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AP PHOTOS: Paris Olympics venues mix history and modernity and showcase cultural heritage

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AP PHOTOS: Paris Olympics venues mix history and modernity and showcase cultural heritage
News

News

AP PHOTOS: Paris Olympics venues mix history and modernity and showcase cultural heritage

2024-04-16 12:06 Last Updated At:12:23

PARIS (AP) — Iconic or historic venues are at the heart of the Paris Olympics — organizers want the event to be about the spectacle as well as the sports.

Athletics stars will speed along an eye-catching new purple track at the Stade de France national stadium. Tennis players will vie for medals on the trademark clay courts of Roland Garros, home to the French Open.

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Paris city, with the Eiffel Tower at center, are pictured Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

PARIS (AP) — Iconic or historic venues are at the heart of the Paris Olympics — organizers want the event to be about the spectacle as well as the sports.

French athletes wait to compete at a clay shooting session at the National Center for Sport Shooting (CNTS) in Chateauroux, central France, Thursday April 11, 2024. The center is the Shooting competition site for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/ Yohan Bonnet)

French athletes wait to compete at a clay shooting session at the National Center for Sport Shooting (CNTS) in Chateauroux, central France, Thursday April 11, 2024. The center is the Shooting competition site for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/ Yohan Bonnet)

A view of the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP, File)

A view of the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP, File)

Workers build constructions on the Champ-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File)

Workers build constructions on the Champ-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File)

School children sail during a demonstration at the Roucas Blanc Marina constructed for the upcoming summer Olympic Games in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Marseille will host the Olympic sailing events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

School children sail during a demonstration at the Roucas Blanc Marina constructed for the upcoming summer Olympic Games in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Marseille will host the Olympic sailing events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A monitor displays athletes on an Olympic pool at the Myrtha Pools factory, in Castiglione delle Stiviere, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Italian company Myrtha Pools is producing 24 pools for the Paris Olympics at its factory in Castiglione delle Stiviere, near Verona. The pools will be used for swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and training areas in Paris. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

A monitor displays athletes on an Olympic pool at the Myrtha Pools factory, in Castiglione delle Stiviere, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Italian company Myrtha Pools is producing 24 pools for the Paris Olympics at its factory in Castiglione delle Stiviere, near Verona. The pools will be used for swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and training areas in Paris. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

A view of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A view of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Stade de France stadium is reflected on the window of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Stade de France stadium is reflected on the window of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A surfer rides a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. The world-famous surf spot is set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

A surfer rides a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. The world-famous surf spot is set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The surf breaks onto the lagoon in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The surf breaks onto the lagoon in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Surfers paddle over the top of a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Surfers paddle over the top of a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Constructions are under way at the Trocadero gardens, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Trocadero will host road cycling and some athletic competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic but will also the place for athletes to celebrate the Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Constructions are under way at the Trocadero gardens, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Trocadero will host road cycling and some athletic competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic but will also the place for athletes to celebrate the Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

View of the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, Sunday Oct.8, 2023. The stadium will host some handball and basketball matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

View of the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, Sunday Oct.8, 2023. The stadium will host some handball and basketball matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

General view of the Canoe-Kayak Slalom Word Championship venue at the nautical stadium in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The venue will host the rowing , canoe-kayak sprint and the canoe-kayak slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

General view of the Canoe-Kayak Slalom Word Championship venue at the nautical stadium in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The venue will host the rowing , canoe-kayak sprint and the canoe-kayak slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

The Stade de Nice, in Nice, France, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

The Stade de Nice, in Nice, France, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

A view of the Stade de Marseille, also known as Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, southern France, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

A view of the Stade de Marseille, also known as Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, southern France, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

The site of the Marseille Marina under construction for the 2024 Olympic Games is pictured in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday Sept. 6, 2023. For the Games, the Roucas-Blanc Marina, a point of departure for boats, will be adapted for staging a competition on the scale of the Olympic Games. Marseille will host the sailing competitions. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The site of the Marseille Marina under construction for the 2024 Olympic Games is pictured in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday Sept. 6, 2023. For the Games, the Roucas-Blanc Marina, a point of departure for boats, will be adapted for staging a competition on the scale of the Olympic Games. Marseille will host the sailing competitions. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Visitors stroll in the park of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Visitors stroll in the park of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Grand Palais Ephemere is seen, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Grand Palais Ephemere is seen, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Athletes dive and swim in the Seine river from the Alexander III bridge on the first leg of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. In 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Athletes dive and swim in the Seine river from the Alexander III bridge on the first leg of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. In 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Riders on the first bike leg compete on the Champs Elysee avenue of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Riders on the first bike leg compete on the Champs Elysee avenue of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

View of the Nautical Stadium Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris. The venue will host the rowing and canoe-kayak sprint course, the canoe slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull, File)

View of the Nautical Stadium Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris. The venue will host the rowing and canoe-kayak sprint course, the canoe slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull, File)

The Parc des Princes stadium is seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The stadium will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Parc des Princes stadium is seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The stadium will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars,with the Grand Palais Ephemere in background, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars stadium will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In background is the Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars,with the Grand Palais Ephemere in background, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars stadium will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In background is the Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Bercy Arena is pictured Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024. The Bercy Arena will host the basketball finals, artistic gymnastics and trempoline for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Bercy Arena is pictured Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024. The Bercy Arena will host the basketball finals, artistic gymnastics and trempoline for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

A family looks at the Canal Saint-Denis with the Stade de France stadium in background, Monday, July 10, 2023 in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. The stadium will host the athletics and para athletics and Rugby Sevens in the Paris 2024 games. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

A family looks at the Canal Saint-Denis with the Stade de France stadium in background, Monday, July 10, 2023 in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. The stadium will host the athletics and para athletics and Rugby Sevens in the Paris 2024 games. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Eiffel Tower casts its shadow on the Iena bridge, crossing the Seine river and leading to the Trocadero monument Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024, the Trocadero will offer a viewing platform for spectators for the triathlon, para triathlon, road cycling, athletics (marathon and 20km race walk) and swimming (10km marathon swimming) events. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Eiffel Tower casts its shadow on the Iena bridge, crossing the Seine river and leading to the Trocadero monument Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024, the Trocadero will offer a viewing platform for spectators for the triathlon, para triathlon, road cycling, athletics (marathon and 20km race walk) and swimming (10km marathon swimming) events. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Invalides monument, top, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Alexandre III bridge are seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. In 2024, the Esplanade des Invalides will be the stage for the archery and para archery events, the Marathon (women's / men's) and rod cycling events of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Invalides monument, top, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Alexandre III bridge are seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. In 2024, the Esplanade des Invalides will be the stage for the archery and para archery events, the Marathon (women's / men's) and rod cycling events of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A rider of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A rider of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Members of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Members of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Clouds gather above the stadium during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Parc des Princes will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Clouds gather above the stadium during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Parc des Princes will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Riders compete during the Women's Madison race, at the National Velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, west of Paris, France, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. The venue will host the track cycling events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Riders compete during the Women's Madison race, at the National Velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, west of Paris, France, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. The venue will host the track cycling events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Eiffel Tower appears behind constructions for the Olympic Games,, Thursday, April 11, 2024 on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Place de la Concorde, or Concorde square, will host the 3x3 Basketball, BMX freestyle, Breaking and Skateboarding during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower appears behind constructions for the Olympic Games,, Thursday, April 11, 2024 on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Place de la Concorde, or Concorde square, will host the 3x3 Basketball, BMX freestyle, Breaking and Skateboarding during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The crowd watch Norway's Casper Ruud playing Spain's Rafael Nadal on the court Philippe Chatrier, known as center court, during their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Sunday, June 5, 2022 in Paris. The Roland Garros stadium will host the tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

The crowd watch Norway's Casper Ruud playing Spain's Rafael Nadal on the court Philippe Chatrier, known as center court, during their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Sunday, June 5, 2022 in Paris. The Roland Garros stadium will host the tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Mathieu Bauderlique of France and Russia's Igor Mikhalkin exchange blows during their light-heavyweight bout on the central court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros tennis stadium, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. The Roland Garros stadium will host some boxing and tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

Mathieu Bauderlique of France and Russia's Igor Mikhalkin exchange blows during their light-heavyweight bout on the central court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros tennis stadium, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. The Roland Garros stadium will host some boxing and tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a demonstration by the French fencing team as he visits the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a demonstration by the French fencing team as he visits the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-de-Mars at its feet, the Invalides monument and its dome, right, are seen Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football and the Invalides will host the Cycling road, Archery and Athetics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-de-Mars at its feet, the Invalides monument and its dome, right, are seen Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football and the Invalides will host the Cycling road, Archery and Athetics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Horse riders will race through the once-royal gardens of Versailles. Breakdancers, BMX riders and skaters will compete beneath an ancient Egyptian obelisk at the square where France’s last king and queen were beheaded.

The 135-year-old Eiffel Tower forms the backdrop for beach volleyball, wrestling and judo. Triathletes are scheduled to swim in the Seine River, past Paris landmarks.

And surfers will ride the world’s most legendary wave s, across the planet in Tahiti, in French Polynesia.

Work is still underway to finalize or renovate Olympic sites ahead of the July 26 opening ceremony.

France built only two new venues for these Games: an aquatics center in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, and an arena in one of the poorest parts of the city, meant to be both environmentally and socially conscious.

For the rest, organizers are relying on temporary sites or existing venues — like the refurbished Yves de Manoir stadium, showpiece of the last Paris Olympics a century ago.

Paris city, with the Eiffel Tower at center, are pictured Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Paris city, with the Eiffel Tower at center, are pictured Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

French athletes wait to compete at a clay shooting session at the National Center for Sport Shooting (CNTS) in Chateauroux, central France, Thursday April 11, 2024. The center is the Shooting competition site for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/ Yohan Bonnet)

French athletes wait to compete at a clay shooting session at the National Center for Sport Shooting (CNTS) in Chateauroux, central France, Thursday April 11, 2024. The center is the Shooting competition site for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/ Yohan Bonnet)

A view of the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP, File)

A view of the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP, File)

Workers build constructions on the Champ-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File)

Workers build constructions on the Champ-de-Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani, File)

School children sail during a demonstration at the Roucas Blanc Marina constructed for the upcoming summer Olympic Games in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Marseille will host the Olympic sailing events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

School children sail during a demonstration at the Roucas Blanc Marina constructed for the upcoming summer Olympic Games in Marseille, southern France, Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Marseille will host the Olympic sailing events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games that run from July 26 to Aug.11, 2024. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Youths play field hockey, at the renovated Yves-du-Manoir stadium in Colombes, outside Paris, Thursday, March 21, 2024. The stadium will host the men's and women's field hockey competitions during the Pairs 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A monitor displays athletes on an Olympic pool at the Myrtha Pools factory, in Castiglione delle Stiviere, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Italian company Myrtha Pools is producing 24 pools for the Paris Olympics at its factory in Castiglione delle Stiviere, near Verona. The pools will be used for swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and training areas in Paris. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

A monitor displays athletes on an Olympic pool at the Myrtha Pools factory, in Castiglione delle Stiviere, northern Italy, Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Italian company Myrtha Pools is producing 24 pools for the Paris Olympics at its factory in Castiglione delle Stiviere, near Verona. The pools will be used for swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and training areas in Paris. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

A view of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A view of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Stade de France stadium is reflected on the window of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Stade de France stadium is reflected on the window of the Olympic Aquatic Center, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 in Saint-Denis, outside Paris. The aquatic center will host the artistic swimming, water polo and diving events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A surfer rides a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. The world-famous surf spot is set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

A surfer rides a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. The world-famous surf spot is set to host the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The surf breaks onto the lagoon in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The surf breaks onto the lagoon in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Surfers paddle over the top of a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Surfers paddle over the top of a wave in Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2024. Teahupo'o will host the surfing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A view of the Adidas Arena, in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. It is the sole purpose-built site in the French capital and will host Badminton and Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Constructions are under way at the Trocadero gardens, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Trocadero will host road cycling and some athletic competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic but will also the place for athletes to celebrate the Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Constructions are under way at the Trocadero gardens, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Trocadero will host road cycling and some athletic competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic but will also the place for athletes to celebrate the Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

View of the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, Sunday Oct.8, 2023. The stadium will host some handball and basketball matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

View of the Pierre Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, Sunday Oct.8, 2023. The stadium will host some handball and basketball matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler, File)

General view of the Canoe-Kayak Slalom Word Championship venue at the nautical stadium in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The venue will host the rowing , canoe-kayak sprint and the canoe-kayak slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

General view of the Canoe-Kayak Slalom Word Championship venue at the nautical stadium in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris, Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The venue will host the rowing , canoe-kayak sprint and the canoe-kayak slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

General view of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, outside Paris, France, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023. The course will host the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Golf competitions. (AP Photo/Aurélien Morissard, File)

The Stade de Nice, in Nice, France, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

The Stade de Nice, in Nice, France, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

A view of the Stade de Marseille, also known as Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, southern France, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

A view of the Stade de Marseille, also known as Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, southern France, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. The stadium will host some soccer matches during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin, File)

The site of the Marseille Marina under construction for the 2024 Olympic Games is pictured in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday Sept. 6, 2023. For the Games, the Roucas-Blanc Marina, a point of departure for boats, will be adapted for staging a competition on the scale of the Olympic Games. Marseille will host the sailing competitions. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

The site of the Marseille Marina under construction for the 2024 Olympic Games is pictured in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday Sept. 6, 2023. For the Games, the Roucas-Blanc Marina, a point of departure for boats, will be adapted for staging a competition on the scale of the Olympic Games. Marseille will host the sailing competitions. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

Visitors stroll in the park of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Visitors stroll in the park of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The statue « Nymphe et enfant au trident » by Philippe Magnier is seen in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, outside Paris, France, Tuesday, Sept.19, 2023. The park of the Chateau de Versailles will host the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Grand Palais Ephemere is seen, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Grand Palais Ephemere is seen, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Athletes dive and swim in the Seine river from the Alexander III bridge on the first leg of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. In 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Athletes dive and swim in the Seine river from the Alexander III bridge on the first leg of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. In 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Riders on the first bike leg compete on the Champs Elysee avenue of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Riders on the first bike leg compete on the Champs Elysee avenue of the women's triathlon test event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

View of the Nautical Stadium Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris. The venue will host the rowing and canoe-kayak sprint course, the canoe slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull, File)

View of the Nautical Stadium Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023 in Vaires-sur-Marne, east of Paris. The venue will host the rowing and canoe-kayak sprint course, the canoe slalom for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Alexander Turnbull, File)

The Parc des Princes stadium is seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The stadium will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Parc des Princes stadium is seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The stadium will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars,with the Grand Palais Ephemere in background, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars stadium will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In background is the Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

Stands are under construction on the Champ-de-Mars,with the Grand Palais Ephemere in background, Sunday, April 14, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars stadium will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In background is the Grand Palais Ephemere, or Champ de Mars Arena, will host Judo and Wrestling for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Bercy Arena is pictured Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024. The Bercy Arena will host the basketball finals, artistic gymnastics and trempoline for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Bercy Arena is pictured Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024. The Bercy Arena will host the basketball finals, artistic gymnastics and trempoline for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

A family looks at the Canal Saint-Denis with the Stade de France stadium in background, Monday, July 10, 2023 in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. The stadium will host the athletics and para athletics and Rugby Sevens in the Paris 2024 games. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

A family looks at the Canal Saint-Denis with the Stade de France stadium in background, Monday, July 10, 2023 in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. The stadium will host the athletics and para athletics and Rugby Sevens in the Paris 2024 games. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Eiffel Tower casts its shadow on the Iena bridge, crossing the Seine river and leading to the Trocadero monument Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024, the Trocadero will offer a viewing platform for spectators for the triathlon, para triathlon, road cycling, athletics (marathon and 20km race walk) and swimming (10km marathon swimming) events. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Eiffel Tower casts its shadow on the Iena bridge, crossing the Seine river and leading to the Trocadero monument Tuesday, July 11, 2023 in Paris. In 2024, the Trocadero will offer a viewing platform for spectators for the triathlon, para triathlon, road cycling, athletics (marathon and 20km race walk) and swimming (10km marathon swimming) events. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla, File)

The Invalides monument, top, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Alexandre III bridge are seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. In 2024, the Esplanade des Invalides will be the stage for the archery and para archery events, the Marathon (women's / men's) and rod cycling events of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Invalides monument, top, the Esplanade des Invalides and the Alexandre III bridge are seen in Paris, France, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. In 2024, the Esplanade des Invalides will be the stage for the archery and para archery events, the Marathon (women's / men's) and rod cycling events of the Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

A rider of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

A rider of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Members of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Members of France's BMX team demonstrate at the BMX Stadium, in Saint-Quentin-en Yvelines, west of Paris, Thursday, May 11, 2023. The venue will host the cycling BMX racing competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Clouds gather above the stadium during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Parc des Princes will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Clouds gather above the stadium during the French League One soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Sunday, March 19, 2023. The Parc des Princes will host the Paris 2024 men and women's soccer competitions (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Riders compete during the Women's Madison race, at the National Velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, west of Paris, France, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. The venue will host the track cycling events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

Riders compete during the Women's Madison race, at the National Velodrome in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, west of Paris, France, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. The venue will host the track cycling events for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File)

The Eiffel Tower appears behind constructions for the Olympic Games,, Thursday, April 11, 2024 on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Place de la Concorde, or Concorde square, will host the 3x3 Basketball, BMX freestyle, Breaking and Skateboarding during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower appears behind constructions for the Olympic Games,, Thursday, April 11, 2024 on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Place de la Concorde, or Concorde square, will host the 3x3 Basketball, BMX freestyle, Breaking and Skateboarding during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The crowd watch Norway's Casper Ruud playing Spain's Rafael Nadal on the court Philippe Chatrier, known as center court, during their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Sunday, June 5, 2022 in Paris. The Roland Garros stadium will host the tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

The crowd watch Norway's Casper Ruud playing Spain's Rafael Nadal on the court Philippe Chatrier, known as center court, during their final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Sunday, June 5, 2022 in Paris. The Roland Garros stadium will host the tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

Mathieu Bauderlique of France and Russia's Igor Mikhalkin exchange blows during their light-heavyweight bout on the central court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros tennis stadium, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. The Roland Garros stadium will host some boxing and tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

Mathieu Bauderlique of France and Russia's Igor Mikhalkin exchange blows during their light-heavyweight bout on the central court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros tennis stadium, in Paris, Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. The Roland Garros stadium will host some boxing and tennis competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a demonstration by the French fencing team as he visits the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a demonstration by the French fencing team as he visits the Grand Palais ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Monday, April15, 2024. The Grand Palais will host the Fencing and Taekwondo competitions during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (Yoan Valat, Pool via AP)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The purple athletics track at the Olympic Stadium, currently known as Stade de France, is being installed, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Olympic Stadium will host the athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-de-Mars at its feet, the Invalides monument and its dome, right, are seen Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football and the Invalides will host the Cycling road, Archery and Athetics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-de-Mars at its feet, the Invalides monument and its dome, right, are seen Monday, April 15, 2024 in Paris. The Champ-de-Mars will host the Beach Volleyball and Blind Football and the Invalides will host the Cycling road, Archery and Athetics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard, File)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO countries haven’t delivered what they promised to Ukraine in time, the alliance’s chief said Monday, allowing Russia to press its advantage while Kyiv’s depleted forces wait for military supplies to arrive from the U.S. and Europe.

"Serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield” for Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Outgunned, Ukraine’s troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin's forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine's army chief said Sunday. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka.

“The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. Lack of air defense has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces,” Stoltenberg said.

Kyiv’s Western partners have repeatedly vowed to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” But vital U.S. military help was held up for six months by political differences in Washington, and Europe’s military hardware production has not kept up with demand. Ukraine’s own manufacturing of heavy weapons is only now starting to gain traction.

Now, Ukraine and its Western partners are racing to deploy critical new military aid that can help check the slow and costly but steady Russian advance across eastern areas, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks.

Zelenskyy said new Western supplies have started arriving, but slowly. "This process must be speeded up,” he said at the news conference with Stoltenberg.

Though the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line has shifted little since early in the war, the Kremlin’s forces in recent weeks have edged forward, especially in the Donetsk region, with sheer numbers and massive firepower used to bludgeon defensive positions.

Russia also continues to launch missiles, drones and bombs at cities across Ukraine. At least four people were killed and 27 injured in a Russian missile strike on residential buildings and “civil infrastructure” in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa on Monday, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging site.

A turreted Gothic-style building known locally as the “Harry Potter Castle,” was seen in flames after the strike.

Russia is a far bigger country than Ukraine, with greater resources. It has also received weapons support from Iran and North Korea, the U.S. government says.

Drawn-out Ukrainian efforts to mobilize more troops, and the belated building of battlefield fortifications, are other factors undermining Ukraine’s war effort, military analysts say.

Nick Reynolds, a research fellow for land warfare at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said the war “is still largely an artillery duel.”

He said he did not expect to see major movement of the front lines in the near term, but that “the conditions are being set for which side has military advantage at the front line. The Russian military is in a better position at the moment.

“When we see one side or the other being in a position to move the front line, at some stage, maneuver will be restored to the battlefield. Not in the next few weeks, maybe not even in the next few months. But it will happen,” he told The Associated Press.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, at a briefing with reporters Monday, also acknowledged Russia’s recent battlefield gains, noting that a delay in congressional approval for additional spending “set the Ukrainians back.”

NATO chief Stoltenberg, however, said more weapons and ammunition for Ukraine are on the way, including Patriot missile systems to defend against heavy Russian barrages that smash into the power grid and urban areas.

Ukrainian officials say Russia is assembling forces for a major summer offensive, even if its troops are making only incremental gains at the moment.

“Russian forces remain unlikely to achieve a deeper operationally significant penetration in the area in the near term,” the Institute for the Study of War said in an assessment Sunday.

Even so, the Kremlin’s forces are closing in on the strategically important hilltop town of Chasiv Yar, whose capture would be an important step forward into the Donetsk region.

Donetsk and Luhansk form much of the industrial Donbas region, which has been gripped by separatist fighting since 2014, and which Putin has set as a primary objective of the Russian invasion. Russia illegally annexed areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions in September 2022.

In other developments, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh made an unannounced visit to Ukraine – the first British royal to travel to the country since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Buckingham Palace said Monday that Sophie, wife of Prince Edward, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska in Kyiv and delivered a message on behalf of King Charles III. It did not disclose the timing or details of the visit.

The palace said Sophie, 59, made the trip “to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”

Associated Press writer Tara Copp in Washington contributed reporting.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, centre left, during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, centre left, during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Two women walk along a street in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Two women walk along a street in downtown Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A woman sells toys in front of a building with windows protected by sandbags in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

A woman sells toys in front of a building with windows protected by sandbags in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, April 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their meeting in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walk before their press conference in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, welcomes NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg walk before their press conference in Kyiv Ukraine, Monday, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

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