Navigating Paris During the 2024 Olympics: Your Essential Guide

Paris is set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 6. All that is promising a summer full of excitement and sport events. Here’s how you can navigate the city seamlessly during this bustling time and don't get lost with any detail.

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Key Olympic Highlights

Expect 329 events across 32 sports, including new thrills like skateboarding and surfing. Historic venues like Stade de France, the Eiffel Tower, Concorde and Parc de Princes will be at the heart of the action.

Spectacular Opening Ceremony On the 26 July

The grand opening ceremony will take place along the Seine. It’s expected to be a breathtaking spectacle. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, the athletes won't be parading in a stadium, but on the Seine!

The 6 km route will start at the Pont d'Austerlitz and end at the Pont d'Iéna (close to the Eiffel Tower).

Securing Event Tickets

If you missed the initial ticket ballots, don’t worry! The official Paris 2024 ticketing website will release more tickets regularly. Keep an eye out for the latest updates to grab your chance to witness the action live.

How to buy tickets

See the link below to see availabilities and buy your tickets:

https://tickets.paris2024.org/en/

Moving Around the Olympic Perimeter

To navigate around the Olympic event zones, use alternative metro stations and be prepared for increased security checks. Walking and cycling are great ways to get around, with many streets closed to traffic and dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. If you plan to see any sporting event and you have your ticket be aware that you also need to fill in a formulary online in order to obtain a necessary QR code.

The QR code would be needed only in the areas known as SLIT (Gray areas) - see the map below.

Red and blue areas will be accessible to pedestrians without any restrictions. See the link where you can obtain the necessary qr codes (only for the gray areas):

https://www.pass-jeux.gouv.fr/en/

Best Places to Watch Olympic Games in Paris

If you don't have tickets for the Olympics, don’t worry! You still have many options to see it on live streams.

It’s worth noting that there are some events such as the marathon, triathlon, rowing, open water swimming, some cycling and even parts of the opening ceremony that’ll be visible to those without tickets.

Here are a few places that will be especially interesting:

Parc de La Villette will be home to Club France, where French athletes and fans will come together to celebrate and watch the games. Zones for other nationalities’ teams will also be set up in this area.

Parc des Marnes on the other hand promises to be an excellent spot to catch a glimpse of the women’s marathon, which is the final event of the games.

At the Trocadéro in Champions Park, medal winners from the previous day will take part in parades and meet with the public. Live screenings of the day’s major events will also be shown here.

All in all Paris City Hall has set up a whole host of ‘fan zones’ across the city, which are free to attend – and many will have screenings.

Public Transport Tips

Paris's metro system can be complex but still it is the best way to navigate the city during the Olympics. With 16 lines and over 300 stations, it’s the most efficient way to get around.

One of the best options to navigate around the Olympics will be the Ligne 14. It will get you from Orly Airport to the city center in about 25 min. It will also connect the main points of the Olympics. The metro will run every 30 seconds.

Please note that metro ticket prices will increase during the Games to 4eu per trip. Consider getting a rechargeable Navigo pass to move around conveniently.

Closed Metro Stations

Be aware that some metro stations near event venues might be closed or have limited access for security reasons. Those stations are:

Concorde: ligne 1, 12
Champs Elysées Clémenceau: ligne 1, 13
Tuileries: ligne 1

Check the official RATP website for real-time updates and plan your routes accordingly or download the RATP app.

Accommodation and Activities

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, Paris offers a wide range of accommodations during the Games. Many Parisians will also rent their apartments so you will have a big range of options. For more affordable areas check the northern Paris districts: Montmartre, Paris19, 20eme.

Make sure you take advantage of your visit during the Olympics to explore the city’s iconic sights, cultural landmarks, and charming neighborhoods with Walkative pay what you wish tours.

Make the Most of Your Visit with Walkative!

Enhance your Olympic experience by joining our “pay what you wish” walking tours. Explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Paris, guided by our charismatic and knowledgeable guides.

Due to police restrictions we unfortunately won't be able to do our main Historic Paris Tour from the 18 July to the 26 July. We will, however, run other tours such as Montmartre, Latin Quarter and Le Marais. Check them out and book here.

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