Bach was given a guided tour, around the state-of-the-art facilities at France’s flagship institution for elite sport, by Paris 2024 co-chairmen Tony Estanguet and Bernard Lapasset.

The second edition of an athletes’ forum was also conducted at the facility, with around 400 young athletes displaying how the programme at INSEP focuses not only on their sporting development, but the challenges of being an elite sportsperson and preparation for employment at the conclusion of their career.

The IOC President offered his praise to the project and the high standard of facilities at the complex, which has been the base for numerous French sporting greats, including basketball star Tony Parker and two-time Olympic judo gold medallist Teddy Riner.

Of the 42 medals won by the French team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, exactly half came from athletes who had trained at the centre.

“I would like to thank the person who decided to invite me to the forum, it is a great start to my visit,” Bach said during a speech to the athletes.

“I really love to be with athletes, young, Olympians, I am working every day on making the Olympic Movement for the athletes.

“It is great to see you united with Paris 2024, from the beginning it has shown its unity with the sport movement.

“It is always good to have athletes in the front row as they know how good the Games can be.

“If Paris win the Games, maybe some of the ideas will come from here.

“It is very encouraging for the bid and for the Olympic Movement.”

The IOC President also took part in a table tennis demonstration with Paris 2024 sports director and two-time Olympic medallist Jean-Phillipe Gatien.

As well as several booths at the forum, which were aimed at helping young athletes to boost their communication skills, work with sponsors and enhance an anti-doping message, several Olympic and Paralympic athletes also offered guidance on stage after their participation at Rio 2016.

They included Paris 2024 Athletes’ Commission co-chair, Marie-Amelie Le Fur, who won double athletics gold at the Paralympic Games and Olympic pole vault silver medallist from Rio 2016, Renaud Lavillenie.

The athletes discussed their experiences at the Games and looked to offer inspiration to those present at the forum.

“We are delighted to welcome President Bach to Paris to show him our wonderful city, our compact Games plan, the French people’s love and passion for all Olympic sports and our vision for a thrilling celebration of sport and Olympism in Paris and across France in 2024,” said Estanguet, a three-time Olympic canoe slalom gold medallist.

“This is another important moment and a great opportunity to learn more about how Paris 2024 can be a catalyst for the promotion and growth of the Olympic Movement.

“We are thrilled to be here at INSEP to showcase the fantastic facilities that illustrate France’s commitment to investing in sport.

“Sport is woven into the fabric of our community life throughout the nation with grassroots, amateur and elite sportspeople participating daily via the many hundreds of sports clubs in the city and across the country.

“Since 2000, France has also hosted more than 40 World or European Championships in summer Olympic sports. 

"Sport – and especially Olympic sport – is in the DNA of Paris and France.”

Following the forum, Bach attended a private dinner with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, while he will meet French President Francois Hollande tomorrow at the Elysee Palace.