Paris Olympics 2024

What to know about going to Paris during the Olympics

The countdown to the Paris Olympics has begun and it’s time to prepare. From navigating the busy streets, booking a tour at the Louvre, securing your accommodations, and cheering on your favorite athletes, there is a lot to consider before starting this journey, and we’ve got you covered.

Olympic competition kicks off on July 24 with the official Opening Ceremony scheduled for July 26. The games and ceremonies run through August 11th with the Paralympics picking up on August 28th and concluding on September 8th.

Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies: dates and times

July 26th, starting at 8:24 pm (or 20:24 see what they did there) the Opening Ceremony starts, on boats along 6 km of the Seine and ends at the Trocadéro
August 11th the Closing Ceremony will be held at the Stade de France

Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies: dates and times

August 28th at 8:00 pm the Opening Ceremony is held outdoors at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées
September 8th at 8:00 pm the Closing Ceremony takes place at Stade de France

Olympic Games Schedule

First day of competition: July 24th 2024
Opening Ceremony: July 26th 2024
Closing Ceremony: August 11th 2024

Paralympic Games Schedule

Opening Ceremony: August 28th 2024
Closing Ceremony: September 8th 2024
First day of competition: August 29th 2024

With the anticipated arrival of 15.3 million attendees, hotels, tours, flights, and activities are filling up quickly, so it’s important to start booking now!

Navigating Paris Summer 2024

Information on the QR Code Pass for Access to the Grey Zone

During the Olympics in Paris this summer (July 18, 2024 to 26, 2024), access to certain areas, known as the “grey zone,” will require a QR code pass to enter. The city has implemented this measure to enhance safety and security during the Olympic events. Refer to this interactive map for the most current information on the grey zone limits because the boundaries of the grey zone change daily.

The QR code pass is essential for entering the grey zone and can take up to three weeks to process. To apply for the pass, you will need to provide supporting documents, such as passport information, hotel reservations, restaurant reservations, or tour vouchers, to prove your reason for entering the grey zone.

Please visit the Grey Zone QR Code Pass Application to apply for your pass.

Transportation

Transportation across the city will be a challenge during the Olympics, but manageable. Try not to rely on private cars or driving due to traffic and road closures. Therefore the more reliable modes of getting around will be biking, walking, the train, and the metro. Refer to this map for all updates on road, metro, and train closures, blocked-off areas, etc.

Biking

Details

Paris has added 30 miles of bike paths to connect all event sites. The most common Parisian bike rental is Velib: they offer classic and electric bikes. There are many bike rental options.

Train

Details

The train is going to be the fastest way to cross the city. The RER offers rides from both major airports. This interactive map will keep you updated on station closures.

Walking

Details

Certain areas will be completely closed off during the games. During competition, only ticket holders will be able to enter certain areas. Check this interactive map under ‘Routes’ to see daily and hourly restrictions.

Metro

Details

The metro might be the fastest mode of transportation but some stations will be completely closed. Use this interactive map to stay updated with station status.

Living

Hotels and rented apartments are up-charging due to the high demand at this time, so it’s important to book now. Some additional neighborhoods to consider staying in outside of the city center include Neuilly-Sur-Seine, Montmartre, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Versailles.

Museums and Landmarks

Paris has transformed some of their most iconic landmarks into Olympic event locations. Without tickets, you cannot access venues where an event is taking place. Refer to this route map to see areas blocked off surrounding some locations. Additionally, plan tours as soon as you can as these venues will certainly sell out!

Weather

On average in July and August, the weather in Paris consists of highs of 79° and lows in the 60°s. Not all hotels and rental apartments are equipped with AC so check your booking, travel with sunhats and water bottles, and be sure to stay hydrated.