Translated by Julie Violleau and Niamh Daly

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

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.

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.

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.

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: :

• • Visit the stunning Yvelines area
• • Visit the hilly Buttes-Chaumont parc
• • Visit the magnificent Vincennes castle
• • Visit the thrilling Thoiry Zoo Safari

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

• • Paris je t’aime — a traditional cabaret show with a beautiful French Cancan at La Nouvelle Ève. (Until October 26th, 2024)
• • Paradis Latin Cabaret Show — get ready for sparkles, humour, and glamour galore!(All year round)
• • Crazy Horse Cabaret show — a chic show boasting an incredible succession of incredible acts! (All year round)
• • Le Cabaret Burlesque — a cabaret show at La Nouvelle Seine, a theatre within a moored barge. (All year round)
• • Madame Arthur cabaret drag show (All year round)

THEATRE SHOWS

• • The Bald Soprano, an absurd classical theatre piece performing at the Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris (All year-round, break from 14th—29th July)*
• • The Lesson, an absurd classical theatre piece performing at the Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris (All year-round, break from 14th—29th July)*
• • Ionesco Package: The Bald Soprano and The Lesson, two absurd comedy plays in one night at Théâtre de la Huchette. (All year round)

CONCERTS

• • Sainte-Chapelle Concert Series (All year round)
• • La Madeleine Church Concert Series (All year round)
• • Piano Passion Concerts, classical music concerts that highlights talented pianists at Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church. (All year round)
• • Candlelight Concert Series, beautiful music played in the light of candles at Saint-Ephrem Church. (Until August 31st, 2024)

JAZZ

• • Baiser Salé Jazz Club — gypsy and Caribbean jazz concerts. (All year round)
• • Sunset Sunside Jazz Club — acoustic and electric jazz concerts. (All year round)

STAND-UP COMEDY

• • How to Become a Parisian in One Hour, a one-man-show in English at Théâtre des Nouveautés (All year round)
• • Oh My God She’s Parisian, a Parisian that speaks English quite “fluently” (and colourfully!) at Théâtre Bo Saint-Martin (All year round)

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!

• • Visit Étretat and its beautiful cliff. (Open all year round)
• • Visit Beaune and tour the vineyards of Burgundy. (Open all year round)
• • Visit Strasbourg and enjoy its characteristic architecture and majestic cathedral. (Open all year round)
• • Visit Lille, a big city in northern France. (Open all year round)
• • Go to London, 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Paris by train under the Channel! (Open all year round)

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!

• • Samson by Rameau, an opera that seeks to combine epic grandeur with the intricacy and sensitivity of delicate human emotions, playing at the Théâtre de l’Archevêché. (July 9th — 18th, 2024)
• • Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria, a baroque opera based on The Odyssey, playing at the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume. (July 19th — 23rd, 2024)
• • Pelléas et Mélisande, an opera with an intense love story that takes place in a mysterious and fantastical kingdom, playing at the Grand Théâtre de Provence. (July 5th — 16th, 2024)
• • Songs and Fragments,. (July 7th — 12th, 2024)

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:

• • Le Bar Demory, a friendly ambiance with quirky decor with a great range of brews on the menu. (Privatization for 10 people)
• • Le Loft du Pianiste, a bar close to Place de la République perfect for those in love with a contemporary jazz vibe. (Privatization for 50 people)
• • Atelier des Artistes, an avant-garde hidden bar that wears well its name! (Privatization for 100 people)

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:

• • The Hasard Ludique — a bustling and quirky bar in an old train station.
• • The Gare - Le Gore — see a jazz concert just before you finish the night in the techno bar at the same venue!
• • The café des Arts et Métiers — a bar with shocking decor in a quaint neighbourhood.

Trendy yet lesser known nightclubs:

• • The Cabaret Sauvage — a club with a circus atmosphere boasting all genres of spectacles.
• • The T7 — a club known for its invigorating techno parties in the south end of Paris.
• • The Kilomètre 25 — an open-air club offering tons of summer events.

Astonishing museums:

• • The Banksy Museum — a contemporary museum dedicated to the works of the world-famous artist Bansky.
• • The Museum of Illusions — an interactive gallery using mirrors to create perspective and optical illusions accessible for all ages.
• • The Paradox Museum — a museum dedicated to creating realistic illusions in every-day atmospheres accessible for all ages.

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

• • The award-winning Lion King, The Musical — a show that will delight young and old alike playing at the Théâtre Mogador (All year round)
• • Mon Premier Cabaret — a surprising and magical cabaret show tailored for children at the Paradis Latin (All year round)

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

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!

• • Visit the Fontainebleau castle
• • Visit the Parc Monceau
• • Have a walk on the coulée verte, a green space that stretches from Opéra Bastille to Vincennes!
• • Discover the Axe Majeur in Cergy-Pontoise
• • Wander in the forest of Carnelle with your family!

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.

• • Enjoy a cruise at night in the heart of Paris
• • Relax at La Prairie du Canal, which organises open air events every year.
• • Enjoy La Clairière — Open air events on offer in summer exclusively.
• • Discover the Jardin 21 — Freshly reopened this April for a green summer!

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!

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