Olympics-Paris landmarks double up as Olympic venues

PARIS (Reuters) - As sunny weather returns to France, the Paris Olympics are placing some of the capital's most famous landmarks centre stage.

Here is a look at where you can watch the sporting events.

EIFFEL TOWER

The beach volleyball takes place against one of the most iconic backdrops in Olympics history, with the Eiffel Tower looming over the athletes as they compete in a temporary stadium built in the Champ de Mars park. 

THE GRAND PALAIS

Unveiled in 1900 for the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Grand Palais is visible across swathes of Paris thanks to its sweeping glass roof. Paris 2024 fencing and taekwondo take place under its stunning nave.

INVALIDES

A long stretch of lawn by the Seine that ends with the Hotel des Invalides, a 17th century complex of buildings that began life as a military hospital and also includes Napoleon's tomb, Invalides usually plays host to Parisians drinking wine or tossing a Frisbee. 

During the Games, it hosts archery, road cycling and athletics events.

PONT ALEXANDRE III

Linking the Grand Palais with Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III is one of France's grandest bridges, with gold-coloured statues at either end. It will be the site of road cycling, marathon swimming and triathlon events during the Olympics.

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

A one-time site of high-profile executions, the Place de la Concorde is located in a wealthy neighbourhood between the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. As part of the Paris Olympics' plan to integrate urban sports into city life, the square will hold 3X3 basketball, breakdancing, BMX freestyle and skateboarding.

PALACE OF VERSAILLES

The ornate grounds of the Palace of Versailles, 17 km (10 miles) outside Paris, is hosting the Olympics' equestrian events.

The palace was built in the 17th century by the "Sun King" Louis XIV, who craved a symbol of France's prominence as a European superpower and his perceived divine right to wield absolute power. 

TUILERIES GARDENS

The Olympic cauldron, designed to pay homage to the Montgolfier brothers and their pioneering hot air balloon, can be found in the Tuileries Gardens.

ROLAND GARROS

With its world-renowned red-clay tennis courts known as the longtime home of the French Open, Roland Garros will host Olympics tennis events, but is also adding boxing to its repertoire during the Games.

(This story has been refiled to fix the spelling of 'Tuileries Gardens')

(Reporting by Gabriel Stargardter; Editing by Alison Williams)