The countdown to Paris 2024 has started. In less than two months, Paris will be buzzing with millions of visitors. Will you be part of it? Do you wonder how to navigate the City of Light and enjoy all its treasures with so many people around? Don’t worry, I’ve come up with a plan for you… follow the guide 😉
Step 1: The Olympics - Paris 2024 mandatory Pass before the Games
The first essential step... the mandatory pass! A QR code will be required to access the two restricted areas set up around the Olympic sites and the Seine River, where many highly touristic spots, including the Eiffel Tower, are located. You can find the official map here and click here to get to the website where you can apply for the QR code. Yes, apply... since an administrative check will be carried out by the French Administration before granting you the QR code (please be patient... I’m still waiting for mine, although I registered two weeks ago). You can find more details about the restricted areas and access here.
Step 2: Activities Outside Paris 2024 Restricted Areas
While there's no way of escaping the crowd if you're going to attend sporting events during the Olympics, you may want to find some quieter places to relax and enjoy the Parisian vibes despite the millions of visitors. My advice is to schedule activities outside the restricted areas. I know, I know... I just wrote that even the Eiffel Tower is in that perimeter, and so are the Louvre and Île de la Cité. But it doesn’t mean you cannot visit those sites (hence the QR code), it’s just better to avoid these areas as much as you can. Other neighborhoods, some just as famous like Montmartre and some more authentic off-the-beaten-path places await you. And guess what, that may even be the highlight of your stay 😉
So step 2, have a look at what’s possible to do - I may suggest the following:
You came to Paris for the Olympics and some sport… why don’t you try to go all the way up to the Dôme du Sacré Coeur? 292 steps and you’ll be rewarded by one of the most stunning view over the city.
For Emily in Paris’ fans, the Latin Quarter is out of the restricted zone, it’s the perfect occasion to go to the Panthéon and the Place de l’Estrapade and walk in Emily's steps.
The river cruise on the Seine are cancelled? Well never mind, go for a cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin instead, just as nice if not as famous.
Wine tasting? Who’s in? Head to Bastille/Charonne and just pick up one of the many wine bars (I do love the Barawine on rue de Charonne 😉).
You love history? Well in Paris it’s easy to step back in time just by entering some passages couverts (covered passages): Le Passage Jouffroy (where you can also stop at the Musée Grevin) and the Passage Verdeau are a good start.
You’d rather admire some art pieces? Monet’s famous waterlilies await you at the musée Marmottan Monet, which is also showing a temporary exhibit about artists & sport in paintings.
You want to be traveling like a local? Try a picnic in the Parc des Buttes Chaumont or go for a walk along la Coulée Verte, a former railway (transformed into a linear green walk).
Have you ever tried a foodcourt à la française? No? The Marché des Enfants Rouges in the lively Marais is the place to go.
Need to relax a bit? Head to the Molitor MGallery and its amazing swimming pool for a relaxing afternoon (and some cocktails on their rooftop ;-).
And last but not least, escape Paris for a day: Versailles, Giverny, Champagne... make your choice!
These are only a few ideas and can of course be adapted to your interests.
Step 3: Take Some Height in 2024 in Paris
And finally, a secret to avoid the crowd… Take some height! Paris has countless rooftops: some exclusive, some with great views, some where to party… the choice is yours but if I may, my top 3 is:
Rooftop Eylau (Canopy by Hilton, Paris 16ème)
Rooftop bar at Dame des Arts (Paris 6ème)
Galeries Lafayette's rooftop (Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 9ème)
So yes, Paris will be buzzling during the Olympics, but you will have the time of your life in the City of Light. By the way, did I mention I’m a local travel advisor here? Of course, I can help you craft the most amazing stay. Click here to get in touch with me and don’t hesitate to forward this article to anyone who may need it 😉
and why not start with a tour of Montmartre?
"Montmartre Unveiled - A Paris Experience" is the tittle I gave to the e-guide I crafted just for you, it includes:
A walking tour showing you around this special neighborhood
Cafés and restaurants to treat yourself
Ideas on what to do/experience
An interactive map to help you navigate the area
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