Paris France — It’s been the place to be in Paris for several months now. But the Summer Olympics are providing an even better reason to hit Ground Control, renamed Track 24 until September 8th, corresponding to the duration of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. This huge space, bringing together food, drink, along with cultural and sporting activities is a stellar example of urban renewal for the space with its large warehouses and plenty of outdoor space once housed the mail sorting facilities for France’s national railroad, the SNCF.

Today large screens project major events free of charge, currently the Olympics, while temporary exhibitions evoke the games and the some 30 athletes that are competing in them who are supported by their employer, the SNCF. And it is precisely the railroad that gives Ground Control its Olympic’s name. The eventful venue is adjacent to the Gare de Lyon train station which has 23 railroad tracks, and now the 24th track, which is also a play on the official title of the Olympics Paris 2024, is an additional track but for fun and games. It can also be reached through the train station. 

There are 6 food trucks and 6 restaurant stands serving up a variety of delicious cuisines featuring sustainable and locally sourced products. Four bars serve a host of beverages including fine organic wines and craft beers. There is plenty of seating space indoors or outdoors  surrounded by scenic greenery to enjoy some time alone or with family and friends. Inside you can participate in sports-related activities during the games. But food and art workshops are always on the agenda as well and there is a book shop and a real record store, too. 

In addition to projecting the day’s Olympic events on big screens, this weekend’s key activities include a BMX freestyle demonstration (the BMX is the iconic bicycle in E.T) on August 11th at 6pm featuring nine-time world champion Matthias Dandois and via a simulator you can also see what kayaking looks and feels like. These two activities are free of charge, you just need to enrol on the venue’s website. And of course the Closing Ceremony of the games from 8pm until 11pm will be projected on the big screens on August 11th. And coming up next on August 28th: the opening ceremony for the Paralympics. After September 8th, the venue becomes once again Ground Control, named in tribute to David Bowie, but the fun goes on. Special to The Gourmet Gazette. Voie 24/Ground Control – 81 Rue du Charolais, 75012 Paris 

https://www.groundcontrolparis.com/project/voie-24/