The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris is set to be a truly spectacular event, offering visitors the chance to witness world-class athleticism against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic cities. For those lucky enough to spend a week in Paris during this exciting time, there is no shortage of incredible events and experiences.
I’ve had these dates marked ever since Paris was announced as the host of the 2024 Olympics. Paris is a special city, one of my favorite cities in Europe. I’ve visited dozens of times and during different times of the year, along with different events and festivals.
When I moved to Amsterdam, the reality of attending the Paris Olympics became much closer. Once tickets opened up, I made sure I was in the queue and purchased them that day. So, below, you’ll find some tips about visiting Paris during this special event, along with our day-by-day breakdown of events and activities.
We’ve put together the ultimate one-week Paris Olympics itinerary to help you maximize your time in the City of Light based on our itinerary with events. Who knows? We may just run into each other.
Olympic Events and Venue Guide
Our journey to Paris for the 2024 Olympics begins on July 27th, when we’ll depart Rotterdam on a train at 11:58 am, immediately after disembarking from a cruise in Norway. The train will arrive in Paris at 2:48 pm, giving us plenty of time to check into our centrally-located Airbnb in Bois de Boulogne and settle before our first event.
| Date | Event | Venue | Time | Ticket Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 26, 2024 | Opening Ceremony | Eiffel Tower | 8:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| July 27, 2024 | Swimming – 400m Individual Medley (Men’s Final) | Paris La Défense Arena | 10:30 AM | Official Ticketing Website |
| July 28, 2024 | Gymnastics – Men’s Team Final | Bercy Arena | 7:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| July 29, 2024 | Tennis – Men’s Singles Final | Roland-Garros Stadium | 3:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| July 30, 2024 | Athletics – Men’s 100m Final | Stade de France | 9:50 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| July 31, 2024 | Basketball – Men’s Final | Lille Métropole Stadium | 8:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| August 1, 2024 | Skateboarding – Women’s Park Final | Place de la Concorde | 2:30 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| August 2, 2024 | Handball – Men’s Final | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 8:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| August 3, 2024 | Rugby Sevens – Men’s Final | Stade de France | 6:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
| August 11, 2024 | Closing Ceremony | Eiffel Tower | 8:00 PM | Official Ticketing Website |
Tips for Maximizing Your Paris Olympics Experience
Get Around Paris Sustainably
Sustainability is a big theme at the Olympics; visitors should embrace it fully. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizers prioritize sustainable transport options such as public transportation, cycling, and walking to reduce reliance on cars and minimize environmental impact.
I’ve included a photo of my 2.10 euro SNCF ticket above. Expect the prices to be more than 2.10 euros during the Olympics.
Leaving as small of a trace as possible is incredibly important while traveling anywhere, and with this global scale, extra caution is necessary. Here is a summary of the different transportation options:
| Mode of Transport | Areas Covered | Cost | Environmental Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro | Extensive coverage throughout Paris, with well-spaced stations for easy access to Olympic venues | Single ticket: €1.90, Day pass: €7.50 | Reduces car usage and traffic congestion |
| Bus | Comprehensive network serving all areas of Paris | Single ticket: €1.90, Day pass: €7.50 | Lower emissions compared to private vehicles |
| Bike (Velib’) | Over 1,400 bike stations across Paris, ideal for short trips and last-mile connections | Day pass: €5, 7-day pass: €15 | Zero-emission transport, promotes active lifestyle |
| Electric Scooter | Available throughout central Paris, perfect for quick trips | Unlock fee: €1, Per-minute rate: €0.15-€0.20 | Low-emission alternative to cars for short distances |
| Tram | Serving outer areas of Paris, connecting to metro and bus lines | Single ticket: €1.90, Day pass: €7.50 | Energy-efficient transport option |
| Walking | Suitable for exploring central Paris and areas near Olympic venues | Free | Zero-emission, healthy, and allows for immersive city exploration |
Embrace the Excitement
As someone who knows Paris extremely well, I want to share some insider tips to help you make the most of your time in the city during the 2024 Olympics. First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that Paris will be bustling with even more energy and excitement than usual during the Games. The city is already a popular tourist destination, but it will be packed with the added influx of Olympic spectators.
Plan Ahead for Security Measures
One crucial piece of advice is to plan and be prepared for increased security measures. The authorities will limit car access in the main city as much as possible, so getting around certain neighborhoods may be challenging unless you live there or have a residence nearby.
Don’t let this deter you, though – embrace the opportunity to explore Paris on foot or by public transportation. Walking is often the best way to discover the city’s hidden gems and charming corners.
Dedicate a Day to Getting Oriented
To maximize your Olympic experience, I recommend dedicating a day early in your trip to getting acquainted with the city’s layout. Take note of the locations of your accommodations, event venues, and any other places you plan to visit. This will help you navigate the crowds more efficiently and avoid last-minute stress.
Be Strategic About Dining Plans
Another key tip is to be strategic about your dining plans. Paris is renowned for its incredible food scene, from cozy bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants.
However, with so many visitors in the city during the Olympics, popular eateries may be booked up well in advance. Consider making reservations beforehand, or ask locals for recommendations on hidden gem restaurants that may be less crowded.
Allow Plenty of Time for Travel
When attending Olympic events, give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue. As I mentioned, getting from one area of Paris to another can be time-consuming, especially with the added security measures and crowds.
For example, if you plan to watch the equestrian jumping event at the Palace of Versailles, remember it’s a massive complex. Getting from the palace to the gardens can be a long journey, so plan to leave early and arrive with time to spare.
Soak Up the Olympic Atmosphere
Finally, don’t forget to soak up the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere of the Olympics in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Take advantage of any free time in your itinerary to explore Paris’ iconic landmarks, stroll along the Seine, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and history. With a little planning and an open mind, your Paris Olympics experience will surely be unforgettable.
Our Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Table Tennis at the South Paris Arena
On the evening of July 27th, we’ll attend the table tennis event at the South Paris Arena from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. The competition will be spread across Arena 4, Arena 5, and Arena 6, allowing us to see some of the world’s top players in action. After the event, we’ll likely keep things low-key, resting after our long journey and getting ready for the week ahead.
Day 2: Free Day to Explore Paris
Sunday, July 28, is the one day we don’t have any specific Olympic events planned during our trip. We’ll take advantage of this free time to explore Paris and soak up the festive atmosphere surrounding the Games.
This will be a great opportunity to get our bearings, see some of the city’s top attractions, and sample some of its world-famous cuisine. With extra security measures and large crowds expected, a day to get a feel for the city will be key to making the most of our time here.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in France & Things to Do
Day 3: Equestrian Jumping at the Palace of Versailles
We start early on Monday, July 29th, with the equestrian jumping event at the iconic Palace of Versailles. The competition begins at 11:00am and runs until 2:30pm, so we plan to have a quick breakfast at a local cafe before making the journey to Versailles.
Given the size of the palace grounds and the expected crowds, we’ll want to leave Paris by 8:30am at the latest to ensure we arrive on time. Seeing the world’s top horses and riders compete against the stunning backdrop of Versailles’ gardens is sure to be an unforgettable experience. After the event, we’ll explore Versailles before returning to Paris for a free evening.
Day 4: Archery at Les Invalides
Tuesday, July 30, is a relatively relaxed day, with a free morning and afternoon to continue exploring Paris. At 5:30pm, we’ll head to the historic Les Invalides complex for the archery competition, which runs until 8:00pm.
Watching the world’s best archers compete at this former military hospital and museum will be a unique and exciting experience. After the event, we’ll likely have a late dinner on the Left Bank near Les Invalides.
Day 5: Tennis at Roland Garros Stadium
The morning of Wednesday, July 31, is free, but at noon, we’ll make our way to the iconic Roland Garros Stadium for the tennis competition. As the venue for the French Open, one of tennis’ prestigious Grand Slam tournaments, Roland Garros is steeped in history and atmosphere. Our tickets are for one of the earlier rounds of the competition, which runs from noon to 2:30pm.
This will allow us to see various men’s and women’s matches on the famous red clay courts. After tennis, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring Paris.
Day 6: Beach Volleyball at the Eiffel Tower
Thursday, August 1, is another day with a free morning and afternoon, giving us plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and gear up for an exciting evening event. At 8:00pm, we’ll head to the Eiffel Tower for the beach volleyball competition, which runs until 10:00pm. Watching the action unfold against the backdrop of Paris’ most famous landmark, illuminated at dusk, will be spectacular.
See Related: Best Hotels in Paris With a View of the Eiffel Tower
Day 7: Relaxing and Enjoying the Olympic Atmosphere
Friday, August 2, is our final full day in Paris, and we’ve left it completely free to make the most of our remaining time in the city. We’ll spend the day soaking up more of the Olympic atmosphere, perhaps checking out some cultural events and festivities around the city.
This will be a great chance to revisit our favorite spots from the week, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, and indulge in more of Paris’ incredible food scene.
Day 8: Athletics at Stade de France
The morning and afternoon of Saturday, August 3, are free, but the evening has us heading to the Stade de France, France’s national stadium, for the athletics competition. From 7:00pm to 8:30pm, we’ll watch an exciting lineup of track and field events like sprints, relays, jumps, and throws.
Seeing world-class athletes compete in this impressive stadium is the perfect way to close out our time at the Paris Olympics. After the event, we’ll likely celebrate with friends around the stadium before returning to central Paris.
Day 9: Au Revoir Paris, Bonjour Marseille
Our Olympics adventure continues on Sunday, August 4th, but this time outside of Paris. We’ll board a high-speed train to travel south to Marseille, where we’ll take in the sailing competition.
While we may not be quite as close to the action as at other events, the chance to combine world-class Olympic sailing with the stunning coastal scenery of the French Riviera is too good to pass up. After a long but exciting day, we’ll catch a train back to Paris in the evening.
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Heading Home
After an unforgettable week at the Paris Olympics, on Monday, August 5, we will depart the City of Light. With lifelong memories, new friends, and a deep appreciation for the unifying power of sport, we’ll head to the train station to begin our journey back to Amsterdam. Paris and the 2024 Summer Olympics will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Attending the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and there’s no better place to do it than Paris in 2024. By planning, choosing events wisely, and embracing the festive atmosphere, visitors will surely have an unforgettable week in this timeless city.
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