Free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw near, athletes, supporters, and visitors from around the globe will flock to the city. From Friday, July 26, 2024 to Sunday, August 11, 2024, Paris will be at the center of the world.
For those returning or embarking on their first trip to Paris, this blog post outlines free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
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Free attractions and events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
To keep your spending to a minumum, look for free activities to do. Every summer there are lots of free events around the city such as:
- Music festivals
- Concerts
- Dancing
- Road cycling event (Tour de France) can be viewed free of charge
- Museums
During the Olympic Games, the triathlon’s swimming (1.5 km), cycling (40 km) and running (10 km) events take place right in the center of Paris along the Seine river banks and on the Champs-Élysées. Visitors along the route can watch the athletes go by and cheer them on.
The Parc de la Villette and its Grande Halle in the 19th arrondissement will serve as the hub for the French team and its supporters. It will be open to all, free of charge, with around 700,000 spectators expected to gather there throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Each evening, visitors will have the opportunity to meet French athletes and partake in unique celebrations with them, followed by the transformation of the Grande Halle into a lively party venue. Additionally, the public can engage in various sporting activities, also at no cost.
The Parc de la Villette and its Grande Halle is located at 211 avenue Jean Jaurès in the 19th arrondissement, is accessible via metro line 5 heading to Bobigny, with a stop at Porte de Pantin.
Free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: Museums
Free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. If you plan to visit many of the museums in the city, consider visiting the free permanent collection of these museums below:
- Maison de Victor Hugo
- Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Musée Cernuschi
- Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
These museums are not only things that you can do during the Paris 2024 summer Olympics but also things that you can do all year long.
Visit The Eiffel Tower for free
Among the other free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, how about a visit to the Eiffel Tower? If you do not plan on climbing its stairs, you can see it for free. Access to the gardens and forecourt beneath the Eiffel Tower is free. All you have to do is pass through the security checkpoint at Entrance 1 or Entrance 2 of the Eiffel Tower, passing through the queue of non-ticketed visitors.
25 free festive events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
Free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. As part of the 2024 summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the City of Paris is setting up festive zones and free events to do all over the capital. The festive zones are:
- 1st arrondissement: the Parc Rives de Seine and Quartier Jeunes
- 2nd arrondissement: the Fabrique de la Solidarité
- 4th arrondissement: the Académie du climat
- 5th arrondissement: the Arènes de Lutèces
- 6th arrondissement: the Place Saint-Sulpice
- 8th arrondissement: the Parc Monceau
- 9th arrondissement: the Mairie/City Hall
- 10th arrondissement: the Canal St-Martin and the Ganges aux Belles district
- 11th arrondissement: the Mairie/City Hall
- 12th arrondissement: the Allée Vivaldi
- 13th arrondissement: the Parc de Choisy
- 14th arrondissement: the Centre sportif Elisabeth
- 15th arrondissement: the Mairie /City Hall
- 16th arrondissement: the Parc Sainte-Périne
- 17th arrondissement: the Parc Clichy Batignolles Martin Luther-King
- 18th arrondissement: the Jardins d’Eole and the Square Léon Serpollet
- 19th arrondissement: the Place Stalingrad, the Bassin de la Villette
- 20th arrondissement: the Sport Complex Louis Lumière*
* (source Paris je t’aime)
At this point, now that I have covered some of the free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, I would like to share a few Paris travel tips to enhance your experience in the vibrant city of lights and make your stay truly memorable.
Summer Olympic transportation to travel to the games
If you’re in the city of lights to attend your favorite olympic events, competitions or cheer on your preferred athlete, a Paris Visite Travel Pass is essential. Furthermore, for more details, visit the RATP, the official Paris transit transportation agency. Moreover, RATP oversees the metro, buses, trams, as well as the RER B and RER A suburban lines.
Arriving from the airport
If you intend to arrive at CDG (Charles de Gaulle), you can opt for the RER B, which will transport you directly to Gare du Nord and subsequently to central Paris (Chatelet-Les Halles) train station and metro stations. Once there, you can conveniently switch to lines 1 (heading towards the Marais), 4, and 14 to seamlessly continue your journey to your final destination.
Furtermore, if you’re intending to arrive at Orly Airport, it’s worth noting that the ongoing construction work to extend line 14 to Orly Airport will soon be finished. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that during the Olympic and Paralympic games, the price of a single metro ticket will increase from 2.10 to 4.20 euros. Consequently, it’s highly advisable to purchase your tickets prior to the opening ceremony.
As a bonus tip, make sure to wear comfortable shoes for your metro rides and retain your metro ticket throughout your journey. Should you plan on using single metro tickets during your stay, never discard them, as transportation controls are rigorous. These controllers uphold zero tolerance for individuals without tickets, so be sure to keep yours until you’ve completed your journey.
How to get last minutes tickets for the Paris Olympics
If you’re planning to attend the games but haven’t secured any tickets yet, be sure to visit the official ticketing website of the Paris 2024 games. As of my last check, there are still tickets available for various sports events within the Paris metropolitan area including:
- Handball
- Baskettball (women only)
- Athletics
Unfortunately, for the top things to see ( competitions) at the Paris Olympics 2024 such as swimming and artistic gymnastics, there are no tickets available.
In addition, you can still book travel packages. These packages include:
- Olympic Games Tickets + Accommodations at 3 and 4* hotels
- Public Transport
- Gift
- Salon 24
- Special Events
- City Pass and/or Curated Tours depending on the Package.
You can book your travel packages here.
Olympic events venues in Paris
A significant number of the Olympic event venues chosen are easily reachable via public transportation and Uber. These venues include:
- Bercy Arena in the 12th district or arrondissement
- Grand Palais in the 8th arrondissement
- Roland Garros Stadium in the 16th arrondissement
- South Paris Arena 6 in the 15th arrondissement
- Stade de France (Saint Denis, outside of Paris)
Learn basic French
Learn a few key French phrases. Most French people do speak English, however, if you want to impress them, a few words in French might come in handy. Learn how to say the basics such as:
- Bonjour ( good morning)
- Merci (thank you)
- Madame ( Ms and Mrs)
- Monsieur (sir)
- S’il vous plaît ( please)
- Je m’appelle… (my name is)
Every interaction should start with a “bonjour”. Trust me, it is rude not to greet someone. I often hear French people calling out people for not saying “Bonjour”.
Have cash for convenience
While most establishments accept cards, it’s worth noting that some don’t accept them for purchases below 10 euros. Hence, it’s advisable to carry cash as a backup. Additionally, in France, we use euros, so please ensure you have your cash ready before arriving in Paris or any other French cities this summer. Keep in mind that transaction fees on foreign exchange can incur additional costs.
Bonus Tip: Ask your bank in your home country if they could change your currencies at no cost to you. You can also get a prepaid money travel card.
Prepaid sim card
Traveling internationnaly can incur roaming charges. To save money on calls and stay connected with your family and friends, get a prepaid sim card. You can get one in Paris at any Relay store. At the Relay store, you can also get newspapers, puzzles, books etc… Although you mainly find them at airports, they are also located inside major train stations. Get your sim card at Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est and Gare Montparnasse. Just do a Google search for the location near to your area.
Guard against pickpockets
Unfortunately, Paris is renowned for pickpocket. Consequently, with the Olympic Games in full swing, they will undoubtedly be present. Therefore, it is advisable to keep your valuables at home, in a secure place at your hotel, or on your person. Here are a few travel tips to keep in mind:
- Stay vigilent vigilent in crowded areas.
- Keep a watchful eye on your belongings and remain aware of your surroundings
- Invest in a anti-theft backpack
- Keep your vacation rental or hotel room secured by always locking it
Use your reward points
For travelers who are keen on saving money on hotel accommodations, consider maximizing your travel rewards points. This allows you to get a free trip and free hotel stays.
Where to stay to on a budget to enjoy the Paris Olympic and Paralympics
When attending the games in Paris, expenses can quickly accumulate, even if you’ve already established a budget. To mitigate costs, consider staying in neighborhoods situated outside of central Paris and other sought-after areas like the Latin Quarter. While tourists typically favor central locations, there are lesser-known arrondissements and neighborhoods worth exploring. Give these areas a try:
- 19th arrondissement
- 20th arrondissement
- 18th arrondissement ( exclude Montmartre)
- 13th arrondissement
The 19th arrondissement is the cheaper arrondissement in Paris. In case you would like to know more about it, you migh be interested in this blog post, “A Paris guide to the 19th arrondissement with children.”
Conclusion
In short, make good use of the free events to do during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics to significantly enhance your experience in the city. Furthermore, by utilizing the tips above, from leveraging public transportation, guarding from pickpockets to maximizing rewards points…you can make your summer 2024 one to remember.
For more things to do in Paris, feel free to grab your free Paris bucket list below.
