One year after beach volleyball enthralled the world audience in front of the Eiffel Tower during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the sport is preparing for a grand return to the French capital. From Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, the FIVB, in partnership with the City of Paris and the French Volleyball Federation (FFvolley), will host a special three-day beach volleyball festival. This event will take place in the very heart of the city, on the forecourt of the historic City Hall.
The temporary stadium at the Eiffel Tower became a global sensation during the Games, earning widespread praise from fans and international media alike for its breathtaking backdrop and electric atmosphere. The Washington Post lauded it as “a towering achievement,” claiming that “no field, arena, or stadium in Paris – or anywhere else – shines brighter than the Eiffel Tower Stadium.” The Associated Press depicted fans “waving baguettes, dancing the can-can, and singing along to music from a DJ,” effectively transforming the 12,860-seat venue into “the hottest club in Paris.” Even The Wall Street Journal went so far as to label it “the greatest stadium on earth.”
The City of Paris is committed to preserving the vibrant and festive spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a lasting legacy through an extensive summer sports program. A central feature of this initiative will be the installation of three beach volleyball courts on the City Hall forecourt throughout the summer. From July 12 to August 20, both local residents and international visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beach volleyball experience daily from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM local time.
According to Pierre Rabadan, Deputy Mayor in charge of Sports, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the River Seine: “This tribute to the most iconic stadium of the Games, now located right in the heart of Paris on the forecourt of City Hall, will allow the public to discover and try out the sport. Thanks to this partnership with the FIVB and FFvolley, visitors will also have the chance to meet Olympic athletes and relive the emotions of the Games, marking the first anniversary of the Opening Ceremony.”
During the special weekend of July 25 to 27, visitors are invited to engage in a variety of volleyball-themed activities. These include introductory taster sessions, casual matches on open-access courts, family-friendly games on mini-courts, exploration of a dedicated sport and art area, and other fun activities designed for participants of all ages.
Adding to the excitement, the Paris 2024 women’s beach volleyball gold medalists from Brazil, Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda), alongside French men’s beach volleyball player Arnaud Gauthier Rat and his new partner Téo Rotar, are set to return to the Champs-de-Mars area. They will be there to relive the unforgettable memories created last summer.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo commented: “Paris 2024 showcased how beach volleyball and fan engagement truly belong on the world’s grandest stages. With the iconic Eiffel Tower as our backdrop and hundreds of thousands of passionate fans filling the air with electric energy, it was a moment that redefined what a sporting experience can be. This summer, working alongside our incredible partners, we’re bringing that spark back to life right in the heart of the city. And this time, it’s not just about watching the action – it’s about stepping onto the sand yourself. Everyone is invited to feel the magic and be part of the celebration.”
Olympic champion Duda shared her excitement: “It’s impossible to forget what we experienced under the Eiffel Tower last summer. The energy and the passion of the fans, the beauty of that stadium, I won’t ever forget it. And from what I’ve heard since, others won’t forget it easily either! Coming back to Paris this year means we are coming back to a place and a moment that changed our lives forever. We’re eager to feel the magic again and share it with everyone.”
Admission to the event is completely free, and all are welcome. Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or discovering beach volleyball for the very first time, this event offers an iconic summer sporting experience for all fans to enjoy.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood