2024 Paris Olympics: We’ve compiled the latest updates and helpful advice for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
How Many Times Have the Olympics Been Held in Paris?
Paris is preparing to host the world’s premier sporting event for the second time, marking a century since the city last held the Olympics.
Paris Olympics Dates
The Olympic Games are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, while the Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Attendance is anticipated to be between 10 and 15 million people for both events.
What’s New at the Paris Olympics?
This year’s Games will feature 32 sports and over 306 events, with breaking (competitive breakdancing) making its debut. The event aims to offer a more balanced representation of genders and appeal to a younger audience. Additionally, for the first time, the same emblem will represent both the Olympics and Paralympics. The emblem combines the gold medal, the Olympic flame, and Marianne, the personification of the French Republic.
2024 Paris Olympics Schedule
The complete schedule for the Paris Olympics is available on the official website. The Games will commence on July 27, the day following the opening ceremony.
Paris Olympics Venues
Cycling events will span across Parisian streets, while judo will be held at the Champ-de-Mars Aréna near the Eiffel Tower. The historic Grand Palais will host fencing, and the La Défense Aréna will feature swimming competitions. Skateboarding will take place at the iconic Place de la Concorde, and rugby sevens will be played at the Stade de France. Diving events will occur at the Aquatics Centre, the only permanent venue constructed for the Paris 2024 Games. Surfing will be held on the island of Tahiti, marking the farthest Olympic event from the host city.
Paris Olympics Tickets
To buy remaining tickets for the Paris Olympics, visit the official website to avoid scams. Although high-demand tickets are limited, you can register to receive notifications about ticket releases. For the Paralympics, prices start at €15 each, promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. More details are available on the Paralympic Games ticketing page.
Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Initially, 600,000 spectators were expected for the opening ceremony, but safety concerns have reduced this number to about half. The parade will take place along the Seine, with viewing areas on both the lower and upper quays. This route spans 6 kilometers, significantly larger than an Olympic stadium. The grand finale will occur at the picturesque Place du Trocadéro. Tickets are required for some viewing areas, but others will be open to the public for free, with large screens provided along the route.
Paris Olympics QR Code Registration
Secure a Pass Jeux (Game Pass) with a personal QR code for access to central Parisian areas. This pass is essential for entry to key locations, with security measures including bag checks. A ticket for a specific Olympic event grants access only on the scheduled day.
Getting Around During the Paris Olympics
Taxis
At the airports, beware of unlicensed drivers offering overpriced fares. Stick to official taxis, which have set rates: €56 from Charles De Gaulle Airport to the Right Bank and €65 to the Left Bank, and €36 and €44 respectively from Orly Airport. VTC services like Uber are restricted in certain zones, so official taxis or reputable companies such as G7 or Alpha Taxis are recommended.
Public Transportation
The Grand Paris Express expansion, planned to be completed by the Olympics, will be delayed. While Line 14 will be finished, connecting Orly and major event sites, other lines and extensions will not be operational in time. Ticket prices will rise to €4 each from July 20 to September 8, so purchase tickets early. Weekly, monthly, and annual pass prices remain unchanged. For transport to Orly and CDG, use the RER B or Metro Line 14 for €16.
Metro Station Closures
Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (Lines 1 and 13) will be closed from July 1 to September 21.
Concorde (Line 12) closed from May 12; Lines 1-18 from June 17 to September 21.
Tuileries (Lines 1 and 13) closed from July 1 to September 21.
Monuments Open and Closed During the Paris Olympics
Open: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles (*gardens closed), Sacré-Cœur
Closed: Place de la Concorde, Champs de Mars, Trocadéro, Les Invalides, Alexandre III Bridge, Grand Palais, Notre Dame
Even when open, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance.
Phone & Data
Opt for an e-Sim card before arriving in France to avoid high costs and poor service from traditional carriers. Airalo offers reliable e-Sim options for over 200 countries, including France, with good data coverage. Their plans are data-only, which should suffice for most needs.