The Olympics 2024 are right around the corner, kicking off on the 26th of July, with the Paralympics slightly later, beginning on the 28th of August. This year there are 329 medal events with 184 countries participating in the Olympics. What makes this year even more special is that this is the first year to achieve gender equality in the games. There is an equal 50 – 50 split between male and female athletes.
Now that the EURO’s has just finished, keep the momentum going with another trip to see a spectacular sporting event. Like the EURO’s, the Olympics are also held only once every four years so this is a must-see experience. This year 15 million will visit the Olympics 2024, so we have put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your trip.
Getting to Paris
There are many ways to get to Paris, including flying which will take you to either the CDG (Charles de Gualle) or ORY (Paris Orly Airport). From CDG airport you can catch a bus or hop on the shuttle which takes about an hour. While from ORY, you can get their airport shuttle or a train to the city. The train will take only about 25 minutes.
Another way to get to Paris is by driving over via the Eurotunnel, which can be time-consuming. Alternatively, jump on the Eurostar train to save driving. The Eurostar from London to Paris will take you just over 2 hours.
Navigating around Paris
There are also many ways to travel around Paris so we will look at the benefits of the different methods of transportation. The Olympics 2024 are sure to be busy, especially with the school holidays, so you don’t want to get lost!
- Metro – Paris’ answer to the London Underground. Plus, a one-way ticket for up to 2 hours of travel is only 2 euros and 15 cents.
- RER – This is a metro-train hybrid which is used most to get to the airport or Versailles.
- Bus – A classic, but due to the traffic in the city centre, it may not be the most efficient way to travel.
- Train – Most often used for travel around Paris but not the city centre.
- Taxi – Ideal for door-to-door pick-up/drop off. A 20-minute trip will cost around 20 euros.
- Bicycle scheme – You can choose to borrow a regular bike or an electric one, but this is a great way to get around while also taking in the sights.
Don’t forget to download some travel apps that can help you navigate your way around – you’ll be navigating like a local in no time!
What is the best accommodation for the Olympics 2024?
There is no right or wrong way to visit Paris for the Olympics but there many different accommodation types you could stay in. For example, rather than opting for a hotel, you could instead look at an apartment. You can rent holiday villas or fully furnished apartments which means you have the whole place to yourself and can come and go as you please. This could also be useful if you have children with you as the games are held over the school holidays. Staying in an apartment or villa means you will have it to yourself and won’t have to be conscious of others.
Alternatively, if you are travelling on your own a hostel could be a good idea. A hostel is a shared accommodation which is a great way to meet like-minded travellers. It enables you to get out of your comfort zone and experience Paris in a new and exciting way.
The best places to stay during the Olympics 2024
Most of the Olympic games are being held in Paris, with 20 out of 35 venues being in the city centre. Hotels are bound to go up in price for the games so be sure to book as far in advance as you can! Presently, a 3-star hotel in the city centre is going to cost at least £147 per night. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay during the Olympics 2024…
Saint-Denis
The biggest venue is the Stade De France in Saint-Denis, a 20-minute metro ride from Paris. The Stade De France will be showing the athletics and the rugby sevens events. Saint Denis is also 1 of 3 that will host the Olympic Village. The Olympic Village is where all of the athletes will be staying but after the games this space will be available to residents.
Staying around the Stade De France during the Olympics 2024 will set you back at least £100 a night but it means you are at the centre of the action. Saint-Denis is also known for its architecture so be sure to visit the Basilica.
This Gothic building is a tribute to the French skyline; tickets start at as little as 12.60 euros. While here you can try some local cuisine. Many restaurants are on your doorstep so you could try a French delicacy – escargot – or as we know it, snails! Don’t knock it until you try it…
Canal Saint-Martin
The Canal Saint-Martin is another great place to look at hotels as it is a 15-minute walk from the Eurostar arrival station. Prices for an apartment here start at around £180 per night and go up from there. The area is only 30 minutes away from the Porte de La Chapelle arena where they will host the badminton and rhythmic gymnastics events. This is also near to the aquatic centre in Saint-Denis which is just a 40-minute public transport ride away.
The Canal itself is worth a visit as it is nearly 3 miles long. You can get a change of pace with a leisurely cruise along it, then a stroll through the Jardin Villemin which is the country park beside the Canal. It is the ideal place to unwind between events and catch a break from the busy crowds of the Olympics.
Also, a 30-minute walk from the canal you will find the Notre Dame Cathedral. You may remember there was a large fire here back in 2019. While the renovations were to have been finished before the Olympic games, it is now scheduled for completion in December 2024. It is well worth a visit because you can still view the impressive exterior of the Cathedral, even if you are unable to go inside at the current time.
Travel insurance for the Olympics 2024
Which event are you most excited to see in the Olympics? Whether you plan to make a weekend of it or stay for longer to see as much as you can; Free Spirit has you covered.
Don’t forget the Paralympic games start on the 28th of August so you could come for some of the Olympics, return home and then come back to watch the Paralympic games. With an Annual Multi-Trip Free Spirit travel insurance policy you can come and go as you please.