Welcome to Paris, the City of Light, and this time, the City of the Olympics! As Paris hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics (100 years after the last Paris Olympics, in 1924!), the city is buzzing with excitement and energy. To help you make the most of your visit, here's a practical guide to navigating Paris during this grand event.
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Paris has an extensive public transport network, including metro, buses, and RER trains. During the Olympics, special passes and extended operating hours will be available.
The Paris 2024 Olympics Travel Pass will be a must-have item, as the regular Navigo pass won't be valid during the Olympics. Available for 1 to 7 days, with prices from €16 to €70, this pass provides unlimited access to all transport within Paris and the Île-de-France region (zones 1-5). It's valid from July 20 to September 8, 2024, and can be purchased online at Paris 2024 Travel Pass or at RATP and SNCF stations starting June 18. Note that the pass activates upon first use.
For safety reasons, please be aware of temporary closures on some metro stations during the Olympics: Metro line 1 (Champs-Elysées — Clémenceau station from July 20 to August 11 and August 22 to September 8, Concorde station from June 17 to September 1, Tuileries station from June 17 to September 1), Metro line 7 (Pont Marie station on August 10 and 11 from 11 AM to last train), Metro line 8 (Concorde station from June 17 to September 1), Metro line 9 (Exelmans, Michel-Ange Auteuil, and Michel-Ange Molitor stations on July 24 and 25 from 4 PM to last train, July 27 to August 3 from 4 PM to last train, and August 9 and 10 from 4 PM to last train), Metro line 12 (Concorde station from May 17 to September 21), and Metro line 13 (Champs-Elysées — Clémenceau station from July 20 to August 11 and August 22 to September 8). Tram services will also be suspended at Porte d'Issy and Porte de Versailles stations from July 25 to August 11 and August 29 to September 7, and at Colette Besson station from July 27 to August 10 and August 29 to September 8. With these schedules in mind, plan the best Olympic adventure in Paris!
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available. Be aware that traffic might be heavier than usual, so plan accordingly. Paris is also a beautiful city to explore on foot or by bike. Many areas, especially near Olympic venues, will be pedestrian-friendly. The city’s bike-sharing system, Vélib’, is a convenient option.
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During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, choosing where to stay is crucial for balancing budget and convenience. The 5th arrondissement, known for its historic charm and central location, is an excellent choice. It offers a range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hotels to upscale boutique stays, and easy access to various parts of the city, thanks to its well-connected metro lines. According to the recent public transport announcement, several metro and tram stations will be closed during the Games. However, the 5th arrondissement remains a strategic choice due to its proximity to key Olympic venues and major transportation hubs that are expected to stay operational. Additionally, the 5th boasts excellent dining options such as Hugo & Co and Les Petits Pois, enhancing your stay. Also consider the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, adjacent to the 5th and equally central. These areas are close to major attractions like the Marais district and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and offer a vibrant atmosphere with numerous cafes, shops, and cultural sites. The 9th arrondissement is another viable option, home to the famous Galeries Lafayette and a walkable distance to Montmartre, providing excellent shopping and picturesque views.
You can also consider staying in less central neighborhoods to find more availability and better prices, but check well the transportation to be sure you can reach the center of Paris easily.
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About the food, French restaurants usually offer set menus around 18 to 20€. For diners or more sophisticated restaurants, the menus are usually between 30 to 40€. Some restaurant might also increase their prices during the Games… but there will be still many affordable options, like for example nice sandwich or quiche from French Bakeries. Also, don’t forget that service is usually included in the bill at restaurants (however, leaving a small tip for good service is still appreciated).
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Packing for your trip to Paris during the 2024 Olympics? Wondering what to wear to stay comfortable and stylish? First, consider the summer weather in Paris. Generally, Paris enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round, with summer temperatures typically not exceeding 30°C. However, you might also encounter the infamous “canicule,” or heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. To prepare for these extremes, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, and bring along accessories like a fan to keep cool and stay hydrated. Sunglasses, scarves, or hats can also help protect you from the intense UV rays while adding a touch of flair to your outfit. Additionally, Paris is known for its significant temperature drop in the evenings, sometimes dipping to the teens in Celsius. This year, the weather seems to be cooler than usual, so a light jacket will be essential for staying warm during the chilly nights.
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Regarding safety, while traveling in Paris, you need to pay extra attention when you are in very tourist areas, which are also “hot spots” for pickpocketing activities. Be careful with your belongings when you are near the following metro stations: Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette, Havre Caumartin, Saint Augustin, Saint-Lazare, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Iéna…. The areas around Montmartre are also famous for attracting pickpockets.
As with any large event, be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use anti-theft backpacks or fanny packs and keep important items in the inside pockets. Moreover, stay alert to people who try to distract you and avoid common scams. In public transportation, avoid standing in crowded cars, especially near doors. Since most of the objects stolen in Paris are smartphones, use your phone carefully and only in a safe environment. While in restaurants and cafes, keep bags in sight or on your lap. Avoid traveling alone at night and choose to walk on bright, well-trafficked streets.
Last but not least, keep in mind the local emergency contact numbers: 15 for SAMU (The French Emergency Medical Assistance Service) and 17 for the police.
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Since you might be often in crowded cases, carry hand sanitizer and bring a mask. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health emergencies before leaving your country. To avoid heat-related health issues (due to the hot temperature) don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and to always carry some water.
If you get sick, you can find a doctor on the French website doctolib. But you can also do a video call with a doctor in some Pharmacy through the service called Medadom. You can for example do It in Parapharmacy Monge.
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Paris, renowned as a shopping paradise, boasts a plethora of international luxury brands and unique French boutique labels. The city’s charm lies not only in its diverse array of products but also in the meticulous attention to detail and the pursuit of the perfect shopping experience. So while coming to Paris for the Olympics, don’t miss the chance to also do some shopping, for you and for your relatives!
At the famous Galeries Lafayette, under the magnificent dome epitomizing the Haussmann architectural style, you can find nearly all coveted French brands and enjoy an unforgettable shopping experience. For a more budget-friendly shopping adventure, head to the picturesque La Vallée Village near Disneyland, which offers a delightful array of outlet stores. If vintage is more your style, Paris is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, with the Marais district hosting numerous charming shops brimming with vintage finds. To discover more about shopping in Paris and the top recommended spots by Parisians, click here for further information. About souvenirs, there are also many great options, check our dedicated article there.
Photos and texts: O'bon Paris Team