Olympics 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to the Olympics 2024

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games are just around the corner, taking place in Paris, France from July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024. This is a chance for the world's top athletes to showcase their skills and strengths all while vying to reach the top spot on the podium. It has been 100 years since the games were last held in Paris, so you can bet the celebrations will be huge.

There will be 28 Olympic sports with four additional sports that will pack in the fun, competition, and surprises. Paris is already making promises that it will feature the largest opening ceremony in the history of the games, giving athletes and attendees something spectacular to look forward to.

Paris Olympics 2024 Event Guide

The Olympics are known for generating a lot of excitement and interest from athletes and fans around the world, but there seems to be something special in the air when it comes to the Paris Olympics.

Paris last hosted the Olympic games in 1924, and since then the games have transformed immensely. Between the number of athletes participating, the events themselves including new sports, and the interest in the Olympics worldwide, the 2024 experience is expected to be much bigger and grander.

Paris is a fabulous city any time of the year but summer is especially beautiful thanks to the agreeable climate, the dining, shopping, and the unique sightseeing opportunities. It makes for the perfect summer holiday destination, and for fans of the Olympics and sports in general, it truly is the ideal pairing.

What the organizers have managed to do with Paris is unlike what has been done in other host cities. The events all make use of the existing landmarks, monuments, cityscape, and historical attractions weaving them into the backdrop of each Olympic event.

Where to Stay in Paris During the Olympics

Paris has no shortage of accommodations at all price points, but thanks to the Olympic games many were booked well in advance. Between the Olympic and Paralympic events, visitors will be flocking in and out of the city for a good portion of the summer.

Worth noting, that if you're having a hard time finding accommodations, Paris also has a wide selection of hotels plus Airbnb and Vrbo properties. Just be mindful of location, factoring in how far the accommodations are from the Olympic venues as well as the city sights and attractions.

Where to Eat During the Olympic Games

Paris is known around the world for its mouth-watering cuisine, so visitors will want to take the time to enjoy the culinary options. For an authentic dining experience in Paris, you need to "eat like a local". This means finding restaurants outside the tourist locations and event venues and sampling the dishes the city is most known for. Here are a few you may want to try:

• French wine
• Fromage/cheese
• Macarons
• Croissants
• Pain au chocolate
• Baguette
• Caramels

Generally speaking, the lunch menu is available from 12 PM until 2:30 PM and then the dinner menu is served from 7:30 PM to 11 PM.

A Look at the Paris Olympics Venues

The good news for those hoping to attend multiple Olympic and Paralympic events is that 80% of the competition venues are located within a 10-km radius of the Athlete Village. There will be two zones within the city where events will take place, both of which are along the Seine River. All venues can be accessed by public transport or on foot.

Here's a look at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic venues and nearby sights and attractions:

Porte de la Chapelle Arena

Dubbed the "cultural hub in Paris", this ultra-modern new facility focuses on eco-friendly touches. It will host para-badminton and badminton, para-weightlifting, and rhythmic gymnastics.

Hôtel de Ville

This will be home to the athletics events, and the venue itself is filled with history. The Hôtel de Ville and its picturesque grounds act as the starting point for the marathon, which is more than 42 KM.

Bercy Arena

This is a multi-functional sports facility that will host trampoline, artistic gymnastics, and basketball events during the Olympics. It can be found in the 12th arrondissement and was recently updated to offer a variety of modern features and facilities.

Concorde

Place de la Concorde will play host to some of the most exciting events in the Olympics including skateboarding and BMX freestyle. The venue itself oozes historical features yet has the modern touches needed for these high-octane events.

Pont Alexandre III

This bridge spans across the Seine River, connecting Invalides and the Grand Palais, and will be the finish line for such events as the triathlon, swimming marathon, cycling time trials, and para-triathlon.

Grand Palais

Just as its name implies, the Grand Palais is a spectacular site. The glass roof makes it both unique and beautiful, with the building originally built back in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. This venue will host taekwondo and fencing.

Invalides

Described as a "vast greenspace", this is the perfect spot for athletics and archery. The road cycling event will take place here.

Champs de Mars Arena

This is another multi-functional space that takes architectural and design cues from the Grand Palais. Here spectators will be able to watch wrestling and judo.

Trocadero

Athletics and road cycling will take place here with the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro making for a picturesque background.

Tour Eiffel

Right at the foot of the famed Eiffel Tower is the park - Champ-de-Mars. It will be transformed into a multi-functional outdoor arena ideal for beach volleyball.

Roland Garros Stadium

Those familiar with Paris, and France will know Roland-Garros Stadium, as it has become a legendary stadium. For that reason, it became the perfect spot for boxing and tennis.

South Paris Arena

The South Paris Arena has been designated as a "major hub" for both the Olympics and the Paralympics. It is a convention center that dates back to 1923 when it hosted the Paris Trade Fair.

Parc des Princes

This venue held the title of the largest stadium in France until the Stade de France was built, Parc des Princes is the perfect spot for football. Expect this venue to draw huge crowds throughout the Olympics as the athletes are sure to put on a great show.

Getting Around on Public Transportation During the Paris 2024 Olympics

One of the best ways to get around Paris during the Olympic games is public transport. The city will increase service options during the games addressing the influx in visitors.

Take note that Paris Metro ticket prices will increase during the games. From July until September 2024, metro tickets will almost double in price. You'll be able to purchase a single ticket for €4 or a 10-ticket block for €32. The price increase will supplement the cost of the increased service during the Paris Olympic games.

Predicted Attendance at the Paris Olympic Games

While it's impossible to put a number on the number of spectators/attendees, early estimates suggest it will be in the millions. Just take a look at the opening ceremony plans and concept, which will have the festivities taking place outdoors in the city center so that more people can take part in it and enjoy it.

It is estimated that up to 300,000 will be in attendance at the opening ceremony. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will represent the first of its kind since the opening ceremony has traditionally been inside a stadium-type setting. Spectators will gather on either side of the Seine while the athletes and participants will "parade" aboard boats on the Seine.

Paris 2024 Olympics Venue Bag Policies and Bounce

For spectators planning to watch one or more competitions, there is always the question of bag policies. Each venue will have its own rules and regulations regarding what is acceptable to bring into the venue to watch that particular sport, and not all venues will have lockers or storage solutions. This means you'll need a simple solution that doesn't hinge on the various venue policies.

The Bounce Effect: Hassle-Free Luggage Storage in Paris

So what can you do with your, bag, knapsack, and luggage while attending various events in Paris during the 2024 Olympics? Bounce is a convenient short-term storage solution that offers peace of mind for you.

Bounce is available in Paris and more than 2,000 cities worldwide. It partners with over 10,000 local businesses that offer convenient luggage storage options. This could include businesses such as cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, boutique hotels, and more. You can access the service through an app on your Android or iOS device, locating the closest luggage storage solution. All the information you need is on the app.

Go ahead and take advantage of the flat daily rate which offers you 24 hours of luggage storage. All storage is secure and is backed up by Bounce's $10,000 protection plan. The vast network of storage spots across France gives you an option when there are no luggage lockers available. And not to worry, if you need to cancel your booking you can do so any time before drop off using the app.

City Guides During the Olympic Games

Because there is much more to Paris in the summer than just the Olympic games, spectators will want to do some sightseeing either before or after the events they have tickets for. With that in mind, here are a few key attractions you may want to fit into your itinerary.

Paris

Les Yvelines

The number one attraction in Yvelines is the Palace of Versailles. There are guided tours or you can explore on your own. Traveling with kids? If so, a visit to the Thoiry Safari Zoo is ideal, and it's just 40 KM from Paris.

Hauts-de-Seine

This is the western inner suburbs of the city and its main attractions are the UGC Ciné Cité La Défense and La Defense.

Seine-et-Marne

You simply can't travel to Seine-et-Marne and not plan a visit to Disneyland Paris. The park is infused with French flair, making for a memorable experience no matter your age. Other top sites include Chateau de Fontainebleau and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Saint-Denis

Saint-Denis is the perfect location for those who want to tour cathedrals and museums. It is part of the northern suburbs of Paris, approximately 9.4 KM from the city center. Be sure to check out the Basilica of Saint-Denis, which is a 12th-century church. This is also the area where the Stade de France is located.

Marseille

Marseille is the second biggest city in France, with Paris being the largest. Some of the top sights include Fort Saint-Jean, the Old Harbor, the MuCEM - Museum Of Civilizations Of Europe And The Mediterranean, and Basilique Notre-Dame De La Garde.

Bordeaux

For those traveling to Bordeaux, be sure to fit in a visit to the Place de la Bourse - a historical landmark and the Cathédrale Saint-André - a gothic cathedral.

Nice

Nice is the ideal location for those who enjoy the sand and surf. But stunning beaches aren't the only draw here, with top sights that include Musée Marc Chagall, Place Masséna, Old Town, and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Nantes

Nantes is in western France and is perfect for those who want to experience a historic port city. Nantes also has a medieval castle that will give you a glimpse into history. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is now a history museum for locals and tourists to explore.

Saint Etienne

Moving to the central-east area of France you'll find Saint Etienne. Must see sights include Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, and the Musée de la Mine.

Lyon

Lyon is filled with fabulous sights and history, making for the perfect destination. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then the Musée des Beaux Arts is one of the biggest in the country. Also worth exploring is Fourvière Basilica, which is 100 years old.

See You At the Paris Olympics 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are shaping up to be a huge and memorable event the whole world can share. If you're lucky enough to be attending in person, be sure to use this as your guide helping you to navigate the city, the events, and the venues.

And don't forget, when it comes to storage solutions, Bounce has you covered with a large network of local partners in Paris that offer worry-free, secure luggage storage. Just log into the app to find the most convenient location for you.