After commenting on the possibility of the Stade de France hosting the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, Macron visited the Grand Palais, which was built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and has been under renovation since March 2021. It will be handed over to the Paris Organising Committee this Friday.

"Four years ago, we were told that it was still crazy. (But now) the whole world will rediscover the Grand Palais. As a place of creation, of exhibition, of knowledge, of welcoming the public," said Emmanuel Macron.

Situated on the banks of the picturesque River Seine, the Grand Palais boasts has a striking architectural design, with an expansive glass roof and distinctive green metal frames. These iconic features will provide a striking backdrop for the taekwondo and fencing events, which will take place from 27 July.

Macron visits Paris 2024 venues. Two weeks ago, the President of the French Republic inaugurated the Seine-Saint-Denis Olympic Aquatics Centre in the city of Saint-Denis, next to the Porte de la Chapelle Arena, which was built specifically for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Daniel Sancho, who was in charge of the restoration, said that the aim was "to respect the monument and bring it into our century, with the need to bring it up to standard. The Art Nouveau jewels have been restored to their original bronze colour". 

Significant improvements have been made to the fire safety of the metal structures of the Grand Palais. These improvements ensure a higher level of safety for both the venue and its users, and additional emergency exits have been strategically installed. 

As a result of these improvements, the Grand Palais is now equipped to accommodate an increased number of visitors, scaling up from its previous limit of 5,600 to a new capacity of 9,000. 

Construction work in the surrounding areas will continue until March next year, albeit with a temporary pause during the Games. The full reopening of the Grand Palais is scheduled for June 2025.