Five-time Paralympic medallist Arnaud Assoumani shares his top tips for the City of Light, from must-see museums and the finest French cuisine to the best vintage shopping. Paris is the City of Light, but come 26 July 2024, it will become a city lit by the Olympic flame. A n estimated 15.
3 million people are expected to flood its streets when the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games come to town, ready to experience the excitement against the backdrop of the glamorous French capital. We spoke to Paralympic medallist Arnaud Assoumani , one of the city's favourite adopted sons, to get his Parisian picks. "I've always loved Paris," says the Orsay-born long jumper, who lived in the city for 15 years, first as a student, then returning for his training.
"Even when you've lived here a long time, it still impresses, because the whole city is a work of art." Having first set his sights on a sporting career as a young boy, Assoumani overcame not only his disability (he was born without a left forearm) but also teenage bullying to achieve his dream. He went on to win five Paralympic medals, including a gold, and now hopes are high for a strong performance in his home country.
"I'm really proud to be able to compete in front of my family, in front of my friends and in front of a French audience," says Assoumani. "But, also, I'm really happy that we have the opportunity to change perceptions around disability while inspiring millions of people along the way." The world-renowned Paralympia.
