PARIS (WCMH) — It’s a unique part of the Olympic experience that’s back for the first time since the pandemic. Hospitality houses hosted by countries all over the world giving fans in Paris a unique way to go globetrotting without leaving the host city.

Think of it as the ultimate house party for the biggest fans of the Olympics.

“Going to an Olympics, spending a day or half a day visiting the houses,” Ticketmanager chief operating officer Ken Hanscom said. “It’s something that I truly enjoy and make sure I do every single Olympics I go to.”

A superfan of the Games, Hanscom is currently attending his fourth Olympics in Paris. He’s become an expert in knowing the ins and outs of the fan experience.

“What these houses are, they’re places where fans gather. There’s often times cultural aspects to them, whether there’s installations, videos, special food, special drink,” Hanscom said.

Club France

Club France went all out for its home Olympics with indoor and outdoor jumbotron screens set up to watch the action. Famous French luxury brands like Louis Vitton have special booths to showcase their role at the Games, like the trays that the medals are presented on before being given to the winning athletes. Other sponsors have interactive displays for fans of all ages to participate in.

French television and radio broadcasters have made themselves at home at Club France, discussing the latest news and inviting French athletes for interviews. After the competition ends, a nightly talk show with a live audience takes the stage, often celebrating France’s medal winners of the day.

Team NL Huis

Over at the Team NL house, home to the Netherlands Olympic team, wearing orange is a must. Luckily for those wishing to blend in with the crowd, a booth offers plenty of orange merchandise from shirts to hats.

But the entertainment is worth the 30 euro price of admission. Dutch performers and famous DJs take the stage nightly inside an amphitheater, where the floor is often filled with fans dancing and singing along. Formerly known as the Heineken House, the atmosphere lives up to the reputation of being the party venue of the Games.

New Zealand House

Other countries take a more subtle approach. Hidden at the Marriott Champs de Elysee, New Zealand invites fans free of charge to come hang out and enjoy the Games. It’s a budget friendly option for those who can’t afford the massive ticket price to get into Team GB House ($190) or USA House ($355).

Big screens offer both New Zealand natives and curious international visitors a variety of action to watch while sipping on beer and wine and munching on charcuterie boards. And like other houses, it’s not a surprise to see medal winners and famous Kiwis embedded with the patrons who seek shelter from the oppressive Paris heat.

A majority of hospitality houses, like Team NL Huis and Club France, are located at Parc des Nations at La Villette. But others, like USA House and New Zealand House, are spread out among the iconic venues of the French capital.

“I think there’s close to 26 houses,” Hanscom said. “So it’s probably the largest selection of houses that we’ve seen.”