Games wide open! That’s the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics slogan, and you can expect to hear it more now that the Games are about to begin. With a 300,000 spectator capacity, the Olympic Committee’s goal is to showcase the iconic offerings of France while ensuring the Games themselves are “more responsible, more inclusive, and more spectacular than ever before.” With sustainability in mind, 95 percent of the venues are already existing or temporary, and all sites are powered by renewable energy. Moreover, the anticipation has been palpable, as Paris has a history of innovation in hosting: women athletes first participated in the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, and this year, 50 percent of the athletes are women, making Paris the first host to achieve gender equality in Games history.
The Opening Ceremony will be the first ever held in a city center, featuring gigantic Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, overlooking the Seine, where a swarm of boats will carry athletes toward the Tower. Once the Games begin, sports like climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which debuted at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, will be among the 32 sports in the mix, along with a new addition: breaking (or breakdancing).
When are the Olympics?
The 2024 Olympic Games will kick off on July 24, starting with non-medal competitions. From July 26 to August 11, over 10,000 athletes will compete in 329 medal events. Due to the addition of an extra day of swimming, three highly anticipated sports—artistic gymnastics, swimming, and track and field—will occur within a very short window on August 3 and 4.
Where are the Olympics?
Ouì, ouì – Parìs! There is considerable excitement regarding the city’s plans for Olympic infrastructure since winning the rights to host the Games seven years ago. A total of 45 sporting events will take place across 35 competition venues in Paris and its neighboring cities, including Versailles, Le Bourget, Nanterre, Vaires-sur-Marne, and Saint-Denis. Notably, two new permanent sports venues were constructed specifically for the Summer Games: the Port de La Chapelle Area and the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis. Although 20 of the venues are in and around central Paris, remember that the surfing competition will be held at Tahiti’s Teahupo’o, marking the farthest medal competition outside the host city in history.
Getting tickets to the Paris Olympics
Though some sessions are sold out, tickets for several sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advisable to regularly check the ticketing site, as some events may become available again. For those seeking an all-inclusive experience, travel packages are also being offered. VIP access is provided through Hospitality Packages that come with various perks. Each ticket must be procured through the official ticketing platform.
Where is the Olympic Stadium?
The Stade de France, located in the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, is the country’s largest stadium and has hosted major sporting events for three decades, including Rugby World Cups and World Athletics Championships. This venue will transform into the Olympic Stadium during the Games.
Planning your trip to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
Where to stay in Paris
The Stade de France is a twenty-minute train ride from the city center, making it accessible for visitors. If you’re looking for a residential vibe, the 10th arrondissement is home to Canal Saint-Martin, featuring trendy restaurants and bars. For those interested in sightseeing, the 1st and 2nd arrondissements are ideally situated, although visitors should be prepared for crowds.
What to do in Paris
Paris is expecting 15 million visitors during the Olympics. Popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay will be open during this time, but it’s essential to expect significant crowds. For those seeking tranquility, consider a stroll through the spacious Jardin des Tuileries or the quieter Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.
Where to eat and drink in Paris
Reservations will be challenging to secure during the Olympic Games due to high demand. Mapping out dining preferences in advance will be beneficial. If you choose to dine inside the Olympic Stadium, over 60 concession stands and mobile vendors will help facilitate orders.
How to watch the Olympics from home
For those unable to attend in person, most major streaming platforms will provide coverage of the Olympics. The BBC is planning extensive coverage throughout the event, and Euronews will offer segments of the action.
Upcoming Olympics
The next Olympic event will be the Winter Games, hosted in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in February 2026. Following that, the Summer Olympics will occur in Los Angeles in 2028.
Last Olympics Recap
The last Summer Olympic Games took place in Tokyo in 2021, having been postponed the previous year due to the Covid pandemic. This marked Tokyo’s second time hosting the Summer Olympics, and 2021 was significant as it was the first time the Games were held in an odd-numbered year.
