What To Know Before You Travel To The Paris Olympics

The Olympics are an unforgettable experience! This guide has everything you need to know before you travel to the Paris Olympics!

May 10, 2024

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

The 2024 Olympics in Paris are just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your trip to this iconic event! From experiencing thrilling athletic competitions to exploring the beautiful city of Paris, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

That’s why this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to be fully organized before you travel to the Paris Olympics.

Ready to get going?

Let the games begin!

A Brief History Of The Olympics

The Olympics are the leading international sporting event, with both summer and winter games. The history of the Olympics can be broken up into the origins, revival, and modern day Olympics:

Ancient Origins

The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece, with the first recorded Olympic Games held in 776 BCE in Olympia. These ancient games were dedicated to the Greek god Zeus and were held every four years as part of a religious festival.

Revival

After centuries of decline and eventual prohibition by Roman Emperors, the Olympic Games remained dormant for nearly 1,500 years. However, in the late 19th century, a French educator named Pierre de Coubertin spearheaded efforts to revive the Olympics as a modern international sporting event.

Modern Olympics

The inaugural modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, with participants from 14 nations competing in 43 events across nine sports. Since then, the Olympics have grown in scale and popularity, evolving into the largest and most prestigious multi-sport event in the world.

The Paris Olympics will run from Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August.

Where Are The Olympics Taking Place?

There are a lot of events, so for this list we’re looking at the five most popular events:

Athletics
Artistic Gymnastics
Basketball
Swimming
Soccer (Football)

Let’s take a look at the venues hosting these events.

Hôtel de Ville – Athletics

Hôtel de Ville, or the City Hall of Paris, serves as a historic and iconic venue for Olympic athletics events. Its grand architecture and central location in the heart of Paris provide a stunning backdrop for track and field events like sprinting, hurdles, and relay races.

Invalides – Athletics

Les Invalides, a complex of buildings with a rich history dating back to the 17th century, provides a majestic setting for Olympic athletics events. Its expansive grounds and historic significance make it ideal for events such as javelin throw, shot put, and discus throw.

Stade de France – Athletics

Stade de France is one of the largest stadiums in Europe and serves as a premier venue for sporting events and concerts. Its modern facilities and impressive capacity make it an ideal location for Olympic athletic events such as long jump, high jump, and pole vault.

Bercy Arena – Artistic Gymnastics, Basketball

Bercy Arena, also known as Accor Arena, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Bercy neighborhood of Paris. With its versatile design and state-of-the-art amenities, it hosts a wide range of events, including gymnastics and basketball during the Olympics.

Paris La Defense Arena – Swimming

Paris La Defense Arena is a modern indoor arena known for its striking architecture and technological innovations. It provides a dynamic setting for swimming events, with world-class facilities and seating arrangements.

Bordeaux Stadium – Football

Bordeaux Stadium, also known as Matmut Atlantique, is a contemporary stadium located in the vibrant city of Bordeaux. Its spacious layout and excellent facilities make it an ideal venue for Olympic soccer matches, attracting fans from around the world.

Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium – Football

Affectionately known as “Le Chaudron” (The Cauldron), Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium is a historic soccer stadium renowned for its passionate atmosphere and storied history. It provides an electrifying setting for Olympic soccer matches, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on their favorite teams.

Le Beajoire Stadium – Football

La Beaujoire Stadium is a modern stadium located in the city of Nantes, known for its sleek design and excellent facilities. It offers a vibrant atmosphere for Olympic soccer matches, with fans enjoying the excitement of the games in a comfortable and dynamic environment.

where to stay outside paris for olympics

Accommodation

Planning your accommodation for when you do 2024 Olympics in Paris is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips:

Stay In Nearby Areas: While staying in the heart of Paris may seem ideal, consider accommodations in nearby areas to save money. Suburbs or neighborhoods slightly outside the city center often offer lower prices while still providing convenient access to Olympic venues.
Look for accommodations near major transportation hubs or metro stations for easy travel to and from Olympic events.
Compare Prices: Don’t settle for the first accommodation option you find. Take the time to compare prices across different platforms, including hotel booking websites, Airbnb, and vacation rental platforms. Consider factors like location, amenities, and cancellation policies when comparing prices to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative accommodation options beyond traditional hotels, such as guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and house-swapping arrangements. These options can offer unique experiences and often come with lower price tags.

Transport

Navigating Paris during the Olympics can be seamless if you plan your transportation wisely. Here are some tips to help you get around the city efficiently:

Public Transport

Metro: Paris boasts an extensive metro system with over 300 stations, making it the ideal mode of transportation for navigating the city quickly and conveniently. Purchase a Paris Visite pass or a Carnet of 10 metro tickets for cost-effective travel.
Buses: Paris’s bus network covers the entire city and is a great option for reaching destinations not served by the metro. Bus routes are well-marked, and schedules are readily available at bus stops and online.
Trains: The RER (Réseau Express Régional) commuter trains connect Paris with surrounding suburbs and nearby attractions. Use the RER to travel to Olympic venues located outside the city center.

Walking & Biking

Pedestrian-Friendly Streets: Paris is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and iconic landmarks, making walking an enjoyable way to explore the city. Take leisurely strolls along the Seine River or through picturesque neighborhoods like Montmartre and the Marais.
Bike Rentals: Renting a bike is a fantastic way to experience Paris like a local while getting some exercise. Numerous bike rental shops and bike-sharing programs, such as Vélib’, offer affordable options for exploring the city on two wheels.

Try to avoid traveling during rush hours, typically between 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, to minimize crowds and potential delays on public transport.

Packing Before You Travel To The Paris Olympics

Preparing for your trip to Paris for the 2024 Olympics requires careful consideration of what to pack to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of essentials to include in your packing:

Clothing

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Paris is a city meant for exploring on foot, so pack comfortable shoes for walking long distances and navigating cobblestone streets.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast for Paris during your travel dates and pack accordingly. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for warm summer days and layers for cooler evenings.
Rain Gear: Paris weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket to stay dry during unexpected showers.
Evening Attire: If you plan to attend any formal events or dine at upscale restaurants, pack a few dressier outfits for evenings out.

Accessories

Day Bag or Backpack: Bring a lightweight day bag or backpack to carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera while exploring the city and attending Olympic events.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a reusable water bottle to refill at public drinking fountains or cafes.
Sun Protection: Pack sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays during outdoor activities and events.
Travel Adapter: Paris uses European-style plug sockets, so bring a travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.
Portable Charger: Keep your smartphone, camera, and other electronic devices powered up with a portable charger to capture and share your Olympic adventures.

Personal Hygiene

Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Remember to comply with airline regulations regarding liquids in carry-on luggage.
Personal Hygiene Products: Don’t forget items like hand sanitizer, tissues, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products for convenience and hygiene on the go.
Travel Towel: If you’re staying in budget accommodations or hostels, a quick-drying travel towel can come in handy for showers and swimming.

Extra Tips

If you’ve followed everything above, you should be ready to go!

But if you want to make sure you’ve thought of absolutely everything, here are some last tips before you travel to the Paris Olympics.

Be Careful Of Pickpockets: Paris is known for petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and public transportation. Keep your belongings secure at all times, use a money belt or anti-theft bag, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items.
Buy From Legitimate Sources: Only buy tickets for Olympic events from official channels designated by the organizing committee to avoid scams, counterfeit tickets, or inflated prices. Be wary of third-party vendors offering tickets at suspiciously low prices.
Keep Hydrated: Paris can experience hot summer temperatures during the Olympics, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Wear sunscreen, seek shade during peak sun hours, and protect yourself from heat-related illnesses.
Go Beyond The Olympics: While attending Olympic events is undoubtedly a highlight of your trip, take the opportunity to explore other parts of Paris and its surrounding regions. Discover hidden gems, local neighborhoods, and cultural attractions off the beaten path for a richer and more authentic travel experience.

For more information head to the official Paris Olympics website.