The 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, promise to be an unforgettable event that will captivate the world. Nearly 15 million travelers from around the world are expected to descend upon the City of Light for the games, and a whopping 300,000 will attend the Opening Ceremony. And while athletics are the main attraction, the Paris Olympics are just one of many things to experience in the city during the games.
If you’re heading to the Olympic Games, you can’t forget that it’s a world-class city. Renowned for its art, culture, attractions, and cuisine, there’s no city quite like Paris. As the city prepares to host the Games for the third time, let’s run down the best things for travelers to do in the city while they embrace the Olympic spirit.
The 2024 Olympics will take place across three main areas: the Paris Area, the Île-de-France Area, and the rest of France. In the heart of the city, you’ll find 13 venues, including the legendary Eiffel Tower, the historic Champs-Élysées, and the iconic Grand Palais.
Venture out to the Île-de-France region, and you’ll discover 12 additional Paris Olympics venues. They include the Yves-du-Manoir Olympic Stadium and the state-of-the-art Olympic Aquatics Centre. Nearly every event takes place in France, but if you want to catch the surfing events, you’ll have to fly to the other side of the world! They’ll take place in the middle of the South Pacific, in Teahupo’o, Tahiti!
The 2024 Olympics will kick off with a grand Opening Ceremony on July 26th, followed by 17 days of top-notch athletic competition. Every four years, the games bring the entire world together while showcasing the skills of some of the best athletes across the globe. There’s nothing else quite like it!
For the ultimate VIP experience, consider purchasing tickets to the Opening or Closing Ceremony. These events are known for their breathtaking displays of artistry, music, technology, and cultural heritage. You never know what you’ll experience there, from the dazzling fireworks show in Sydney in 2000 to the on-stage reunion of the Spice Girls in London in 2012!
With 329 medal events scheduled across a wide range of sports, the 2024 Olympics will offer countless opportunities to witness athletic excellence. Even though the number of events is down slightly from the 339 held in Tokyo in 2021, there’s still something for every kind of sports enthusiast.
Arguably, the Paris Olympics’ biggest stars are Team USA’s buzzworthy women’s gymnastics team. Consisting of the legendary Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and newcomer Hezly Rivera, the team will return after a disappointing second-place finish at the COVID-delayed Tokyo games in 2021.
Another Team USA athlete to watch in the 2024 Olympics is track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson. The star will compete in just one event at the games: the women’s 100-meter dash. Other prominent sports represented include swimming,beach volleyball, archery, boxing, diving, cycling, football, canoeing, sailing, and basketball.
Plan your schedule in advance to ensure you don’t miss the events that matter most to you. Keep an eye out for new additions to the Olympic program, such as the debut of breaking. This artform is as much of a sport as it is a dance, and requires a remarkable amount of athleticism. Breaking may be new to the Olympics, but it’s been a fixture in hip-hop and pop culture for decades. Break dancers, or b-boys and b-girls as they prefer to be called,
The 2024 Olympics will feature a pair of charming mascots known as the Phryges, based on the Phrygian cap – a symbol of freedom and the French Republic. These whimsical characters will capture the hearts of spectators young and old, and you can even purchase Phryges-themed merchandise as a souvenir.
The Olympic torch, designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, is a work of art in its own right. The perfectly symmetrical design represents the gender parity of the Games, while the wave and vibration effects pay homage to the aquatic events and the spirit of peace. I got to see it in-person in Paris just weeks before the games kicked off, and it was a spectacular sight!
Beyond the sporting events of the Paris Olympics, Paris itself is a treasure trove of culture and art. Take a shopping trip to the iconic Champs-Élysées or admire the art at the Louvre museum. The stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral won’t reopen until December 2024 after a devastating fire destroyed parts of the landmark in 2019, but you can still check out its exteriors until then. or indulge in the city’s renowned culinary scene.
For a unique perspective, consider booking a river cruise along the Seine, where you can sip on French champagne while taking in the breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks. Another unique, and slightly macabre, thing you can do is visit the famous Paris Catacombs. The remains of over six million people lie in the catacombs, so remember to be respectful when you visit.
And don’t forget to visit the Eiffel Tower, arguably the most recognizable structure in all of Europe. Head up to the top to enjoy panoramic vistas of the entire city!
The 2024 Olympics will mark the third time Paris has hosted the Olympic event, with the previous editions taking place in 1900 and 1924. One of the best ways to commemorate the 2024 games is by immersing yourself in the city’s Olympic legacy by visiting historical sites like the Yves-du-Manoir Olympic Stadium, which hosted the Opening Ceremony of the 1924 Games.
As you explore the city, learn about the stories behind the iconic venues and see how the city has evolved to embrace the Olympic spirit. It’s a great lesson on the city itself, as well as the history of the Olympic games!
The focus may be on the Paris Olympics, but no visit to Paris would be complete without sampling its world-renowned cuisine. From classic French dishes like croque-monsieur and bouillabaisse to decadent pastries like pain au chocolat and crème brûlée, the French capital is a true foodie paradise.
Take the time to explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene, whether it’s dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or indulging in a quick bite from a street vendor. And don’t forget to pair your meals with the perfect glass of French wine or a refreshing cocktail. It’s the best way to immerse yourself in French culture while enjoying the 2024 Olympics!
Beyond the 2024 Olympics, Paris is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife. I mentioned the world-class Louvre earlier, which is one of my personal favorite museums in the city. I also recommend the Musée d’Orsay, a local art museum that offers a more casual and less intense atmosphere. Don’t forget to also explore the charming Montmartre neighborhood and the historic Latin Quarter!
As the sun sets, the city comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From chic cocktail bars to lively dance clubs, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking to sip on a glass of champagne or dance the night away, Paris has it all!
No visit to the Paris Olympics would be complete without exploring the city’s iconic landmarks. I mentioned the Eiffel Tower earlier, but it’s hardly the only landmark worth visiting in Paris. The imposing Arc de Triomphe is a favorite of mine, as are the Jardin du Luxembourg and the lavish and expansive Palace of Versailles. I also suggest heading to Sainte-Chapelle to admire its collection of Christian artifacts and intricate stained glass windows.
But don’t just stick to the well-known attractions. Take the time to discover the city’s hidden gems as well. Wander through the charming streets of the Marais, explore the quaint bookstores and cafes of the Latin Quarter, or visit the city’s lesser-known museums.
With so much to see and do during the 2024 Olympics, it’s important to plan your transportation and accommodation well in advance. The city’s public transportation system, which includes the Métro, RER, and buses, is a convenient and efficient way to get around.
For your accommodation, consider exploring options beyond traditional hotels, such as vacation rentals or Airbnb properties. This can not only save you money but also provide a more immersive and authentic experience of Parisian living.
No matter how you choose to experience the 2024 Paris Olympics, one thing is certain: this event will be a true celebration of athletic excellence, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games. Start planning your visit today, and get ready to be captivated by the magic of the City of Light.
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