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Tips for Travelers Attending the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Set your watch for 8:24 PM sharp. It's 20:24.

July 5, 2024

2024 sees the Olympic Games return to France exactly 100 years after Paris last hosted the sporting event. The City of Light will host the XXXIII Olympiad from July 26 until August 11 with the Paralympic Games following from August 28 to September 8. 

Whether you have already purchased tickets or are planning a last-minute trip to cheer on Team USA, this guide will assist you in your preparations. 

Event centers and stadia for the Games 

The Olympic Village is located in the Parisian suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis. Additional venues are being installed at such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Place de la Concorde. Check, double-check, and triple-check your venue before setting out.

Attending the Opening Ceremony 

In a revolutionary move, the committee has allocated free admission for approximately 220,000 spectators at the Opening Ceremony. The free viewing area will be located on the embankment of the Seine. 

Purchasing tickets for the 2024 Summer Games

Limited tickets and hospitality packages are listed on the official ticketing website every Thursday at 10:00 AM (CEST). Tickets are also available on the official resale platform. Only purchase tickets from these authorized websites and be mindful of phishing scams. 

Where to stay in Paris for the Summer Olympics

As Paris is one of the most luxurious destinations in Europe, the city is chock full of 5-star properties. Hotels are almost at capacity but you can also consider accommodation near the Versailles and Marne-la-Vallée event centers. These peripheral towns have reliable train connections with central Paris.

Getting around Paris 

Paris will be overwhelmed during the XXXIII Olympiad as 15 million travel to the city. It’s recommended to avoid taxis and car rentals in favor of the Paris Métro. There will be a 15% increase in metro, bus, and train services during the Games. Paris is also a joy to explore on foot or by bicycle. 

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash

Sporting centers beyond Paris 

Paris and the Île-de-France are the epicenter of the Games but they’re not the only venues. Football matches will be held at stadiums in Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. Marseille Marina will host sailing events while the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia is hosting Olympic surfing.

Pack appropriately 

Paris is scorching in summer. Average daytime temperatures push 78-82°F although sporadic heat waves may tip closer to 90°F. Prioritize natural fibers for clothing, do as Coco Chanel would and choose flat footwear, and pack adequate sun protection. 

Stay hydrated 

Tap water is safe to drink in Paris and the Games organizers are installing over 700 water fountains in their pledge to make Paris 2024 the most sustainable Olympic Games to date. Reusable bottles are permitted in all venues to combat plastic pollution.

Secure your supper  

No trip to Paris is complete without sampling Parisian and French cuisine. Do your research and reserve tables to avoid disappointment. 

Visiting Paris attractions 

The attractions, museums, and gardens of Paris will remain open throughout the 2024 Summer Olympics. Admission charges will not increase but demand will skyrocket. Avoid lines by reserving tours and tickets in advance. 

Download the app

The free Paris 2024 app is a hub for breaking news and handy tips for navigating the Summer Games.

On your marks, get set: the Olympic Games commence at 8:24 PM sharp. Or, 20:24. Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations today to finalize your summer sojourn.

Ready to embark on your own journey to the extraordinary?