PARIS, Ky. — The 2024 summer Olympic Games continue until Aug. 11 in Paris, France. But, here at home, one central Kentucky community is getting into the spirit.

What You Need To Know

  •  Paris, Kentucky is getting more attention because of the Paris, France Olympics
  •  The Kentucky city is named in honor of its French counterpart and even has its own replica of the Eiffel Tower

  • Local shops are celebrating the Parisian roots of the town

Small town Paris, Kentucky in Bourbon County, shares its name and history with the city in France.

The 2024 Olympics Games in Paris are putting Paris, Kentucky, on the map.

“We’re receiving attention from all over the country,” said Betty Ann Allen, executive director of the Paris-Bourbon County Tourism.

Allen said the city and county were named to honor the French for their help during the Revolutionary War. It even has its own Eiffel Tower.

“This is an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; not the same size, it’s scaled down, the only difference, ours has horseshoes on the top of it,” Allen said.

Local shops, including Hopewell Bake Exchange, are embracing the Kentucky connection to the Summer Games. Andrea Pompei owns the bakery off of Main Street.

“We’re really excited about celebrating all things local and embracing our Parisian roots, so to speak, and so with that we’re offering baguettes, croissants, daily,” Pompei said.

Pompei says the bakery moved into its storefront last year. But it’s existed five years, offering baked goods and passing the skill onto others.

“We are very much about education as well and empowering people to explore baking,” Pompei said.

For a smalltown, Allen says the national attention is priceless and has led to increased visitors.

“It makes our work so rewarding to have attention from regional, statewide and national especially,” Allen said.

Many of the bars and restaurants are airing the Olympics during the next two weeks.

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