Traveling to Paris During the Olympics 2024
Posted on 2024-07-26
Planning to visit Paris during the summer of 2024? With the city hosting the Summer Paris Olympic Games from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8, navigating the French capital will come with its unique set of challenges. However, here’s how you can make the most of your trip even if you’re not attending the Games.
Paris 2024: A Unique Olympic Experience
After a century, Paris is once again the host of the Summer Olympic Games. Unlike traditional setups, these Games will feature events at some of the city’s most iconic sites. Archery at Les Invalides, skateboarding at Place de la Concorde, and beach volleyball beneath the Eiffel Tower are just a few examples. The River Seine will play a significant role, particularly during the opening ceremonies where 10,000 athletes will sail aboard 170 boats, and in various aquatic competitions.
The Olympic Village and several new sports complexes will be centered around Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Additionally, Paris will share some events with other regions in France, from soccer in Nice to sailing in Marseille, and even surfing in French Polynesia.
What Will Remain Open in Paris During the Olympics?
Still recovering from lower visitor numbers during COVID-19, many businesses in Paris are preparing for a busy and profitable summer. Most restaurants, especially in tourist districts and the northern parts of the city, plan to remain open and even extend their hours. This includes restaurants like Le Boréal, a popular spot in Montmartre, which will avoid the usual afternoon closures to accommodate the influx of visitors.
While the hospitality industry is gearing up for a boom, many Parisian residents plan to leave the city to avoid the chaos. Despite the expected traffic and the challenges in getting tickets to Olympic events, staying in Paris will be feasible with some planning.
Last summer, the temporary removal of Les Bouquinistes, the beloved booksellers along the riverbanks, caused a local furor. However, efforts to clean up the Seine with €1.4 billion (US $1.52 million) in taxpayer funds aim to make it safe for triathlon swimmers. Despite some controversies, a recent survey shows that 72% of the French support the Games.
Getting Around Paris
Vehicle access in Paris will be heavily restricted during the Games, making traveling to Paris during the Olympics 2024 particularly challenging. Booking taxis or ride-share services like Bolt and Free Now in advance can be helpful, but demand will be high. Car services through hotels or local companies like Easy Cab might be more reliable.
Public transportation fares will double during the Games. Single Metro tickets will increase from €2.10 to €4, with bus and RER tickets rising to €4 and €6, respectively. Locals and visitors are advised to stock up on transit tickets in advance, with virtual passes available via the transit app. Unlimited day passes will be €16, decreasing by a euro per day for multi-day passes. Alternatively, the city’s bike-share scheme, Vélib, offers an economical way to get around, with 30-minute rides starting at €3 and 24-hour passes at €5.
Exploring Paris Despite the Olympics
After a century, Paris is once again the host of the Summer Olympic Games. Unlike traditional setups, these Games will feature events at some of the city’s most iconic sites. Archery at Les Invalides, skateboarding at Place de la Concorde, and beach volleyball beneath the Eiffel Tower are just a few examples. The River Seine will play a significant role, particularly during the opening ceremonies where 10,000 athletes will sail aboard 170 boats, and in various aquatic competitions.
The Olympic Village and several new sports complexes will be centered around Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Additionally, Paris will share some events with other regions in France, from soccer in Nice to sailing in Marseille, and even surfing in French Polynesia. For those traveling to Paris during the Olympics 2024, these unique locations and events will offer an exciting blend of sports and iconic landmarks.
With the Paris Olympics 2024 expected to draw huge crowds, major attractions will be busier than usual. This makes it a perfect time to explore Paris’s lesser-known treasures on foot
Themed Neighborhood Tours
Consider themed neighborhood tours to discover the city’s unique districts. Explore the Art Nouveau architecture in the 16th arrondissement, stroll through Montmartre’s bohemian streets, or delve into the vibrant Marais district with its rich history and trendy boutiques.
Visiting Gardens
Paris’s gardens offer peaceful retreats from the Olympic crowds. The Luxembourg Gardens, with its manicured lawns and charming statues, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Buttes-Chaumont features dramatic cliffs and a serene lake, while Parc Monceau’s romantic English-style gardens provide a tranquil setting for relaxation.
Exploring Smaller Museums
Smaller museums like the Marmottan-Monet and Carnavalet offer enriching experiences without the crowds. The Marmottan-Monet Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Monet’s works, and the Carnavalet Museum showcases Paris’s history from ancient times to the present.
Exploring Beyond Paris
Consider incorporating other French destinations into your itinerary to escape the Olympic hustle. Take a day trip to Giverny, Reims, or the Loire Valley, or visit the Normandy beaches. Book train tickets up to four months in advance on SNCF Connect for these excursions.
By planning ahead and exploring alternative attractions, you can enjoy a memorable and less stressful visit to Paris during the Olympics. Discover the many facets of Parisian charm from a different perspective.
Securing Tickets and Accommodation
Security for the Games will be tight, with 35,000 police officers and hundreds of new surveillance cameras deployed. Access to event zones will require a QR code, active for 2.5 hours before and 1 hour after each event, printed on tickets and issued by hotels within the perimeter.
Various Metro stops near event locations will be closed, including Concorde, Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau, Invalides, and Tuileries. Real-time updates on these closures will be available on the official RATP website. To avoid disruptions, consider staying in areas like the Marais, the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, or northern and northeastern Paris.
For those still seeking tickets to Olympic events, the official box office will release tickets daily. Country delegations often reserve larger blocks of seats than needed, with excess seats released prior to the events. Similarly, accommodation deals might be available as delegations release unused hotel rooms. Apartment rentals can also be found, and booking through property management companies, like members of the SPLM, is recommended.
By planning ahead and exploring alternative attractions, you can enjoy a memorable and less stressful visit to Paris during the Olympics. Discover the many facets of Parisian charm from a different perspective.
Dining in Paris During Paris Olympics
Given the visitor influx, it’s wise to reserve restaurant tables in advance. For those without reservations, casual dining at brasseries, which serve meals throughout the day, is always an option. Enjoying a steak frites or croque monsieur at these ubiquitous eateries requires no advance planning and ensures a satisfying meal.
Are you not sure if you can make it?
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