Paris 2024: A3M’s Travel Guide to the Olympics
The countdown is on: In a few days the Summer Olympics will finally start! Read what you need to know about the Games in France in July and August 2024.
(Title Illustration: AI-generated picture)
Millions of people flock to Paris, Marseilles, Lyon or even Tahiti to attend the international sports festival. For travellers from neighbouring countries, the distances are sometimes short, which is why tens of thousands of guests from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are also expected. A3M has summarised what you should know and what might be useful when travelling.
Info
Important Dates: 26 July / Opening Ceremony & Lighting of the Olympic Flame (7:30 pm, on the Seine between Pont d’Austerlitz and Pont d’Iéna or Jardins du Trocadéro); 11 August / Closing Ceremony (9 pm, Stade de France, Paris)
Venues: 39 in total! Most of them are in Paris, but the sailing competitions (Marseilles) and especially the football matches are held at numerous other sports venues.
Expected Number of Visitors: 15 millions (about 2 millions from abroad)
Procedure: The official schedule of the Olympic Summer Games in Paris can be found here.
How To Get In
• France is part of the Schengen area and therefore does not require travellers from Schengen member countries to obtain a visa. Travellers from the UK or the USA are not required to obtain visa either.
• Nationals of other states can check if they need a visa on this website.
• Most travellers from the Schengen area can enter France with an ID card. Travellers from the UK or the USA are required to have a passport.
• For the time of the Olympic Games and the Paralympics, France has announced border and customs checks at the Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain borders until 31 October. In addition, some of the neighbouring countries like Germany and Switzerland decided to introduce stronger border checks.
• Paris can be reached via the international airports Charles de Gaulle (CDG; 23 km to city centre) and Orly (ORY; 13 km to city centre). A more sustainable option for travellers from the UK can be the Eurostar from London.
When You Are There
How do I reach the venues? The best way to reach the Stade de France is via the RER express line system (RER B and RER D lines). RER trains also run to many of the other venues, although it is generally worth using the corresponding metro connections due to the shorter access routes:
It is also worth downloading the app Next Stop Paris by RATP Group, the 3rd larges urban transport company worldwide.
But be aware: Temporary security zones have been set up around the venues, which is why access to the individual competitions may be restricted. To find out where you can move freely and at what time, we recommend you visit the page of the French Ministry of Transport.
Safety
Due to the increased terrorism threat posed by groups like the so-called Islamic State or his offshoot ISIS-K, increased security measures, checks and police presence are to be expected.
Numerous groups and initiatives have announced demonstrations during the Summer Olympics in Paris. For example, a demonstration by the Union of Performing Artists (SFA) is to take place at the same time as the opening ceremony on Friday (26 July, from 19:30). A protest event by opponents of the Olympics will also take place on Thursday (25 July) from 6 pm on the Place de la République.
For their own safety, travellers should therefore take a few important tips into account:
• Travellers are advised to keep themselves informed about demonstrations that are announced before travelling. Protests and marches by security forces should be avoided.
• If there is unrest in the suburbs (banlieues), the affected areas should be avoided as far as possible.
• In the context of protests or the ongoing increased threat of terrorism, instructions from the security forces should be followed at all costs.
(By the way: To keep their customers up to date and assist them in dangerous situations, tour operators like to use the Global Monitoring von A3M.)
Paris Off The Beaten Track
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame? Mais non! Here are three sights where you can escape the crowds:
• Canal Saint-Martin: If you’re looking for picturesque walks and trendy cafés, you’ll find them here. The Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th/11th arrondissements is a great place to spend the afternoon.
• Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: This science and industry museum is located in the Parc de la Villette (19th arrondissement), where the Paris Philharmonie is also located, and offers visitors of all ages a variety of interactive exhibitions on different themes.
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: This park, which is also located in the 19th arrondissement, is described as particularly peaceful and offers both shady spots and impressive views.
In Case of Emergency
The emergency number for the police, ambulance and fire brigade in France is 112.
The official Olympia Help Center can be found here.
The Embassy of the United Kingdom in Paris is located at 35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré. The phone number is (+33) 1 44 51 31 00.
The Embassy of the United States in Paris is located at 2 avenue Gabriel. The phone number is (+33) 1 43.12.22.22.
The Embassy of Canada in Paris is located at 130 rue du Faubourg St Honoré. The phone number is (+33) (0) 1 44 43 29 00.