Paris 2024 Summer Olympics Complete Guide

Welcome to Paris, the city of lights and romance, where history, culture, and the finest of French cuisines converge against a backdrop of iconic landmarks. As we gear up for the Olympics, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air—a palpable excitement that only enhances the magic of this already enchanting city. 

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In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the most of your visit to Paris during this extraordinary time. From navigating the city’s efficient transportation system to discovering hidden gems away from the bustling crowds, we’ll cover everything you need to know to experience the magic of Paris during the Olympics.  

Where in Paris the Olympics are Taking Place  

The Olympics are taking place from July 26^th – August 12^th, and the Paralympics are from August 28^th – September 8^th. However, starting July 18 the center of the city as well as the length of the Seine River will be impacted by multiple closures in preparation for the opening ceremony, which will take place on the Seine between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iéna on July 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.  

In addition to the city center and Seine River, additional Olympic venues include: the Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars, Grand Palais, Trocadéro, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde, Château de Versailles, Stade Roland-Garros, Parc des Princes, Arena Bercy and Pont d’Iéna.  

Accessing Security Restricted Areas 

Visitors should look into applying for a Pass Jeux in order to access the venues that fall within the security perimeters activated for the Olympic games. The Pass Jeux is a digital pass issued in the form of a QR code and is essential for circulating within certain perimeters and at certain times.  

To find out if you need to apply for a Pass Jeux, visit this site to consult the interactive map of the security perimeters to see if you are affected based on where you are staying. All visitors to the grey perimeter on the map during the Opening Ceremony and the week preceding it (July 18 to 26) must apply. To apply, visit the dedicated platform at www.pass-jeux.gouv.fr. You’ll need to fill in an online form, provide a photo ID and a supporting document. 

Tips for Getting Around Paris During the Olympics  

Due to road closures and restrictions for cars and buses, bikes will be the best mode of transportation in the city during the Olympics. To learn more about bike rentals in Paris, visit Velib Metropole, and consider the list of road closures outlined below if you do plan to hit the road on four wheels.  

Road Closures

During cycling events

• Saturday, July 27 
• Saturday, August 3 
• Sunday, August 4 

During the marathon

• Saturday, August 10 

During the triathlon

• Monday, August 5 
• Tuesday, July 30 
• Wednesday, July 31  
• September, 1 – 2  

The metro is another great option, but be mindful of specific closure windows, as outlined below. Learn more about purchasing Metro passes during the Olympics here. We also recommend downloaded the Metro navigation app, available here. 

Metro Closures

• Metro 1:  Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau – from 20 July to 11 August 2024 inclusive, then from 22 August to 8 September 2024 inclusive; Concorde and Tuileries – from 17 June to 1 September 2024 inclusive 
• Metro 8: Concorde – from 17 June to 1 September 2024 inclusive 
• Metro 12: Concorde – from 17 May to 21 September 2024 
• Metro 13: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau – from 20 July to 11 August 2024 inclusive, then from 22 August to 8 September 2024 inclusive 

The most severe closures will occur in the days leading up to and during the opening ceremony. Security perimeters will be activated from July 18 to 26, 2024. Visit this site to consult the interactive map to find out if and when you may be affected by the security perimeter. You will also find details on how the various Parisian bridges will be impacted on the day of opening ceremony, as well as metro and bus closures on the day of and in the days leading up to the big opening event.  

How to Experience the Olympics in Paris 

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to any major Olympic events, be sure to consult the schedule so you know where to be and when.  

If you don’t have tickets to any Olympic events but are interested in getting involved, you may visit Paris je t’aime to learn more about how to enjoy the Paris games! Here you’ll learn about sporting events you can see for free, the fan zones, or public spaces in which the Olympic events are broadcast on giant screens, and how to watch without the need to subscribe to a paid channel or platform. 

We also recommend downloading the official Olympics mobile app so whether or not you’re attending the games you can receive up-to-the-second medal results, customizable schedules, the full range of spectator experiences and more. 

What to do in Paris During the Olympics 

Regardless of whether or not you’re attending Olympic events, there are endless things you can do in the city of lights. All of our tours – the Louvre, Eiffel, Versailles, neighborhood food  and walking tours and more – will be available to book during the Olympics, but availability is limited due to monument closures so be sure to book your tickets as soon as you can. Highlights include fast track into monuments, English speaking guides and no Pass Jeux necessary.