Things To Do In Paris During The 2024 Summer Games

11/6/2023 5:10:08 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

The City of Love has long been an international daydream destination, drawing in millions of visitors a year. The fact that they’ll host the 2024 Summer Games is simply setting the stage for a total eclipse of travel dreams: Paris — with all its history, culture and gastronomy — and the exhilarating spectacle of the Summer Games combine to create an experience like no other. Our team was recently in Paris in preparation for the event and enjoyed a glimpse of what visitors can expect next year. For those fortunate travelers attending the 2024 Summer Games, this guide is packed with tips, insights, and ideas. Discover over 30 fantastic things to do in Paris during the summer to make your trip absolutely incroyable!

Must-See Summer Games Events

First things first: You’re here for the Summer Games. Any Summer Games is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — Paris’s third time hosting is certain to deliver unparalleled thrills. Every event will deliver the thrill of competition and the triumph of the human spirit, but here are some standout events to consider.

Opening Ceremony

The scene of the Opening Ceremonies is already beyond epic with the Paris skyline perfectly framed from the steps of the Trocadero by the broad plazas and expansive views all set at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.”

Every opening ceremony is a spectacle — a unique show showcasing just what makes the host nation special in addition to welcoming the athletes. Some elements are constant — the parade of nations, the lighting of the Games’ Flame — while others vary depending on the host. For Paris, you can expect a show that highlights quintessential French elegance and modern innovation.

Marathon

Easily one of the most iconic events of the Summer Games, the marathon sees athletes compete in a race stretching a grueling 26.2 miles. In this case, the racecourse will undoubtedly snake its way through the famed Parisian cityscape, offering up several instances where you can enjoy the event with a unique backdrop of a famous landmark.

Boxing at Roland-Garros

Roland-Garros in itself is one of the most iconic tennis venues in the world; so the chance to watch boxing events in it is a thoroughly unique opportunity. Sub out the famed red clay courts for the rope-lined stage of boxing during its medal rounds and you have what the announcers might dub “a show.”

Swimming in the Seine

Paris has committed itself to the causes of sustainability and innovation, Paris has vowed to host the open-water swimming events in the Seine River. Getting the water safe enough for the athletes is a Herculean task in itself, with some $1.5 billion already invested towards the goal. The payoff is priceless: Watching the athletes glide through the flowing heart of the city will be a magnificent sight — and ideally the beginning of the Seine being swimmable for recreational use!

Breaking

Debuting as an official sport in Paris, breaking (or breakdancing as it’s more commonly known) will be an event you don’t want to miss. Athletes will have to match their moves to the ever-changing beat of DJ’s tracks to secure the judge’s votes. Witnessing this lively slice of Summer Games history in person will at the minimum make for a lively show!

Unique Events at the 2024 Summer Games

We simply have to tell you what the 2024 Summer Games are doing differently from previous years — here are two highlights to keep an eye on.

Opening Ceremonies

While all ceremonies are one for the history books, the Paris opening ceremony will make history. To allow the show to be more accessible to a greater audience, the entire opening ceremony will be mobile, traveling along the Seine River through the city. Each nation’s delegation will have their own boat for the 3.7-mile journey from Austerlitz Bridge to Trocadéro, where the remainder of the ceremony will take place. This river-float parade will not only pass by some of the most renowned Parisian sights and landmarks but will also allow thousands to watch without an admission fee.

Marathon

If you’ve ever dreamed of running in the Summer Games, now might be your best chance: The 2024 Games will offer a general-public marathon, where 20,024 runners will get to race along the same course as the elite athletes. For 26.2 miles, you can cruise right by iconic sites like the Palais Garnier Opera House, the Louvre, Musée National de Céramiquie de Sevres, Château de Versailles and the Eiffel Tower. How’s that for a priceless experience?

Summer Games Venues

The venues of the Summer Games aren’t just locations on a map or places to watch sports; they’re cathedrals to the Summer Games themselves, hallowed ground where we reflect and celebrate the indomitable human spirit. Beyond the competitions they house, each presents its own reflection of the city’s architectural prowess — no different than Notre Dame or Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Three venues worthy of your attention? The Stade de France, with its storied history and elliptical shape, will host the track and field events as well as the rugby sevens event. The Aquatics Centre, born from Paris’s commitment to sustainability and the needs of the Seine-Saint-Denis community, will host synchronized swimming, diving, and water polo. And the Grand Palais — with its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and fabled glass dome — will be hosting fencing and taekwondo events.

Arts, History & Culture in Paris

While the Summer Games are an event worth traveling for, the history and culture of Paris pack an allure worth seeing on their own. No trip to Paris is complete without visiting at least one of these cultural icons :

Eiffel Tower

View of the Eiffel Tower from Hotel Shangri-La Paris

Paris’s most recognizable landmark, the Eiffel Tower is an absolute “must-see” for anyone visiting Paris. Constructed in 1887 as an attraction for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower still attracts roughly 7 million annual visitors today. There are two different views of the landmark worth seeing, the first being from the ground: Every evening, from dusk till 11:45 p.m., the Eiffel Tower lights up in a dazzling show of twinkling lights; literally radiating a romantic charm into the Parisian night. The other view is to be expected — the one from the top. Breathtaking vistas unfurl in every direction that you look, giving a literal meaning to the term “head in the clouds.”

Louvre Museum

There’s a reason the Louvre is one of the most famous museums in the world (and it’s not solely because of the iconic glass pyramid in front). No, this is the home to a mind-boggling number of masterpieces — Géricault’s “The Raft of Medusa,” Veronese’s “The Wedding at Cana,” the armless “Venus de Milo” and, of course, da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” are but a sample of what awaits your visit here. In truth, there’s simply more art than you could hope to admire in one afternoon visit; a second trip is likely required.

Palace of Versailles

Originally the former royal residence of King Louis XIV, Versailles has since come to represent the extremely ostentatious and decadent lifestyle of the French monarchy at the time. The French Revolution is given sharp context — this is unimaginable wealth manifest. The garden grounds may as well be an immaculately manicured Eden, intricate gold trim and extravagant paintings adorn many of the ceilings and the dazzling Hall of Mirrors unfolds as an infinity room of gold and crystal.

Grand Palais

Currently undergoing a multi-year renovation, the Grand Palais will reopen in 2024 (hopefully in time for Summer Games). Should this historic exhibition hall and museum complex still be closed to the public, fear not: You can visit the Grand-Palais Éphémère, a temporary exhibition space hosting fashion, sports and cultural events that otherwise would’ve called the Grand Palais home.

Place de la Concorde

As the largest square in Paris, the Place de la Concorde is home to stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and has served as hallowed ground for much of French history. The centerpiece of the square is the Luxor Obelisk: a diplomatic gift from the Khedive of Egypt in 1829, this column was already 3,000 years old by then. Flanking the obelisk are two fountains (designed by Jacques Ignace Hittorff) modeled in the style of Rome’s.

Notre Dame

One of the few Parisian icons that carries the same gravitas as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame is a time-honored architectural marvel. This medieval cathedral is currently undergoing restoration after a devastating fire in 2019; while touring the inside is unlikely, you should be able to admire much of its charming Gothic architecture from the outside.

Seine River

Central to much of French life, culture and identity, the Seine River flows idyllic through the city (and right past scores of Paris’s most iconic sights). Lovers leave locks on its bridges, cozy cafes and independent book vendors line its banks. Whether you prefer to stroll the length of the Seine, charter a cruise through the water or camp out at a café and people watch, an aura of peace and contentment seems to wash over you.

Paris Food Recommendations

La Bauhinia at the Shangri-La

The culinary scene of Paris is world-renowned for good reason. From traditional French cuisine to innovative fusion dishes, the city is a gastronomic paradise with no shortage of delicacies to savor.

Restaurants

There’s no shortage of multi-Michelin-starred restaurants serving exquisite French cuisine in Paris: Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, L’Ambroisie and Pierre Gagnaire are just a few of the established bastions of French gastronomic tradition.

Bakeries

Paris’s bakeries are world-renowned for a reason — fresh baguettes, flaky croissants and mouthwateringly rich macarons are just the marquee names to a roster of delectable goods. In terms of where to sample baked goods, the city is rich with possibility — but a few of the best choices are Du Pain et des Idées, Boulangerie Poilâne and Pierre Hermé.

Le Marais neighborhood

Thanks to a slew of charming cafes and restaurants, this historic district is a prime destination for those looking to pair traditional French dishes (think: coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon) with charmingly picturesque ambiance.

Dinner cruise

The Seine River isn’t just the flowing heart of the city — it can also serve as an enchanting dinner venue. Enjoy a gourmet meal (thanks to the offerings of Bateaux Parisiens and Le Calife) while cruising along the enchanting banks of the Seine, pairing courses with the iconic sights of Paris.

Things to Do in Paris at Night

The City of Love’s other nickname is “The City of Light” — due to its 50,000 streetlights scattered across the city. This context truly illuminates Paris’s other well-known cultural scene: its vibrant nightlife. From world-class operas to stylish nightclubs, Paris offers a smorgasbord of possibilities for a night out.

Paris Opera at the Palais Garnier

The Palais Garnier is an architectural masterpiece, easily one of the most famous opera houses in the world. To witness a night of opera within its opulent interior is an evening of pure enchantment.

Cabaret

The famed Moulin Rouge is more than a movie — the original venue still hosts performances in Paris! Experience a traditional French cabaret show, where dancers perform the cancan while adorned in extravagant costumes heavily featuring feathers and rhinestones.

Nightclubs

The City of Light hosts plenty of lively options for nightlife: clubs like L’Arc Paris, Matignon, and Raspoutine are all known for their stylishly luxurious interiors, top-notch DJs and glamorous clientele.

Paris Shopping Guide

The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

It’s not hyperbole to say Paris is the fashion capital of the world. As such, the city offers shopping experiences few other locales could hope to match — running the gamut from luxury boutiques to charming flea markets. Here are a few prominent spots to check out for a good dose of retail therapy.

Rue Saint-Honoré

An essential pilgrimage for any fashion lover, Rue Saint-Honoré hosts the who’s-who of luxury boutiques, with major fashion houses like Dior, Givenchy and Hermés calling the street home.

Sèvres–Babylone & Saint-Germain-des-Prés

A slightly less well-known shopping hub, this stretch of shops between the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Metro station and the Bon Marché department store is chock-full of small luxury shops offering the latest and greatest in new trends.

Triangle d’Or & L’Avenue des Champs Élysées

While the Champs Élysées may be renowned for its flagship Louis Vuitton store, but this beautiful area is home to so much more, especially when you factor in the other two sides of “the Triangle of Gold,” Avenue Montaigne and Avenue Georges V. The former is lined with the big names (Dior, Chloé, Céline, Prada and Valentino) while the latter boasts an immaculate Hermés store sporting its original carved wooden storefront.

Boulevard Haussmann

As one of the first cities to adopt department stores, Paris’s legacy lives on along the wide Boulevard Haussmann, where elegant department stores still stand side by side. You’ll find a wide range of products here — everything from fashion to hardware — as well as a few gems of architectural design, like the stained-glass dome of Galeries Lafayette.

Paris Family Activities

It’s never too early to start introducing your kids to culture … what better way than to show them the Summer Games in Paris? Luckily enough, the city is remarkably family-friendly, meaning there’s no shortage of attractions to check out in the downtime of your trip.

Parc Zoologique de Paris

The premier choice for families looking to instill a bit of wilderness into their Parisian holiday, this modern zoo is home to everything from lions and giraffes to penguins and kangaroos. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring each of the zoo’s five represented ecosystems.

National Museum of Natural History

Few institutions can make learning fun the way the National Museum of Natural History does. With exhibits on paleontology, geology and botany, there are plenty of enticing options when it comes to educational rabbit holes for your kids to get lost in. The Galley of Evolution is certain to be a highlight, as the thousands of animal specimens on display are enthralling.

Parc de la Villette

The perfect melding of green spaces and culture, the Parc de la Villette is a multi-disciplinary arts and culture venue, housing the likes of a science museum (Cité des Sciences et de I’Industrie), a music museum (Cité de la Musique) and plenty of playgrounds and gardens for your little ones to explore. Come for the culture, stay for the giant dragon slide!

Musée de la Magie

“Magic” is such an ethereal concept; this semblance of the unexplainable that seems to infuse our world with a pinch of wonder. The Musée de la Magie is dedicated to the craft of that experience. Showcasing optical illusions, interactive games and a permanent magic show, kids and adults alike will delight in the wonder housed here.

Château de Vincennes

This medieval castle carries a fascinating history, having served as a royal sanctuary, prison and military headquarters in its time. Today, it’s simply a great place to learn about medieval history and architecture, with its keep, chapel and moat operating as functioning relics of a bygone era.

Disneyland Paris

The Musée de la Magie isn’t the only destination providing your family magic: Disneyland Paris hosts scores of classic attractions like Sleeping Beauty Castle and Space Mountain, as well as exciting new additions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Their new Premier Access service ensures you’ll spend more of your visit enjoying the rides and less time standing in line.

When it’s all said and done, the things to do while visiting Paris for the 2024 Summer Games are nearly endless. Contact our team to start planning your trip for this thrilling sports experience.

SUMMER GAMES TICKETING NOTICE

Roadtrips is in no way affiliated or associated with the IOC or the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee. Tickets to the 2024 Summer Olympics are limited to the Authorized Ticket Reseller in your country of residence. Roadtrips is not an Authorized Ticket Reseller for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and therefore we do not include tickets in our base travel packages.

The official website for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games is www.paris2024.org. Details on ticket categories, event sessions and how to purchase tickets for the 2024 Summer Games can be found on the Paris 2024 website.

Roadtrips is dedicated to providing high-touch service throughout your experience and we will customize your itinerary to match your chosen 2024 Summer Games events, whether you have already purchased your tickets. With over 30 years of experience providing travel packages to the world’s biggest sporting events, you can trust we have the knowledge and expertise to provide a personalized, comprehensive travel package to the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.