This is the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that so many countries are gathered in the same place.
In this sprawling park northeast of Paris, visitors can travel the world in just a few minutes without ever leaving the French capital.
Fifteen countries have set up their hospitality houses in Parc de la Villette, allowing visitors to discover different cultures, taste local food and even perhaps meet some Olympic athletes.
The biggest house is unsurprisingly Club France which can welcome up to 20,000 people.
Next door is the second biggest one: the Team Netherlands House.
Surrounded by a sea of orange, the official colour of the country, visitors can watch some of the competitions during the day and later, dance the night away
“It’s a vibe to be around Dutch people. Everything is orange. You can Dutch food and buy Dutch clothes. We’re trying to make a little home for Dutch people”, Marlies Bakker, volunteer press person for the Team Netherlands House, says.
Crossing the park’s canal is the vibrant India House. The organisers highlighted the country’s rich culture — where visitors can see traditional carpet weaving and also get Olympics-inspired henna tattoos.
“I will always have fond memories of this India house”, Jean-Claude, an India House visitor, assures.
Just a couple of minutes away is Mongolia house decked out with yurts and showcasing traditional activities like knucklebone shooting and archery.
This is the first time in the history of the Olympic Games that so many countries are gathered in the same place.
Visitors taking advantage of this mini trip around the world.
“We Visited the Mexico House first to meet some athletes, then we went to the Brazil house to get an acai drink and now we are at the Mongolia House to see some of the traditional wrestling. It’s all very interesting”, Adriana, visitor of the Mongolia House, says.
Other houses include the Brazil House where visitors can play beach volleyball and basketball or sip a cool cocktail.
The houses will be accessible to visitors during the whole period of the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
