Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games
Paris, the City of Light, will take to the world stage for two weeks during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. Below, we've compiled the best plans and things to do in Paris throughout the Olympics!
Paris is ready to warmly welcome the 33rd edition of the Olympic Games, taking place from Friday, July 26 through Sunday, August 11, 2024. The French capital is set to host the renowned international multisport event, where the best of the best come to compete. Additionally, from August 28 to September 8, 2024, the Paralympic Games will also take place in the City of Light.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Game opening ceremony will take place July 26, and for the first time in history, it's won't take place in the Olympic stadium. Instead, the show will go on from the River Seine, as hundreds of thousands of spectators are predicted to descend upon the French capital. The banks of the river are sure to be lined with excited guestsready to enjoy the spectacle.
Each of the 206 participating countries will sail down the river in their own boat for the Parade of Nations. The parade will launch from Austerlitz Bridge and pass the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. The 6-kilometer route will end at Trocadero, where the show will continue in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Also for the first time in history, the event will be open to the public, and no admission fees or tickets are required to witness the historic show. So if you're traveling to Paris during the 2024 Olympics, you'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime show. Keep in mind, if you want to get closer to the action and see the show from a closer vantage point, you'll have to purchase tickets.
You can also have a similar experience, sailing down the River Seine with some of the activities we offer! Check out a sightseeing cruise, or a cruise down the river with lunch and views of the Eiffel Tower.
Things to Do in Paris during the Summer Olympic Games
While Paris will be full of Olympic games and activities, the capital city's main monuments will still be open throughout the city. Though due to the high number of predicted visitors, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. An excellent option to consider, to make your visit smoother and more comfortable, is the Go City Paris pass, which grants you access to over 75 attractions! Not only does it save you time, but money as well, so you can enjoy the city more.
If you prefer to make the most of your Olympic experience but find yourself short on time to see other monuments in the city, the best option is to start with this Panoramic Tour of Olympic Paris! Enjoy a route through the most emblematic places while you get to know fun facts about the 2024 Games.
The best things to do in Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games that we recommend you book your tickets in advance are:
● Louvre Museum: an absolute must-see in Paris, plus with a guided tour you'll weave your way through one of the most important art galleries in the world. Make sure to book these tickets well in advance, the high number of expected visitors makes it very likely tickets will sell out.
● Climb the Eiffel Tower: decorated with the Olympic rings, this icon of the French capital is set to receive thousands of visitors during the celebration of the Olympic Games. However, it's worth mentioning tickets will be more restricted than at other times. The views from the second or third floor can be a great plan to admire the city and enjoy competitions such as beach volleyball on the Champ de Mars, or athletics and road cycling in its passage through Trocadero.
● Visit Versailles: if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the center, visit the Palace of Versailles. During the Games, the Palace is set to host equestrian competitions and canoeing.
● Go up the Arc de Triomphe: located at one end of the Champs Elysees, this arch is another must-see monument of Paris. At the exit, you can walk down to Place de la Concorde, where you can enjoy the 3x3 basketball games or the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
● Montmartre: getting lost in one of the most famous neighborhoods of Paris, visiting the Sacré Coeur, and enjoying a show at the iconic Moulin Rouge are essential activities on any visit to Paris!
How to Get to Paris
The most common way to get to Paris is by plane. The French capital has three airports: Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Beauvais.
If you have not yet purchased your flights to visit Paris during the Olympic Games, you can do so directly at this link:
To get from the Paris airport to the hotel in the city center, the most convenient option is to book a transfer that will take you smoothly and quickly.
For a more economical option, you can easily reach the city center by train or bus, though keep in mind during these dates, it may be very packed due to the larger number of visitors.
How to Get Around Paris During the Olympic Games
With the celebration of the Olympic Games in Paris, many fans are expected to arrive, multiplying considerably the visits that the city could receive throughout any other summer. This will affect public transport and, although it is the best way to get around the city, prices will be increased for the duration of the Games.
The best option for getting around Paris during the 2024 Olympics is the metro. It is the fastest way to get around the city and reaches all Olympic venues. From July 20, the single metro ticket will cost from € 2.10 (US$ 2.30) to € 4 (US$ 4.40) and the 10-ride pass will cost € 32 (US$ 35.40).
The Navigo card will have a special Paris 2024 Pass that will allow visitors to move around the region freely via metro, bus, RER transport network, and even to the airports. The new pass will run from July 20 to September 8, but will not be available for purchase or top-up during the Olympic Games. It will cost € 16 (US$ 17.70) for one day, € 30 (US$ 33.20) for two days, € 42 (US$ 46.50) for three days, and € 70 (US$ 77.50) for the whole week. Our recommendation? Purchase your pass in advance to secure your ticket!
QR to Move Around Paris
Paris is also going to implement a QR code identification system to move around the city during the 2024 Olympics. As of May 10, you can request it through the official website. Keep in mind, to access the Olympic venues, this QR code is required.
