub that is especially lively during Lunar New Year celebrations and other Asian festivals.

Everyday Life and Community Spaces

The elevated esplanade is a car-free zone, encouraging safe pedestrian activity and fostering social interaction. Commercial centers such as Galerie Mercure and La Pagode mall house a wide range of businesses, from Asian groceries and restaurants to specialty shops and cultural centers. Community amenities include sports complexes, schools, and centers hosting exhibitions and workshops, nurturing a lively local culture (fr.wikipedia).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Pedestrian Esplanade & Public Areas: Open 24/7.
Shops & Restaurants: Generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (may vary on weekends or holidays).
Cultural Venues: Check individual websites for specific hours.

Tickets and Entry

General Entry: No admission fee; Les Olympiades is a public urban district.
Events & Guided Tours: Some special events or guided tours may require advance booking or tickets—check My.ParisJeTaime web app and event organizers’ sites for details.

Accessibility

Mobility: The district is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, escalators, and ramps connecting street level and the esplanade.
Public Transport: Metro Line 14 (Olympiades station) is fully accessible, as are many nearby bus lines (Wikipedia - Les Olympiades).

Travel Tips

Getting There: Use Metro Line 14 (Olympiades station) or Lines 6/7 (Place d’Italie). Bus and tram lines also serve the area.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays for lively commercial activity; weekends for cultural events and quieter exploration.
Safety: The area is generally safe, but remain vigilant in crowded markets and on public transport.

Key Attractions and Photographic Spots

Elevated Dalle: Panoramic views of modernist towers and city skyline.
Olympic-Named Towers: Striking facades ideal for photography.
Pagoda-Style Pavilions: Unique Asian architectural elements.
Bustling Markets: Tang Frères, local bakeries, and Asian specialty shops.
Public Art: Murals and installations scattered around the esplanade.

Events and Guided Tours

Asian Festivals: Celebrate Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other cultural events with parades, performances, and street food.
Olympic Legacy Events (2025): Sports tournaments, open-air concerts, and art exhibitions in connection with the 2024 Paris Olympics (Tribune de Paris).
Guided Tours: Student-led or expert walking tours available during European Heritage Days and through local operators (Sortir à Paris).

Nearby Attractions

Bibliothèque François Mitterrand: Major national library within walking distance.
Parc de Choisy: Green urban park ideal for relaxation.
Place d’Italie: Bustling commercial and cultural hub.
Chinatown Triangle de Choisy: Lively Asian markets and eateries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Les Olympiades?
A: The esplanade and public spaces are open 24/7. Shops and eateries typically operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, Les Olympiades is a public district with free access.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Take Metro Line 14 (Olympiades station) or Lines 6/7 (Place d’Italie). Multiple bus and tram lines also serve the area.

Q: Is the area accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, and accessible metro stations.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during special events like Heritage Days. Advance booking is recommended for some tours.

Q: What are the best spots for photography?
A: The elevated dalle, Olympic towers, pagoda-style pavilions, and public art installations.

Call to Action and Further Resources

Plan your visit to Les Olympiades to discover Paris’s unique blend of modernism and multicultural vibrancy. For up-to-date event listings, guided tour bookings, and insider tips, download the Audiala app and follow official Paris tourism channels.

For more information and visual inspiration, explore:

Conclusion

Les Olympiades stands as a living symbol of Paris’s architectural daring and cultural harmony. From its origins in the Italie 13 urban renewal project to its present-day role as a vibrant multicultural district, it offers visitors a unique combination of history, innovation, and community spirit. Explore its towers, markets, and festivals to experience a side of Paris that is as dynamic as it is authentic.