Oysters, toast and historical backdrops

Rounded corners. Balconies that seem to float in the air like the now fashionable skywalk platforms in the mountains. High-rise buildings that look like boxes that have been uncontrollably stacked. The water tap in the hotel could also be the joystick of a Playstation and instead of closet doors there are light, cream-colored linen curtains. Some of it is not practical. But it is beautiful. And different from what we are used to. It is every designer's dream come true. Welcome to Paris.

I have been to the French capital many times because our European broadcasting center is located here. It is an exceptionally simple, straight-lined building that only reveals its secrets to visitors who are admitted after an intensive security check. There are no straight corridors and yet everything seems orderly. Just unfamiliar. I didn't recognize anything after the redesign a few years ago, but I quickly settled in. There are no wastepaper baskets in the offices. Instead, there are waste areas with waste separation. And instead of cups for the water dispensers (cold, rather warm, with or without sparkling water), you have to bring your own cup.

Sports events will also be held on the Seine. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

That's Paris these days too. They want to show the world that they are serious about the 2015 climate agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. That's why many temporary facilities have been built for the Olympic Games, although they don't look like that. Such as the "Champ de Mars Arena", which is a replacement for the "Gand Palais", which has been renovated. An airy, arched wooden structure serves as a cover for the 10.000 square meter sports area on which judokas and wrestlers will compete for medals.

What will happen to it later is still up in the air. Perhaps it will be brought back to life somewhere else. Some things will remain, such as the new climbing facility in Le Bourget. This is where the children and young people of this Parisian suburb will let off steam after the games. And the new water park (rowing, canoeing and whitewater) will later become a great recreational area just 40 kilometers from the city center.

Historic buildings as a backdrop for sport Some of them have been standing for centuries and serve as a backdrop for the competitions. The Palace of Versailles is home to the riders, and the triathletes start and cyclists finish their time trials on the "Alexander III Bridge". The treasurer was generous in the fundamental renovation of the bridge, which was opened for the 1900 World Exhibition. 1,8 kilograms of gold leaf were used. And then of course there is the Eiffel Tower, which the Parisians initially rejected. It would spoil the cityscape, they said.

Now Paris is unimaginable without this daring steel construction. The beach volleyball players will be playing in its shadow. The tower has long been one of the most famous landmarks in the world. I gondola a little further through Paris with my driver, who picked me up at the Gare de Nord station, and ask him to make a detour or two if he wants. I am looking for the French soul. The first word I learned on my first visit was "bouché". I notice that it is still very relevant, because the ring road is still "clogged". Stop and go. As always. And even more so now during the Olympic Games. That is Paris.

But of course there is much more. The croissant, the baguette, the wine, the fashion, Edith Piaf, the invention of the cinema, Victor Hugo and the "Hunchback of Notre Dame". And overly ornate three-story structures with oysters on ice on every level. From Brittany if possible. "Savoir vivre". The art of living. That is also Paris and this motto will also be present at the Olympic Games.

The head chef in the Olympic Village for the athletes is former professional basketball player Alexandre Mazzia, who runs a restaurant in Marseille that has been awarded three Michelin stars. He can't get much better than that. For example, he wants to offer hake with tapioca. This is tasteless starch from the manioc root. Cholesterol-free and full of nutrients. Perfect for people who have to perform at their best. Fortunately, the athletes can get their culinary delights cheaply. On the other hand, anyone who wants to indulge in gluttony in the capital's restaurants and bars will have to dig deep into their pockets.

My tradition of always eating toast on the first day at our headquarters was a warning for the next few weeks. With a bottle of water, I had to shell out 21.50 euros. But this isn't just a simple toast. Gruyere is added to a roux deglazed with milk until it becomes a nice, thick sauce. Brioche slices are toasted and then topped with the following: cheese sauce, cooked ham, grated Gruyere, brioche again, cheese sauce and more grated cheese. Then the work of art goes in the oven until the cheese has melted golden brown. A fried egg would be the crowning glory. Then the dish is called "Croque madam". Bon appétit.

About the author: Sigi Heinrich The award-winning sports journalist (including winner of the German Television Prize, the Bavarian Sports Prize and nominated for the prestigious Grimme Prize), author, long-time sports editor of the Süddeutsche Zeitung and commentator from the very beginning of the pan-European TV channel Eurosport (since 1989), devotes his column "Sigi's Tips" to the entire diversity of sport. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes thoughtful or deliberately provocative. There should be something for everyone.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Oysters, toast and historical backdrops

Over the next two weeks, our columnist Sigi Heinrich will be devoting himself to the Olympic Games in Paris. In the second episode, he will be searching for the French soul and the truly eye-catching architectural features of the French metropolis, including the sign of the five rings.

Comments (0)