One year after beach volleyball enthralled audiences during the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport has made a triumphant return to the French capital with a lively public celebration that welcomed fans from across the globe, as well as Olympic champions and athletes from Paris 2024; Ana Patricia Silva Ramos, Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda), Arnaud Gauthier-Rat and his new partner Téo Rotar.
Also present during the festivities were dignitaries including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, Honorary Life President of the IOC Thomas Bach, IOC Member/former President of Paris 2024 Tony Estanguet, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo and the French Minister Delegate in charge of Sports/former Director of Impact and Legacy for Paris 2024 Marie Barsacq. During their visit, the delegation met with the beach volleyball Olympians as well as FIVB representatives on site at the activation. Tony Estanguet and Anne Hidalgo were also gifted a replica of the prized painting by British artist Peter Spens from Paris 2024.
(Photo credit: FIVB)
From 25 to 27 July 2025, the FIVB, in partnership with the City of Paris and the French Volleyball Federation (FFvolley), hosted a three-day activation at Paris City Hall, highlighting the city’s continued dedication to its Olympic legacy.
The Eiffel Tower Stadium, which hosted Olympic beach volleyball event, was widely hailed as one of the most iconic venues of the Games. It drew crowds in a festive, party-like atmosphere. This weekend’s activities captured that same spirit, bringing the sport into the heart of Paris in a free and inclusive setting.
As part of the city’s broader summer sport programme, three beach volleyball courts have been in daily operation since 12 July and will remain open until 20 August. The City Hall festival served as one of the centrepieces of this programme, offering a packed schedule of activities that encouraged both locals and visitors to get involved.
(Photo credit: FIVB)
Thousands took part over the three days, enjoying introductory volleyball sessions, casual matches and family-friendly games. The courts remained busy from early morning until late at night, with some fans arriving as early as 3:30am and staying throughout the day.
A community 4×4 tournament, featuring 32 teams, took place on Saturday afternoon where spectators also had the chance to meet the Olympic stars. The athletes took part in exhibition matches and connected with fans, bringing back the unique atmosphere of last summer’s Games.
(Photo credit: FIVB)
Adding a cultural dimension to the event was a collaborative art project led by internationally acclaimed artist and Olympian Slaven Dizdarević. Members of the public were invited to create their own artworks by cutting and arranging pieces of used volleyballs. Over two days, 103 unique artworks were produced by participants of all ages. These will now be combined by the artist into a single large-scale installation.
(Photo credit: FIVB)
By transforming one of Paris’s most historic spaces into a centre of sport and community, the event demonstrated beach volleyball’s unique power to unite people through shared experiences.
As Paris continues to build on the legacy of the Games, beach volleyball remains a shining symbol of the Olympic spirit and an indelible memory of a truly incredible Olympic beach volleyball competition.