Top 10 tips on how to survive the Olympics in Paris!

  • May 3, 2024
  • All things Paris
  • Clara Palas & Julie Violleau

Translated by Julie Violleau and Niamh Daly

 

Top 10 tips on how to survive the Olympics in Paris!

 

Paris riverbanks

Where are the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris?

(From July 26th to September 8th, 2024)

You’ve heard it on the radio, you’ve seen it on the TV, and every sports-fan you know is talking about it… for the first time in 100 years, the Olympic and Paralympic Games return to Paris this summer, 2024!

If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris for these world-famous games, you might be interested in hearing which landmarks and locations will be in use for the competitions and ceremonies.
For your convenience, here is a list of the infrastructures all over Paris that will be used for the Olympics:

  • The Seine riverbanks: From the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde, Paris’s picturesque Seine River will host the opening and closing ceremonies of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • The Centre of Paris: Iconic locations such as the Champs-Elysées, the Grand Palais, and the Seine will be used for Olympic events like triathlon, beach volleyball, and urban sports
  • The Palace of Versailles: This gorgeous historical place will host the Olympic equestrian events.
  • The Parc des Princes: The Parc des Princes stadium will host the Olympic football games.
  • The Roland-Garros Stadium: These renowned clay courts will host the Olympic tennis events.
  • Vaires-sur-Marne: This venue, located in Seine-et-Marne (not far from Paris) will host the Olympic canoeing, kayak, and rowing events.
  • La Défense: Paris’s bustling business district will host the Olympic swimming and water polo events.
  • Le Bourget: This city, renowned for its art deco air and space museum, will host the Olympic climbing events.
  • The Paris ring-road: A part of the ring-road surrounding Paris will be transformed into a track for the Olympic road cycling events.
  • The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome: This velodrome will welcome the Olympic track cycling events.

 

Parisian Metro

 

Which metro lines should you take during the Olympics?

 

The Olympic Games events will take place from July 26th to August 11th, 2024, quickly followed by the Paralympics from August 28th until September 8th, 2024.

IFirst and foremost, it must be noted that walking will be the best and easiest option to navigate the streets of Paris during the Olympics, as the Police Headquarters have announced traffic restrictions for the duration of the events. So, if your legs aren’t ready yet, start training now! Paris is a highly walkable city, and many of the best attractions can be discovered by exploring its quaint alleyways.

If walking’s not your thing, fear not! Although the government has warned that public transport will get packed, you can still take the metro. Their frequency will even increase for the duration of the Olympic Games!
Here are the metro lines that will serve most of the competition venues and should be avoided if possible: line 5, line 6, line 7, line, 8, line 9, line, 10, line 12, line 13, and line 14.

Alexandre III bridge

 

What closures will be in effect during the Olympic Games in Paris?

 

From July 1st, 2024, only five Parisian bridges will stay open to traffic, one of which only to pedestrians. Namely, these bridges are the pont d’Iéna, the pont des Invalides, the pont Notre-Dame, the pont de Sully and the pedestrian passerelle Léopold-Sédar-Senghor.
Right at the beginning of July, the Pont du Carrousel and a part of the pont d’Iéna used by the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games will be closed.
A week later, the pont de l’Alma, the pont de la Tournelle, and the pont au Change will also be closed to traffic.
Then, from July 15th, traffic will be closed on the pont de la Concorde, the pont Royal, and the pont d’Arcole.

The Police Headquarters have yet to announce when the pont Alexandre III, the pont Neuf, the pont d’Austerlitz, and the passerelle Debilly will be closed yet.

parc des buttes chaumont

 

Experience Paris like a Parisian, even when the city is crowded!

 

Hoping to discover all Paris has to offer? You’re in luck! Even during the Olympic Games, there is plenty to explore in France’s bustling capital.
The selection of gorgeous and sprawling parks throughout Paris, such as the beautiful parc des Buttes-Chaumont or the huge Bois de Vincennes park, are the perfect places to avoid the crowds.

Alternatively, you can also choose to visit some arrondissements that will be less packed, such as the 13th arrondissement, or the 9th arrondissement with its beautiful place de Clichy, situated just below Montmartre (beware — Pigalle might be quite busy).

Another option could be the tracks of the old Paris railway belt, which now host many outdoor bars. Come and enjoy an apéritif like a local Parisian!

Here is a list of our favourites places to visit to avoid the crowds: :

 

cabaret burlesque

 

What shows are playing in Paris during the Olympic Games?

 

You’re already in Paris for the Olympics — why not make the most of your visit by discovering why Paris is renowned as a cultural centre for performing arts?

Here is our list of shows playing during the Olympic period:

CABARETS

 

THEATRE SHOWS

 

CONCERTS

 

JAZZ

 

STAND-UP COMEDY

 

See all shows playing during the Olympic period!

city of Aix-en-Provence

 

Take a trip outside of Paris!

 

Escape the crowded streets of Paris and discover the wonders of France and its surprising landscapes, shaped by history and immortalised by some of history’s finest painters!

From the Norman beaches to Burgundy, you’ll be spoiled for choice by the vast selection of astonishing and enthralling places in France - better yet, many of them are only a few hours away from Paris!

 

 

Discover the Aix-en-Provence’s beloved Festival d’Art Lyrique!

(From July 3rd — 23rd, 2024)

If you’re in search of an escape from the masses at the Paris Olympic Games, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence is at your disposal! Situated in the idyllic south of France, this annual festival is a veritable celebration of all things operatic. A must-see for initiated opera fans and first-timers alike, there’s something for everyone here… discover its diverse programme for yourself!

Here is our selection of some our favourites at the festival, courtesy of Theatre in Paris!

 

See all shows playing at the festival!

paris riverbanks

 

Make Paris for you and you only!

 

Are you in the mood for celebration? Whether it be for a a wedding anniversary, a bachelorette party, or a birthday, celebrate in style in France’s glorious capital!
In Paris, it is possible to privatise many places to gather with family and friends and have a good time — especially during the Olympics!

Here is a list of places we recommend for privatizing your Olympic event in Paris:

 

parisian cafe

 

Discover hidden Parisian Gems!

 

Paris is THE place to be this summer, with more than 12 million visitors expected.
To wander away from crowed places, discover any of Paris’s many hidden gems off the beaten path of all the Paris Olympic Games visitors! Read on for our hand-picked selection of special Parisian finds, many of which are local favourites.

Quirky bars:

 

Trendy yet lesser known nightclubs:

 

Astonishing museums:

 

If you prefer family-friendly activities during the Olympic Game period:

 

See all the family-friendly shows we offer by clicking here!

Fontainebleau castle

 

Want to enjoy the nature around Paris?

 

We have selected for you a few green spaces around Paris where you can wander and get some fresh air in the midst of the busy Olympic period.
Take a breath in and take a load off… we hope you’ll find some respite in our recommendations!

 

seine river

 

What other activities are on offer in Paris during the Olympic Games?

 

Are you staying in Paris during the Olympics but are still stuck on what to do? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place! For your reading pleasure, we’ve gathered a few diverse ideas for your outings during your trip to the City of Light.

 

Paris streets

 

Our best advice!

 

All in all, the best thing we can tell you is to always be curious!
The best way to discover Paris is to open up your mind and heart and simply let yourself wander.

Roam the boulevards, get lost in the alleyways, push the doors, and sit under the trees of the large and long avenues!
Each district and arrondissement has its own individual charm. And if you ever get hungry during your visit, you’re sure to find a typical French bakery a few metres away from you. Indulge in the very best of quintisentially French pastries, such as croissants, pains au chocolat, macarons, eclairs, religieuses, chouquettes, paris-brest, or even financiers… among many others. Does it make your mouth water?

Come and experience Paris in these Olympic and Paralympic times, and marvel as the city becomes alive!

No matter what you choose to see during the Olympics and Paralympics, you’re sure to make memories! Be sure to check out our website to plan your visit to Paris!

See all shows playing during the Olympic period!

 

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