The 2024 Olympic Games are fast approaching Paris and promise an exhilarating time for sports fans. To make the most of this global event, good organization is essential. Indeed, knowing where the events are taking place, which transport stations are closed, and the best ways to get around is paramount. What's more, getting the right passes and knowing where to avoid the crowds can greatly enhance your experience. This practical guide provides you with all the information you need to navigate your way through this unique period. Get ready to experience unforgettable moments with our expert advice and practical tips. First time in Paris? Discover the must-sees!
Where are the 2024 Olympic Games events taking place?
To make the most of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it's crucial to know the main venues where the events will take place. Here's a handy guide to the places to visit:
Paris Intra-Muros
- Stade de France (Saint-Denis): Host to athletics and rugby sevens. It's one of the Games' main venues, with a huge capacity.
- Roland-Garros: Known for tennis, this venue will also host the boxing finals. It is located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
- Champ de Mars - Stade de la Tour Eiffel: This emblematic site will host beach volleyball, offering a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Grand Palais: This historic site will host fencing and taekwondo, combining heritage and sport.
- Place de la Concorde: Central to urban sports such as BMX freestyle, skateboarding and breaking, bringing a modern touch to the historic heart of Paris.
Île-de-France
- Château de Versailles: This majestic venue will be the setting for the equestrian and modern pentathlon events.
- Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium: Located in Seine-et-Marne, this venue will host the canoeing, kayaking and rowing events.
- Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines: This site will host track cycling at the Vélodrome National and BMX racing at the Stade BMX.
Other cities in France
- Marseille: Sailing events will be held at the Marina de Marseille and several soccer matches at the Stade Vélodrome.
- Lille (Stade Pierre-Mauroy): Host to handball and basketball tournaments.
- Nice, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Saint-Étienne: These cities will also be hosting soccer matches at various national stadiums.
- Tahiti (Teahupo'o): A unique destination for surfing events, offering an exotic and spectacular setting.
Which stations will be closed during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
To ensure the smooth running of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, several public transport stations will be temporarily closed or will experience service changes. Here's the essential information you need to get organized:
Temporary closures and modifications
- Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau" station (Lines 1 and 13): Closed for the duration of the events at Place de la Concorde to facilitate access to urban sports events.
- Bir-Hakeim" station (line 6): Closed on beach volleyball competition days at Champ de Mars. Consider getting off at "Dupleix" or "Passy" as alternatives.
- Porte de Saint-Cloud" station (Line 9): Partially closed during matches at the Parc des Princes. Use "Exelmans" or "Marcel Sembat" stations instead.
- La Défense" station (RER A, Metro Line 1): Occasional closures are planned due to swimming and water polo competitions at the Arena de La Défense. Replacement shuttles will be available.
How do I get to the events?
Public transport
- Metro and RER: The Paris Metro and RER lines are the fastest ways to get to the Olympic venues. Take Line 1 to the Place de la Concorde and Line 6 to the Champ de Mars. RER line B takes you directly from the center of Paris to the Stade de France. Consult the updated timetables and maps on the RATP website.
- Bus: Additional bus routes will be in operation during the Games. For example, special shuttles will connect distant competition venues, such as the Château de Versailles and the Vélodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Check routes on the RATP and SNCF websites.
Car and parking
- Parking zones: Parking will be limited near the Olympic venues. Use park-and-ride facilities (e.g. Vincennes or La Défense) and finish your journey by public transport. Reserve your parking space in advance via applications such as Parkings de Paris.
- Traffic restrictions: Certain areas will be closed to car traffic for safety reasons. Find out about current restrictions on the Mairie de Paris website.
Bicycles
- Vélib': Self-service Vélib' bicycles are an excellent option for getting around quickly and avoiding crowds. Additional stations will be installed near Olympic venues. More information on Vélib' Métropole.
Which Pass to buy for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
To facilitate your experience of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it's essential to understand the ticketing system and the different types of pass available. Here's everything you need to know to get your tickets and access events.
Pass types available
- Day Pass: This pass gives you access to several events on a specific day. It's ideal if you want to maximize your experience by attending a variety of sports in a single day.
- Sports Pass: If you're passionate about a particular sport, this pass allows you to attend all competitions in that discipline. For example, one pass for all swimming events.
- Multi-Day Pass: For those wishing to experience the Games over several days, this pass offers maximum flexibility by allowing access to different events over several consecutive days.
How to buy tickets
- Official website: Tickets are sold mainly via the official Paris 2024 Olympic Games website.
- Authorized resellers: There are also resellers authorized by the Olympic Games Organizing Committee (OCOG). Be sure to check that the site is authorized to avoid scams.
- Ticket Lotteries: Some tickets will be available via lotteries, giving all fans a fair chance to get tickets to high-demand events. Register for these lotteries via the official website.
Access and security
- Security check: Spectators will have to pass through strict security checks at the entrance to the venues. Make sure you don't bring any prohibited items (weapons, large bags, etc.).
- Electronic tickets: Use the official Games mobile app to store and present your electronic tickets. This facilitates access and reduces the risk of losing paper tickets.
What will be the least-frequented venues during the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Alternative venues and Fan Zones
- La Villette Fan Zone: Located in the Parc de La Villette, this fan zone offers a festive atmosphere with giant screens to follow the events. Less crowded than those on the Champs-Élysées or Champ de Mars, it also offers entertainment and food stalls.
- Parc André Citroën: This park in the 15th arrondissement is a pleasant place to watch the competitions on the big screen, away from the main venues. What's more, it offers green spaces for relaxing between events.
Parks and green spaces
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This park is an excellent place to escape the crowds. It offers hills, suspension bridges and a lake, perfect for a family picnic while following Olympic events on your mobile.
- Jardin des Plantes: Located in the 5th arrondissement, this garden offers a peaceful setting in which to relax. You can enjoy the botanical gardens while following the Games updates on your phone.
Cultural and sporting activities
- Musée de la Vie Romantique: Located in the 9th arrondissement, this museum attracts fewer visitors than the major Parisian museums, but offers a pleasant cultural break. Book your Museum Pass here and enjoy access to over 50 Paris museums! You can also opt for a Go City Pass which will give you access to various attractions of your choice.
- Walk along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont: This former railroad line has been transformed into a green promenade, making it a quiet place for a stroll. Take a break and follow the competitions on your mobile device.
Discover Paris' trendiest activities here:
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Who will carry the 2024 Olympic flame?
The Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be carried by 10,000 torchbearers across France, including 400 towns and five overseas regions. Among the first confirmed torchbearers are Inès Lanz, a young autistic girl with a passion for pétanque, and François Pervis, a medal-winning cyclist. The relay will start on May 8, 2024 in Marseille after a handover ceremony in Greece and will cross many regions before reaching Paris for the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024.
Where to stay in Paris during the Olympic Games?
Good value for money
- Location: 13th arrondissement, near Place d'Italie.
- Features: Three-star hotel offering comfortable, well-equipped rooms at reasonable prices.
- Benefits: Easy access to public transport, warm welcome and modern decor.
Original
- Location: 20th arrondissement, near rue des Pyrénées.
- Features: Unique, colorful hotel design, young, relaxed atmosphere.
- Benefits: Rooftop overlooking Paris, lively bar and restaurant with creative cuisine.
Comfortable
- Location: 8th arrondissement, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
- Features: Five-star luxury hotel with elegant rooms and suites, world-renowned spa and Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Benefits: Impeccable service, rooftop pool overlooking the Eiffel Tower, and indoor garden.
What new sports are on the program for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games include four new sports on the program:
- Breaking (Breakdance): An urban dance discipline making its first appearance at the Olympic Games.
- Skateboarding: First introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Games, it returns to Paris.
- Sport climbing: Also introduced at Tokyo 2020, it continues to be on the program.
- Surfing: After its introduction in Tokyo, surfing is back and will take place in Tahiti for Paris 2024.
