Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, Paris

The Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, nestled in the suburban commune of Colombes near Paris, is a historical stadium that carries a rich legacy of sporting history. This venerable arena was once at the heart of French and international athletics, hosting events that have etched their names into the annals of sports.

Constructed in 1907, the stadium was named after the French rugby player Yves du Manoir and is most renowned for being the main venue for the 1924 Summer Olympics. It was here that the world witnessed some of the events that inspired the iconic film "Chariots of Fire," which immortalized the tales of Olympians Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.

With a capacity that once soared to around 45,000, the stadium has been a versatile venue, accommodating not just track and field events but also rugby and soccer matches. Over the decades, it has been the stage for numerous international competitions and was the home ground for the French national rugby team until the late 1970s.

While its glory days may be behind it, the Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir still stands as a monument to the golden age of athletics and is used for lower division football and rugby matches. For tourists with a penchant for sports history, a visit to this stadium offers a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to stand where some of the greatest athletes once competed.