The Olympic Games 2024 are set to transform Paris into a global hub of excitement and sportsmanship from July 26 to August 11, 2024. This grand event will see the world’s best athletes compete across the city, with key venues like the Stade de France and the newly built Aquatic Centre hosting a variety of competitions. Paris has meticulously planned to accommodate the influx of visitors, with special arrangements for public transportation, expanded hospitality services, and comprehensive security measures. However, with such a large number of attendees, the city will also face significant challenges such as road closures and increased traffic, making it crucial for visitors to plan their journeys meticulously.
The Golden Triangle of Paris: Must-See Landmarks
Tourists flocking to Paris usually have a few must-see attractions on their itinerary, often known as the Golden Triangle, which includes iconic landmarks like Concorde, Invalides, Pont Alexandre III, and the Tour Eiffel. These areas are rich with history and culture, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the grandeur of Paris. However, during the Olympic Games, accessing these sites might become quite challenging due to heightened security measures, restricted access, and the sheer volume of people. Walking, metro, and bus routes will be your best bet for getting around, but even these modes of transport could be overwhelmed by the crowds and disruptions.
Navigating Paris During the Games: Challenges and Tips
For those looking to explore Paris’s renowned landmarks, it’s important to note that visiting some of the city’s most famous spots, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, may require more patience and planning. Areas around the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe, which are usually bustling with activity, are likely to be particularly crowded and might have restricted access for vehicles. The vibrant area around Place Vendôme and Rue Saint Honoré, known for its luxury shopping and refined architecture, might also see limitations in vehicle traffic, making it difficult to navigate by car. Similarly, the scenic routes along Pont Alexandre III and the cultural hotspots at the Grand Palais and Petit Palais could face disruptions.
From March 2024, preparations for the Olympic Games will result in numerous road closures and restricted areas. Major landmarks such as the Champ-de-Mars, Place du Trocadéro, and Pont Alexandre III will see significant disruptions due to infrastructure setups. By July, several bridges over the Seine, including Pont du Carrousel and Pont de l’Alma, will be closed at different times, impacting cross-city travel. Visitors should stay updated with real-time traffic information and consider alternative routes to navigate the city efficiently
The Limitations of Bus Tours: A Generic Experience
While traditional bus tours offer an option for seeing the city, they often fall short of capturing the true essence of Paris. These tours typically follow a fixed route and provide a surface-level view of the city’s attractions without the flexibility or intimacy required to fully appreciate the unique charm and character of Paris. Additionally, with the expected road blockages and detours during the Olympic Games, bus tours might not be able to offer the comprehensive experience they promise, leaving tourists feeling disconnected from the vibrant pulse of the city.
The Perfect Alternative: Vintage Car Tours
For those who have limited time but still want to immerse themselves in the magic of Paris, a vintage car tour in a classic Citroën 2CV presents the perfect alternative. With a local French guide, these tours offer a unique and personalized experience, allowing you to navigate the charming, lesser-known streets and discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by larger, more generic tours. The Citroën 2CV, with its open-top design, provides an intimate way to explore Paris’s stunning architecture, historic monuments, and picturesque landscapes, ensuring that you can savor the essence of the city in style and comfort.
Additionally, our vintage car tours possess the same special permits as taxi and VTC drivers, allowing them to access restricted areas during the Olympic Games. This enables us to navigate freely and, whenever possible, pick you up directly from your hotel. However, we recommend meeting us at 24 Rue de Madrid, 75008 for the most convenient start to your tour.
Our Tailored Tours for the Olympic Games: Explore Efficiently
Understanding the challenges that come with navigating Paris during the Olympic Games, we have adapted our vintage car tours to ensure that you can still enjoy the city’s highlights without the stress of public transportation or crowded buses. We offer two main tours:
1. Left Bank Tour:
Includes Notre Dame, Quartier Latin, Île Saint-Louis, Le Marais, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €199.
Features:
- Complimentary refreshments (water, juice)
- Cozy blankets for comfort
- Scenic photography stops
- Polaroid photo
2. Right Bank Tour:
Covers the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Place Vendôme, and Montmartre. This tour also lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs €199.
Features:
- Complimentary refreshments (water, juice)
- Cozy blankets for comfort
- Scenic photography stops
- Polaroid photo
3. Combined Left and Right Bank Tour:
For those wanting a comprehensive view of both banks, this tour takes 3 hours and is priced at €349.
Features:
- Complimentary refreshments (water, juice)
- Cozy blankets for comfort
- Scenic photography stops
- Polaroid photo
- Café and croissant break in a typical French café
- Champagne
Due to the Olympics, particularly from August 1st to 4th, significant portions of the city will be dedicated to cycling events, meaning there will be no tours available on these dates.
For more information about how to make the most of your visit to Paris during the Olympic Games and our vintage car tours, check out our Q&A section
