France is ready for the world.
The countdown to the Paris Summer Olympics has begun, and for the third time in history, the City of Lights will be transformed into a living arena. Paris already ranks as one of the most visited cities in the world, with around 36 million visitors in 2023, but the biggest international sporting event will be held from July 26th to August 11th. It is expected that 16 million more tourists will visit.
If you missed the first round of single ticket sales last summer, don't worry. Tickets for more events are steadily going on sale, so it's possible to get a spot at the 2024 Paris Games. Of course, being in the stands is only part of the fun. Competition for hotel room prices and free time is also increasing, as we'll discuss in the next guide.
The ring is the key.
Where to watch the match
In one of many firsts, the opening ceremony on July 26th will take place in the city center rather than the stadium, with 160 boats carrying athletes parading along the Seine to the Trocadéro, with the river taking center stage. becomes. Tickets give access to the lower quays, from Pont Austerlitz to Pont Jena, but spectators can also stick along the embankment to catch a glimpse of the show, which is shown on 80 giant screens.
You can also join in the celebrations at one of around 30 free fan zones in the Paris area. His two most centrally located areas to live stream events are Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement and Trocadero by the Eiffel Tower in the 16th arrondissement.
Over 19 days, 41 sports and 329 events will be held in and around the capital, with landmarks such as the Grand Palais being used as fencing and taekwondo venues. The tournament will also be held in areas surrounding the city, including Seine-Saint-Denis, where the Olympic and Paralympic Village is located. What's more, the soccer tournament is held in six stadiums across the country (Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille), so staying central makes it easy to get from one event to the next .
For the ultimate viewing party, head to the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Cheval Blanc Paris near Pont Neuf. His seventh-floor panoramic terrace, Le Toupis, offers expansive shots of the Seine and the sparkling Eiffel Tower. For a medal-worthy meal, book a popular table at the experiential Plénitude.
Hôtel de Crillon has its eye on gold.
destination
If you're lucky enough to score a room at the luxurious 5-star Hôtel de Crillon, the Rosewood Hotel before it sells out for the Olympics, you'll be spoiled for choice with new sports like breakdancing, plus skateboarding and BMX freestyle. , 3-on-3 basketball will be played on Place de la Concorde. It will be transformed into a city park with four arenas, a DJ, a chill zone and a restaurant. The Hôtel de Ville in Paris City Hall was the starting point for the legendary long-distance marathon, and one of the hotels closest to the competition venue, Le Grand Mazarin, is located on the corner of the square and still has a few rooms available. There is. At press time.
So is Hotel Raphael Paris, recommended by Forbes Travel Guide, a charming family-run hotel just a javelin's throw from the Champs-Elysées. There are still rooms available.
A two-minute walk from Roland Garros, home of tennis and boxing at the Summer Olympics, Molitor is a hotel in the affluent 16th arrondissement, known for its signature Art Deco pool. Clarins' pool and expansive spa are the perfect escape from the summer heat. You can watch the event on screens scattered throughout the property, including at the poolside bar. Another perk of staying at these luxury hotels is the concierge's extra help when it comes to making restaurant reservations and securing tickets to popular shows.
Highlights
When you need a break from cheering, Paris has plenty to enchant you this summer. Musee d'Orsay's “Tonight with the Impressionists Paris 1874” (until August 11) is a unique experience that uses a VR headset to fully immerse you in his 19th-century art studio on Rue Capucines.
Until September 2nd, the Pinault Collection will be on display at the Trade Exchange, featuring a selection of works from the 1980s that fall under the exhibition's theme.le monde com il va” (“The World as It Is”).
Given the traffic and the pedestrianization of parts of the city, the best way to get to these galleries (or anywhere else for that matter) is on foot or by public transport (the metro is the most reliable option) is. The center of Paris (Louvre, Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Latin Quarter) is definitely busy, but if you want a break from the crowds, head to one of the scenic neighborhoods within walking distance. traffic jam.
For example, you can cruise along the water and admire street art on the Canal Saint-Martin, or head to Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement. Pigalle is hidden in the shadow of Montmartre's Sacré Coeur, but it's charming in every way. Especially now that it has shed its former dubious reputation as a red-light district. For a curated tour of the neighborhood's history and museums, book a guided experience with an expert like The Seen's Alexandra Weinress. You can tailor her day to suit your preferences.
Enjoying all of Paris's great restaurants requires strategy.
where to eat and drink
In between events, enjoy a meal at the iconic Brasserie Au Pied de Cochon in the city center near Les Halles. This brasserie is open all day until 5am. One of the casual all-day dining bouillon restaurants in Pigalle or République. Or visit one of the lively French restaurants or wine bars on Rue Nil in Sentier, near Les Halles.
The 2nd arrondissement, particularly the Sentier neighborhood, is centrally located near the Hôtel de Ville and is experiencing a restaurant renaissance, including the Israeli-style Tekés and sister restaurant Shana, a Mediterranean wine bar with shared plates perfect for casual group dining. It's progressing. Opposite the Louvre, Le His Fumoir is a popular restaurant for aperitifs and people-watching on the terrace. Meanwhile, you can't go wrong with Le Mary Celeste in the Marais with its quirky small plates, craft cocktails, and wide selection of cocktails. glass of wine.
In Pigalle, you'll find Soho House, the country's only outpost. If you're a member, it's a great place to post and reset between actions. What's more, his 360-degree panoramic rooftop at the Hôtel Rochechouart is one of the few spots in the city where you can have picturesque views of the Eiffel Tower almost to yourself.
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