Paris is one of those cities you’ll find on many a person’s bucket list. The weather in the city is hot, but not unbearably so. The geography places it on the doorstep of several European countries, whose citizens can, in just a couple of hours or more after taking off, be landing on Parisian soil. And there is, of course, all the sights: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and more.
In July 2024, the city will be hosting the Olympic Games for the third time. Naturally, the city has experience in such a project, but there are other reasons for its third successful bid to host the event. One is that it has been expanding its transit network. Another is that the fact that, although there has been much to build, the various sports stadiums already existing in Paris mean the city has a vast amount of infrastructure in place to the Games. Whatever the reasons, the world can be sure Paris will put on a fantastic event. Below is a look at some of the main Olympic events and how you can get tickets, plus suggestions of where to stay, where to eat and how to get around the city.
Getting tickets
Given the popularity of the Games and the need for fair allocation, the way to get tickets is simple: apply through the dedicated platform run by the Organizing Committees for the Olympic Games. Anyone who wants a ticket must enter a lottery-style process.
Big events at the Olympics
Competing in the Olympics is a huge honor and teams will be battling to win as many medals as they can for their country. The USA is tipped to win the most medals, followed by China and then by Team GB, so if you’re into Olympic Games betting, keep this in mind.
Athletics
All eyes will be on the athletics. On 3 August, at 21.20, Central European Time, the Women’s 100m final will take place, and Sha Carri Richardson (USA) is looking the lady to beat. At 21.55 (CET) on 4 August, the men will contest the 100 m final. Italy’s Marcell Jacobs, the European champion and reigning Olympic champion, is one of the favourites to take the gold in Paris.
Cycling
Cycling is another big draw, with the men’s road race taking place on 3 August (CET) at 11.00 am. The next day, at 14.00 (CET) it’s the turn of the women on the road. If you prefer track cycling, you can catch the women’s sprint final for gold at 19.58 (CET) on 5 August and the men’s at 20.07 (CET) on 6 August.
Swimming
Olympic swimming is another event that gets spectators flocking to the action. On 4 August, aquatics fans can catch the men’s 4 x 100 medley relay final at 19.12 (CET) and, shortly, after, the women’s event at 19.35.
Staying and dining in Paris
As you can expect of such a grand city, Paris spoils you with neighbourhoods to stay in.
The Marais
The Marais is a trendy neighbourhood and home to some cutting-edge institutions, such as the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) and the Lafayette Anticipations contemporary art centre. The area spoils you with designer boutiques, thrift stores, cafes and galleries, not to mention some good places to eat. Carboni’s is a stylish Italian restaurant or, if you’re looking for something with a little gourmet flair, Datil is the one. Going full Parisian? Make it the Bistrot des Tournelles.
Belleville
Belleville is a big hit with locals when choosing a place for a flirty cocktail, but if you like nice views — and who doesn’t? — grab them at Belleville. The junction at the two main streets treats you to an unexpected view of Paris. For high-quality cuisine, the Cheval d’Or is the place to go, but Belleville has plenty of fine cafes and eateries if you’re looking to spend a little less.
Getting around
One of the great joys of staying in Paris is the pleasure of walking around the city. However, if you’d rather jump on public transport to cram more in, then the RATP network will handsomely assist.
The Metro, of course, is the most straightforward way to get around the city and will take you almost anywhere. If you prefer to use the bus, get ready for the Parisian traffic, which can make buses slightly unreliable but are a good way to take in some of the city sights. Buses run well after midnight, but they might be a bit less pleasant to travel on than in the daytime.
Paris is an exceptional city and is sure to do a fantastic job of hosting the Olympics this summer. If you’re in the city when they’re on, you might also wish to catch the basketball or some of the sports making their debut at the Olympics, including breaking, surfing and skateboarding.