With the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris from July 26th to August 11th, travelers are finding yet another reason to flock to this iconic city.
But as exciting as it can be to share a one-of-a-kind experience like this with millions of other like-minded people, delays, disruptions, and general issues are bound to happen – at least that’s what global tour companies like Servantrip are predicting ahead of the big games.
Don’t worry, though, that doesn’t mean you should cancel your Paris trip altogether.
As long as you do your due diligence and keep 5 crucial tips in mind, you’ll set yourself up for the summer getaway of a lifetime.
So, without dragging this out any longer, let’s dive right into everything you need to know about visiting Paris during the 2024 Olympics:
There’ll Be Some Restrictions To Exploring The City
One thing I must say – if you’re an avid sightseer with no interest in sports whatsoever, you’ll have to make some sacrifices when exploring the French capital this summer.
That’s because several of the city’s most iconic landmarks will be closed on specific dates to accommodate the Olympic crowds.
Below, you’ll find a handy guide on when you can’t visit some of your favorite attractions this July; just remember that all this might be subject to changes/extensions, so as the date of your trip approaches, it’s always a good idea to check the news for updates from time to time. You can check them out here.
- The Seine riverfront will be closed between July 20th and July 26th
- The Louvre will be closed on July 25th and July 26th
- Musée Rodin, Centre Pompidou, and Musée D’Orsay will all be closed on July 26th
- Some historic sites like Pont d’Iéna and neighborhoods will be closed during specific cycling events, which will take place between July 27th and August 11th
Apply For A QR Pass Now
If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this – this summer, you’ll only be able to access most major sites, including Champs de Mars (where the Eiffel Tower is), by using a pre-issued QR pass.
These codes can be accessed through the official Olympics App here, and their No. 1 objective is to ensure a safe, disruption-free experience for the massive wave of travelers coming to the city these upcoming months.
The pass, for which you can apply only through this official website, will serve as a digital key you can use at checkpoints to access specific areas around the city.
Yes, you’ll be required to provide some personal information when applying, including your name, date of birth, and so on – but on the bright side, wait lines will be significantly shorter, the crowds will be much better organized, and you’ll be able to feel much safer.
Remember – the QR pass will come into effect on July 18th, 13:00, so if you haven’t already, apply for one ASAP.
Make A Plan A, B, And C
I know this probably isn’t your idea of fun, but whatever you do, don’t come to Paris this summer with just one itinerary on hand – even if you do everything right, there are bound to be delays, traffic congestions, service cancellations, and all types of other last-minute changes.
So, for every place you want to see, timeline you want to follow, or restaurant you want to eat at, make sure to work out a couple of alternative scenarios just in case.
Download Citymapper (Or Any Traffic-Tracking App You Love)
When traveling to a place as exceptionally busy as Paris is bound to be this summer, traffic jams and delays are, unfortunately, inevitable.
That’s why you’ll want to keep your phone charged and a reliable traffic-tracking app on hand at all times – that way, you get to avoid any possible congestion, especially (as I said) if you have a reliable plan B or C on hand.
And while there are plenty of apps in the market that get the job done, locals usually recommend Citymapper as the most reliable, so that’s what I’d use first.
You Can Take Advantage Of A Brand New Metro Line Extension
Don’t worry, it’s not all bad news!
There’s a brand-new extension of the metro line 14 opening on June 23rd that’ll help you get from Saint-Denis Pleyel to Orly Airport in under 25 minutes (a route that currently takes well over 40).
For more info on the line itself and real-time schedules, you can head over here.
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