The Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium has been renovated for the Olympic Games

At Porte de Saint-Cloud (16th arrondissement), the Pierre-de-Coubertin stadium, inaugurated in 1937, has had a makeover. Ahead of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, along with four other Parisian sports centers, it has been turned into a disability-friendly venue.
"Coubertin has become a model venue in terms of accessibility" says Christian Sanchez, project manager at the city's Olympic and Paralympic Games delegation (DGJOP).

During the Olympic Games, the venue will host training sessions for rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline teams. Prior to hosting athletes globally, Coubertin's facilities have been modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Coubertin is not only the "home" of PSG Handball, its resident club, it also welcomes numerous associations, clubs and school groups, so the renovation is a positive legacy for the site's thousands of users.

Accessibility is evident from the very outset. Two ramps have been installed: one leading to the spectator entrance, the other to the athletes' entrance (associations, clubs…). The sidewalks along the two avenues next to the stadium are being expanded as well for the benefit of all pedestrians. A lot of pedestrians pass by Coubertin," notes Christian Sanchez, "given the proximity of office buildings and the Tennis Club de France.

Doors and windows have also been renovated and brought up to accessibility standards, respecting the visual aspect of a red-brick building constructed for the 1937 Universal Exhibition, rebuilt in 1946 (an Allied bombardment had destroyed part of the building in 1943) and refurbished in the 1990s.

Upon entering, you will find a newly designed reception area that is also accessible to wheelchair users. There is also a new feature: an elevator serving every level, including one of Coubertin's two side courts. Another elevator has also been built to serve the second court.

Behind the reception area, the center court, the large de Coubertin hall seating over 4,000, is now 100% accessible. The walkways have been redesigned with dedicated spaces for people with reduced mobility, and major soundproofing work has been carried out: new flooring, installation of sound traps - large grey cubes placed in the ceiling to limit noise and renovated ceilings that attenuate sound. Everything has been thought out to ensure spectators' hearing comfort.

A "quiet zone," specifically designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, has been established, featuring a soundproof surface. Regarding lighting, spectators in the center court will enjoy the advantages of new, energy-efficient LED lighting. Coubertin is now equipped with high-performance lighting that conforms to the most stringent international standards for sports competitions.

Last but not least, the refurbishment has enabled the sanitary facilities and changing rooms to be renewed and adapted to the needs of disabled people. A notable innovation in changing rooms is the introduction of sliding wooden seats, designed to ease the process of dressing for athletes with disabilities. A guidance system and signage adapted for the visually and audibly impaired were also installed.