2024 Summer Olympics Travel Tips
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Paris. Photo CREdit: StockByM, iStock / Getty Images Plus
The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, promise to be a spectacular global spectacle. From July 26 to August 11, Paris will once again, for a historic third time after its stints in 1900 and 1924, play host to the pinnacle of athletic prowess and international camaraderie, cementing its legacy alongside London as one of only two cities to have welcomed the Summer Olympics thrice. With a sprawling canvas that extends to 16 other metropolitan cities and an exceptional subsite in Tahiti, Paris 2024 is poised to unfurl a vibrant tapestry of human endeavor, cultural celebration, and sporting excellence.
The preparations for Paris 2024 transcend the athletic, embedding significant cultural, environmental, and community-oriented initiatives. The campaign for environmental stewardship, highlighted by Paris 2024's alignment with the "Race to Zero," alongside a comprehensive volunteer program aiming to recruit 45,000 individuals, illustrates an Olympic vision that is not just about games but about legacy—leaving behind a world enriched and inspired by the Olympic spirit.
Comfortable accommodations are required before taking your seats at the stadium, and thankfully, Paris has no shortage of 5-star accommodations and dining experiences to enjoy. The city's Northeast section will be bustling with events from the traditional to the contemporary. Swimming, equestrian, and pentathlon events border the 16th arrondissement. New events like break dancing and three v. three basketball are all within 45 minutes of each other by metro and public transportation. The 16th arrondissement boasts some of the city’s most decadent and indulgent experiences while keeping you close to the Olympic action.
Stay and Eat in the 16th
Illycaffè At Art Paris 2024, PHOTO Credit: Kristy Sparow / Stringer, Getty Images Europe
Whether you're in Paris for the Olympics or to bask in the city's renowned culture, Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet positions you perfectly for both leisure and excitement. With the George V Metro station a brief stroll away, the heart of Olympic action is a few metro stops from the comfort of your room. Guests at Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet can enjoy many amenities, including a refined indoor swimming pool, a relaxing spa, private parking, and family rooms to make everyone comfortable, not to mention the free WiFi that blankets the hotel and the excellent breakfast to start your day right. Celebrated for comfort, the rooms promise a restful night's sleep with a touch of Parisian flair.
For dining, you're spoilt for choice between the historic Fouquet's restaurant and the Michelin-starred Le Diane, offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. The hotel is also child-friendly, offering amenities and menus tailored to younger guests, making it an excellent choice for families.
George V Metro is a center point for multiple luxury stays in Paris. Nearby, the Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a beacon of sophistication in the heart of Paris. With its Art Deco elegance, the hotel offers an array of luxurious amenities that make it a standout choice for visitors to the city. You will relish the comfort of rooms adorned with bespoke furniture and delicate color schemes, all boasting modern conveniences like Nespresso machines and free Wi-Fi to add to the comfort of your stay.
The Prince de Galles is not just about grandeur but also about gastronomic excellence. The hotel is renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurant, La Scène, where guests can savor exquisite French cuisine. Additionally, Le Patio offers international fare in a serene garden setting for a more relaxed setting. Those looking for a more casual yet stylish environment can find it at the Bar 19.20, which provides a modern and romantic ambiance.
If, at the end of your day, you want to unwind a bit more removed from the bustle of the city but still at a manageable distance to all Paris has to offer, the Saint James Hotel Paris, nestled in the elegant 16th Arrondissement, is a serene escape offering a tranquil experience amidst the vibrancy of Olympics. The hotel ensures a comfortable and indulgent stay with an indoor swimming pool, a spa for relaxing treatments, and a fitness center for those who like to keep active. The hotel houses the French cuisine restaurant Bellefeuille for dining, adding to the luxurious experience with its delectable offerings.
The Saint James Paris is uniquely positioned in a posh residential area, likened to New York City’s Upper East Side, and offers a more secluded atmosphere than the bustling city center. Although a bit removed from the main attractions, central Paris landmarks such as the Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower are accessible within a reasonable metro ride, with the closest metro station only a four-minute walk away.
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part.”
- Pierre de Coubertin.
From each of the suggested hotels, you are within one hour of popular events like swimming, equestrian, and pentathlon, as well as the new events featured for 2024, like skateboarding. Each venue is an opportunity to witness feats of athleticism and soak in some of Paris's rich cultural offerings.
Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre – Swimming & Water Polo
Nanterre's arena, just northwest of Paris, is a marvel of modern engineering and design, and its transformation for the Olympics exemplifies its multifaceted capabilities. Not only will it be a central hub for aquatic events, but the surrounding area of Nanterre is noteworthy for its blend of contemporary charm and natural beauty. Its proximity to landmarks like the iconic Bois de Boulogne Park and easy metro access make it a convenient and scenic location for visitors to explore. With the excitement of the Olympics, Nanterre and Paris La Défense Arena are poised to offer a harmonious blend of top-tier sporting action and the serene, cultured environment of one of Paris' most upscale neighborhoods.
Photo Credit: Stephen Frink, The Image Bank / Getty Images
The Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre will transform into an Olympic swimming pool for the first time. As the largest indoor events venue in Europe, it’s previously played host to world-renowned artists and sporting events, but in 2024, it will welcome a different kind of spectacle. With an Olympic-sized swimming pool installed within its expanse, the arena will see swimmers worldwide compete in various events, including individual and relay races across different strokes. The swimming competitions will span from July 27 to August 4, featuring a variety of distances that will test the swimmers' explosivity, endurance, strength, and technique.
Château de Versailles – Equestrian & Pentathlon
The Château de Versailles, a site steeped in history and French tradition, is set to play a remarkable role, offering a regal backdrop for equestrian and modern pentathlon events. Within the opulent grounds of what was once the home of Louis XIV, competitors in the disciplines of eventing, dressage, and jumping will showcase the powerful connection between rider and horse. The individual and team events will test the agility, technique, and harmonious synergy of these duos in a setting that's witnessed centuries of grandeur. Alongside the equestrian drama, the modern pentathlon will present a composite of five varied disciplines, highlighting the versatility and endurance of the world's best athletes.
Equestrian Statue of King Louis XIV of France outside the gates of the Palace of Versailles. Photo Credit: SCM Jeans, iStock / Getty Images Plus
Surrounding the Château de Versailles is an area that marries the sophistication of royal history with the anticipation of Olympic triumph. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the famed gardens, restored to their original splendor, and immerse themselves in the grandeur of French royalty. This venue, only 35 kilometers from the Olympic Village, is well-connected to Paris by public transport, making it accessible for both athletes and spectators.
Place de la Concorde - BMX Freestyle, Skateboarding, Breaking, and 3X3 Basketball
Place de la Concorde, a historic public square in the heart of Paris, will morph into an electrifying open arena, symbolizing a new era for the Games. It will host all the Olympic urban sports disciplines, including the high-flying BMX Freestyle, the rhythmic and culturally rich breaking, and the agile and energetic street and park skateboarding, along with the dynamic 3x3 basketball. This diverse mix of modern sports will be complemented by a series of entertainment events, making the arena a pulsating hub of activity that captures the spirit of urban culture and athleticism.
The Obelisk of Luxor in Place de la Concorde. Photo Credit: Bruce Yuanyue Bi, The Image Bank / Getty Images
The Place de la Concorde sits in an illustrious location, bordered by the majestic Tuileries Gardens and the grandeur of the Champs-Elysées. During the Olympics, the area will serve as a sports venue and a celebration of Parisian heritage, with concerts, exhibitions, and demonstrations scheduled. Its proximity to other competition venues like the Champ-de-Mars and the Esplanade des Invalides, along with accessible public transport, ensures visitors and locals can easily engage with the Games. This unique urban park concept, designed to be inclusive and bring the Games to the people, promises to leave a legacy for the local community long after the closing ceremonies.
"I Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best." - Al Oerter
As we bid farewell to the Games, the story of Paris 2024 will be carried on the wings of time, shared through tales of athletic feats and the communal joy of spectators from every corner of the globe. Air Charter Guide stands ready to assist you with your departure, offering the most accurate and qualified content on flight bookings and operators.
Until the flame is reignited, we carry the spirit of the Games within us, inspired and united by the shared dreams and aspirations that make us all citizens of the world.