The countdown is on for Paris’ Summer Olympics, when the City of Light will transform into a living arena for the third time in history.
By Lane Nieset
Paris already ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world — with nearly 36 million visitors in 2023 — but when the 2024 Summer Olympics goes from July 26 to August 11, it’s anticipated to bring 16 million additional travellers.
Even if you missed the first round of single ticket sales last summer, don’t worry — you can still snag a spot for the Paris 2024 Games as more event tickets are steadily being released. Of course, being in the stands is only part of the fun.
As you’ll read in the following guide, the competition for your hotel room dollars and free time is heating up, too.
Where to watch the games
In one of many firsts, the opening ceremony on July 26 will unfold not in a stadium, but in the heart of the city itself as 160 boats filled with athletes parade along the Seine to the Trocadéro, converting the river into the main stage.
A ticket scores you access to the lower quays, from the Pont d’Austerlitz to the Pont d’Iéna Bridge, but spectators can post up all along the banks for a glimpse of the show, which will be broadcast on 80 giant screens.
You can also join the celebration in one of nearly 30 complimentary fan zones around the Paris region.
Two of the most centrally located areas live-streaming the events will be in the 19th arrondissement in La Villette park and the Trocadéro in the 16th arrondissement, by the Eiffel Tower.
Over the course of 19 days, 329 events across 41 sports will take place in and around the capital, where landmarks like the Grand Palais will serve as a venue for fencing and taekwondo.
The Games will also be held in areas surrounding the city, such as Seine-Saint-Denis, home to the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
Additionally, the soccer tournament will take place in six stadiums across the country (Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille), so staying central makes traveling from one event to the next easy.
For the ultimate viewing party, head to Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Cheval Blanc Paris near Pont Neuf, whose seventh-floor panoramic terrace, Le Tout-Paris, shows off sweeping shots of the Seine and twinkling Eiffel Tower.
For a medal-worthy meal, book a coveted table at the experiential Plénitude.
Where to stay
If you’re lucky enough to have scored a room at the sumptuous Five-Star Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel before it sold out for the Olympics, you’ll have prime seats to new sports like breakdancing — plus skateboarding, BMX freestyle and three-on-three basketball — in Place de la Concorde, which will be converted into an urban park with four arenas, a DJ, chill zones and dining options.
Paris’ City Hall, Hôtel de Ville, will be the starting point for the legendary long-distance marathon, and one of the closest hotels to the action, Le Grand Mazarin, sits catty-corner to the square and still has a few open rooms at press time.
The same goes for Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotel Raphael Paris, a family-run charmer that’s only a javelin throw from the Champs-Élysées — it still has availability.
A two-minute stroll from Roland-Garros, home to the Summer Games’ tennis and boxing action, you’ll find Molitor, a hotel in the well-heeled 16th arrondissement that’s known for its centerpiece art deco pool.
The pool and expansive Spa by Clarins will be welcome respites from the summer heat. Guests can watch events on screens scattered throughout the property, including the poolside bar.
Another perk of staying at these high-end hotels: the concierge may have extra pull when it comes to securing restaurant reservations and tickets to popular shows.
What to see
When you need a break from cheering, Paris has plenty to win you over this summer.
Musée d’Orsay’s “Tonight with the Impressionists Paris 1874” (through August 11) is a unique experience that fully immerses you in a 19th-century art studio on Boulevard des Capucines with the help of a virtual reality headset.
Running through September 2, the Pinault Collection will be on display at the Bourse de Commerce, showcasing a curation of pieces from the 1980s that fall under the exhibition’s theme “Le monde comme il va” (The World As It Goes).
Given the amount of traffic and pedestrianization of parts of the city, the best way to get to these galleries (or anywhere else for that matter) is by foot or public transportation (the Métro is the most reliable option).
While the central parts of Paris (Louvre, Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Latin Quarter) are sure to be bustling, if you want a break from the crowds, head over to a neighborhood as scenic but with slightly less foot traffic.
In Canal Saint-Martin, for example, you can cruise along the water and admire street art, or head over to Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, which hides in the shadow of Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur Basilica but is every bit as charming — especially now that it has cleaned up its once-seedy reputation as the red-light district.
For a curated tour of the neighborhood’s history and museums, book a guided experience with an expert like Alexandra Weinress of The Seen, who can tailor the day to your taste.
Where to eat and drink
In between events, dine in the center of the city near Les Halles at the iconic brasserie Au Pied de Cochon, which is open all day through 5 a.m.; one of the casual all-day-dining Bouillon restaurants in Pigalle or République; or at one of the buzzy Frenchie restaurants or wine bars on Rue du Nil in Sentier, near Les Halles.
The 2nd arrondissement, particularly around Sentier, is a central locale near Hôtel de Ville that’s undergoing a restaurant renaissance with newer additions like Israeli-inspired Tekés and sister spot Shana, a Mediterranean wine bar with shared plates great for casual group dining.
Le Fumoir, across from the Louvre, is a favorite for apéro (pre-dinner drinks) and people-watching on the terrace, while Le Mary Celeste, in Le Marais, never fails with its whimsical small plates, craft cocktails and great selection of by-the-glass wines.
In Pigalle, you’ll now find the country’s only outpost of Soho House — a great place to post up and reset in between the action if you’re a member — plus panoramic rooftops like Hôtel Rochechouart’s 360-degree Bar sur le Toit provide one of the few spots in town where you’ll have picture-perfect Eiffel Tower views practically all to yourself.
This article was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
