Paris is preparing to offer a unique culinary experience for athletes and visitors during the 2024 Olympics, with a focus on freshly cooked bread, select cheeses, and a variety of vegetable options. French food services company Sodexo Live! has created 500 recipes for the event, including gourmet dishes by renowned French chefs, to be served at the Olympic village and 14 venues. A sit-down eatery at the village will accommodate up to 3,500 athletes, offering a mix of classics like pasta with a “very French touch.” Visitors will also have access to specially created snacks at the different venues.
Top chef Amandine Chaignot unveiled one of her recipes based on the iconic croissant, which includes artichoke puree, a poached egg, truffle, and cheese. During the Games, athletes will have the opportunity to watch Michelin-star chefs cook in front of them, providing insight into French cuisine and culture. The daily specials will include a wide range of options, including salads, pastas, grilled meat, soups, and a selection of cheeses such as camembert, brie, and Ossau-Iraty. The Olympic Village will also feature a boulangerie producing fresh baguettes and other bread varieties.
Efforts to offer a diverse range of cuisines at the Olympics will include options from French, Asian, African, Caribbean, and international food. The focus on sustainability and reducing plastic use will see the main restaurant at the village using only reusable dishes. Meals will be based on seasonal products, with 80% coming from France. Plant-based food will represent 60% of the options for visitors at the venues, with a particular highlight being the “vegetarian hot-dog.” The urban park at the Place de la Concorde in central Paris will offer 100% vegetarian food — a first in Olympic history — in line with Paris 2024’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly event.
Athletes interested in exploring beyond sports will have the opportunity to participate in daily bakery trainings at the Olympic Village, where they can learn to make their own French baguette. The variety in the meals offered will cater to different tastes, with a focus on providing a truly French culinary experience. The organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics aim to make the Games enjoyable for both athletes and visitors through a combination of traditional French cuisine, international flavors, and a commitment to sustainability. With 40,000 meals expected to be served each day, the culinary offerings at the Olympics are set to be a highlight of the event.
