The upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics will provide athletes and visitors with a delectable culinary experience, featuring freshly cooked bread, selected cheese, and exquisite dishes crafted by renowned French chefs.
French food services company Sodexo Live! has been chosen to oversee the catering at the Olympic village and 14 venues, with an estimated 40,000 meals to be served daily.
The Olympic village, which will accommodate over 15,000 athletes from 200 countries, will boast a sit-down eatery capable of hosting up to 3,500 athletes, making it the “world’s largest restaurant.”
Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, global CEO of Sodexo Live!, stated that while classic athlete favorites like pasta will be available, the cuisine will have a distinctive French touch.
Athletes will have access to various food stands, including an exclusive one dedicated to French cuisine prepared by chefs.
Amandine Chaignot, a renowned French chef, unveiled her recipe for a unique croissant, featuring artichoke puree, a poached egg, truffle, and cheese, which will be available for athletes to savor.
Throughout the Games, top chefs, some of whom have been awarded Michelin stars, will cook in front of the athletes, providing them with an opportunity to engage and gain a deeper understanding of French cuisine and culture.
The culinary offerings will extend beyond gourmet dishes, with a wide range of salads, pastas, grilled meats, and soups available as daily specials.
Notable French cheese such as camembert, brie, and Ossau-Iraty from southwestern France will also be featured.
Additionally, a boulangerie at the Olympic Village will produce fresh baguettes and a variety of other breads, ensuring athletes can enjoy piping hot bread for breakfast.
Paris 2024 organizers are committed to sustainability and reducing plastic waste.
The main restaurant at the Olympic village will use reusable dishes, aligning with the Games’ eco-friendly initiatives.
Furthermore, 80% of the ingredients used in the meals will be sourced from France, emphasizing a focus on seasonal products.
Plant-based options will constitute 60% of the food offerings at the venues, including a vegetarian hot-dog, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
In a historic move for the Games, the urban park at the Place de la Concorde will exclusively offer 100% vegetarian food, marking a significant step towards promoting sustainable and plant-based diets.
The park will host contemporary sporting disciplines, including BMX freestyle, 3×3 basketball, skateboarding, and breakdancing.
The 2024 Paris Olympics aim to provide athletes and visitors with a memorable culinary experience, showcasing the richness of French cuisine while embracing sustainability and inclusivity in their food offerings.
