Everything about the Paris Olympics 2024

The Olympic Games are returning to Paris, the capital of France and one of the world’s most iconic cities. 

This summer, all eyes will be on Paris as it takes center stage, showcasing its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and unmatched joie de vivre. 

The 2024 Olympic Games promise to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience, not just for the athletes but also for the millions of spectators and visitors.

From Olympic events to a weekend getaway to Disneyland Paris, there is a lot you can do during your visit to Paris this summer. 

Whether you plan to attend the Games in person or tour Paris during your Olympic visit, this article is your one-stop destination. 

When Do The Olympics Begin

The Summer Olympics are set to begin on July 26 and run till August 11, 2024, in Paris. 

The world’s finest athletes compete for glory amidst the pleasant Parisian weather, with temperatures hovering around 20°C.

Then, from August 28 to September 8, witness the inspiring feats of Paralympic athletes as they showcase their talents and determination in the heart of Paris. 

To learn more about the events and venues of the 2024 Paris Olympics, click here.

How To Get Tickets To The Olympics

To secure your spot at the Paris Olympics 2024, you must start by registering on the official games’ website. 

Remember, all tickets will be sold exclusively through this platform. 

Stick to the official site to avoid issues; purchasing from unauthorized sellers is against the law and could result in denied entry. 

Ticket sales for the Paris Olympics have been divided into three phases. Based on a lottery system, the first two phases required early registration. 

The third phase, which commenced in early July, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

These tickets are for events outside Paris, such as basketball, handball, soccer, and sailing. 

As of now, tickets are still available for purchase.

Originally slated for late 2023, this latest sales phase increased due to unexpectedly high demand. 

Organizers report that over half of the available 10 million tickets were sold in the preceding rounds. 

If you miss out on securing tickets during these phases, don’t worry. 

A resale platform will open in the spring of 2024, providing another opportunity to purchase tickets for your desired events.

What New Sports Are Introduced In The Paris 2024 Olympics

For the 2024 Paris Olympics, some new games are being introduced and they are:

Breaking

Imagine hip-hop mixed with gymnastics and dance. 

Breaking is a cool urban dance where B-boys and B-girls show off their moves. 

They spin, freeze, and do power moves that defy gravity. 

Get ready to be wowed by their footwork and style!

Sport Climbing

Sport climbing is all about strength, focus, and problem-solving. 

Climbers tackle tough routes, climbing high with skill. 

Watch as they conquer tricky moves and overhangs, defying gravity at every turn.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is about doing cool tricks on four wheels. 

It’s not just about tricks but also about style and pushing limits. 

See the best skaters shred bowls, rails, and ramps, turning concrete into their skateparks.

Surfing

Even though Paris doesn’t have waves, the Olympics go beyond borders. 

Surfers will head to Tahiti to ride the waves. 

They’ll show off their balance and skill, riding the ocean’s power gracefully and elegantly.

How To Get Around The City

Discovering Paris during the Olympics? Here are some easy ways to navigate the city and catch all the action!

Metro:

The metro is fast, easy, and covers everywhere. Get a map and start exploring!

The Paris Métro is like a maze of tunnels buzzing beneath the city, making it one of the most extensive underground rail systems worldwide. 

No worries about being far from a station; they’re everywhere! 

Not only does it zip you to the Olympic venues, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore iconic spots like Montmartre, the Arc de Triomphe, and even Père Lachaise Cemetery. 

Are you planning to stick around for a few days during the Paris Olympics 2024? 

Consider buying a Paris Pass, granting you access to loads of tours and attractions all wrapped up in one sweet deal!

Bus

Buses are a convenient way to explore Paris during the day. 

They typically operate until around 8.30 pm but expect additional late-night services during the Olympics. 

Tickets are available at Métro stations, newsstands, or from the driver (with exact change). 

Don’t forget to validate your ticket onboard. 

To request a stop, simply raise your hand at the bus stop and use the bell to signal your desired drop-off point. 

Another option is to hop on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, which covers major attractions and Olympic venues.

Bike

Paris is making its already great bike network even better for the 2024 Olympics, with paths expanding to 415 kilometers and 20,000 bike parking spaces. 

Traveling in central Paris and the suburbs is a safe and fantastic way. 

Look into bike rental options, like Vélib’ Métropole, for a daily, weekly, or longer subscription. 

You can pick up and drop off bikes around the city with hundreds of rental stations. 

Plus, bikes are unrestricted within Olympic security zones.

Scooters

Zip around on an electric scooter for a speedy and fun ride.

Riverboat Cruising

Relax and see the sights on the Seine River Cruise.

You can sightsee and enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner on the cruise. 

The hop-on hop-off cruise is also the best way to get to one place from another while enjoying iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower. 

Walk Around Paris

The exciting news is that many big events will happen in central Paris.

These events will happen around famous spots like the Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Hôtel de Ville, Trocadéro, and existing sports venues. 

These places are close together, so walking is a great, budget-friendly choice. 

Plus, you can enjoy the lively Parisian atmosphere and grab a croissant or two along the way for energy!

Taxis

Wave down a taxi for a quick and convenient ride.

While taxis may be a bit pricier than other modes of transportation, they offer a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel, especially during the Olympics.

Olympic Shuttles

Watch for special shuttle services provided during the Olympics, offering direct transportation to and from event venues. 

These dedicated shuttles are designed to streamline transportation for spectators and athletes alike, ensuring seamless access to all the Olympic action.

RER Trains

If you want to venture beyond the city center and explore the outskirts of Paris, the Réseau Express Régional (RER) trains offer a convenient and efficient option. 

The RER suburban network might not be the top choice for those mainly focusing on city center events. 

However, it’s incredibly useful for reaching events outside Paris. 

It covers various locations across France, from basketball in Lille to football in Marseille. 

It’s also the fastest way to reach the Palace of Versailles for equestrian events, modern pentathlon, and other events at Stade de France. 

You can even take the RER to Disneyland Paris for a break from sports.

Night Bus Tours

For those planning to enjoy Paris’s vibrant nightlife or attend evening Olympic events, the Noctilien night bus service is a reliable option for getting around after dark. 

Operating throughout the night, these buses provide transportation to various parts of the city, ensuring you can safely navigate Paris after hours.

Segways

For a fun and unique way to explore Paris’s streets, consider hopping on a Segway. 

These self-balancing electric vehicles offer a novel mode of transportation and allow you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s fresh air and sights.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you’re short on time or want to hit all the major attractions in one go, consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. 

These sightseeing buses offer convenient routes that stop at popular landmarks and attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace and customize your itinerary. 

With audio commentary available in multiple languages, you’ll learn fascinating facts about Paris’s history and culture as you travel between stops.

Paris Itinerary For Olympic Visitors

Here’s a simple and detailed itinerary for Olympic visitors:

Day 1: Olympic Thrills and Parisian Icons

Morning: Dive into the Olympic excitement with morning events. After the games, glance at the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris’s charm and grandeur.

Afternoon: Explore the renowned Louvre Museum, where masterpieces like the Mona Lisa await. Grab a bite at a nearby café for a taste of Parisian cuisine.

Evening: Catch evening Olympic events or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Seine River, taking in the enchanting sights of illuminated landmarks like Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle.

Day 2: Cultural Delights

Morning: Venture to Montmartre, a picturesque neighborhood with cobblestone streets and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, offering stunning city views.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art at the Musée d’Orsay, home to Impressionist treasures by Monet and Van Gogh.

Evening: Relax on a Seine River cruise, admiring Paris’s beauty from a different angle. Then, savor dinner in the vibrant Latin Quarter.

Day 3: Olympic Fun and Versailles Escape

Morning: Attend morning Olympic events before going on a day trip to Versailles. Marvel at the opulence of the Palace of Versailles and its expansive gardens.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Versailles before returning to Paris.

Evening: Unwind with dinner at a cozy restaurant in the charming Marais district.

Day 4: Leisure and Shopping

Morning: Stroll down the iconic Champs-Élysées, known for its upscale shops and the majestic Arc de Triomphe.

Afternoon: Explore Paris’s diverse neighborhoods, like Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and indulge in leisurely shopping or people-watching.

Evening: Attend Olympic events or enjoy a delightful dinner cruise along the Seine River.

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Farewell

Morning: Discover the lesser-known gems of Paris, such as the charming Canal Saint-Martin or the tranquil Luxembourg Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the local atmosphere.

Afternoon: Indulge in a delightful picnic in one of Paris’s scenic parks or gardens, savoring French delicacies and enjoying the last moments of your trip.

Evening: As the sun sets, head to Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views of the city illuminated at night. Reflect on your Olympic journey and bid adieu to the enchanting city of Paris.

Things To Try In Paris Without Fail While Visiting For Olympics 2024

Explore the multitude of chances to experience the Olympic events against the stunning backdrop of Paris’s architectural wonders.

Here are some things you should not miss in Pairs while visiting the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Catch the Opening Ceremony

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will start with a twist.

Instead of a stadium, there’ll be a dazzling opening ceremony on the Seine River. 

Picture a colorful parade of boats from Jardin de Tuileries to Trocadéro Plaza, with music and fireworks. 

While tickets cost a hefty €2,700, you can still catch the action from the riverbanks for free, although your view might be somewhat restricted. 

Plenty of large screens will also be placed along the route so everyone can enjoy the festivities.

Visit the Iconic Art Museums

Paris is a haven for art lovers, boasting an impressive array of museums and galleries that showcase an eclectic mix of artistic styles and periods. 

At the heart of Parisian artistry lies the iconic Louvre Museum, home to over 40,000 artifacts and artworks, including iconic pieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. 

Meanwhile, the Centre Pompidou showcases cutting-edge modern and contemporary art, providing visitors with an avant-garde artistic experience. 

These cultural institutions, such as the Musée d’Orsay, have an exceptional collection of Impressionist paintings, and the Quai Branly Museum has a collection of them.

The Musee Marmottan Monet offers an exclusive insight into the captivating world of Claude Monet’s impressionist masterpieces. 

At the same time, the Musee d’Art Moderne de Paris celebrates contemporary art with works by renowned artists like Raoul Dufy and Gaston Suisse.

See the Notre Dame Cathedral and other architectural wonders

In Paris, art isn’t confined to museums; it spills out onto the streets in breathtaking architecture. 

The city is a visual feast for art enthusiasts, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the majestic Louvre Palace. 

Historic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and even the Palace of Versailles just outside Paris offer a glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage.

One must-visit spot is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture dating back to the 1300s. 

Despite the devastating fire in 2019, which caused significant damage, the cathedral remains a stunning sight. 

Unfortunately, visitors are currently unable to enter due to ongoing repair work. 

Another iconic landmark not to be missed is the famous Champs Elysees Avenue, adding to the charm and allure of Paris.

Take a cruise on the Seine

The Seine River is like the heartbeat of Paris, running right through the center and neatly dividing it into two parts. 

Taking a cruise on a Bateau-Mouche, which translates to “fly boats,” offers a unique perspective of the city, especially if you time it for sunset to see Paris in a beautiful orange glow. 

It’s a must-do experience to see Paris from this new angle.

The first-ever women’s Olympic champion, Helene de Pourtales from Switzerland, made history by sailing her boat, Lerina, on the Seine River during the 1900 Olympics.

Attend an Opera or Cabaret Show

Paris’s cultural scene is as diverse as it is captivating. 

Enhance your Olympic experience by attending a world-class opera or cabaret show. 

From the historic Palais Garnier to the intimate cabarets of Montmartre, Paris boasts many entertainment options that showcase the city’s artistic prowess.

A Weekend Getaway to Disneyland Paris

For a dose of whimsy and nostalgia, take a short journey to Disneyland Paris. 

Experience the enchantment of the magical kingdom, meet beloved Disney characters, and enjoy thrilling rides. 

Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Disneyland Paris offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and a chance to relive childhood joy.

Indulge in Culinary Delights with Food Tours

Paris is a haven for food enthusiasts, and what better way to immerse yourself in its culinary world than through a food tour? 

Wander through bustling markets, sample delectable pastries, and savor artisanal cheeses on Paris food tours.

Let your taste buds dance with the rich flavors of French cuisine, and don’t forget to pair your discoveries with a glass of exquisite wine.

Take a Cooking Class

Delve into the secrets of French cooking by taking a hands-on cooking class. 

Engage with local chefs as they share their expertise, guiding you through the creation of classic French dishes. 

From mastering the perfect baguette to creating mouthwatering macarons, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also gain skills to impress friends and family back home.

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