Visiting Paris: A Practical Travel Guide to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

In the City of Light, the best way to get around is by metro. On average, there are only 500 metres between each metro terminal. So wherever you are, you’re likely to find yourself near one of them.

Between July 20th and September 8th, 2024, transport fares will increase for visitors. However, if you buy your tickets in advance, before July 20th, 2024, you can avoid the increase in price.

Bus fares between Paris and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will cost 16 euros ($23.59 CAD).

The metro network is made up of 16 lines and more than 300 stations, the entrances are easy to find as they are marked with a large yellow M. The service starts around 6 a.m. each day and ends around 12:45 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Unlike Montreal, where you can wait ten minutes for the metro, the Paris metro can run every 2 minutes.

The bus remains an alternative, but the metro is often a wiser choice, guaranteeing that you avoid the notorious Parisian traffic jams.

Metro tickets are priced at €4 per unit (approx. CAD$5.90) for the duration of the Olympic Games, and can be purchased from automatic machines located in the stations.

If you plan to use public transport several times a day, we strongly recommend that you buy a Paris Visite pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.

Two zone options are available. Paris Visite, covering zones 1 to 3, offers unlimited travel in Paris and the inner suburbs (Stade de France, La Défense, Château de Vincennes, etc.). Paris Visite zones 1 to 5 offer unlimited travel in Paris, the inner suburbs, Versailles, Disneyland^® and to Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airports.

To explore the surrounding area, the RER is better than the metro. This is the “Réseau Express Régional”, a public rail network in the Ile-de-France region, linking the center of Paris with its suburbs. It serves popular destinations such as Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) (RER B), Disneyland Paris (RER A) or Versailles (RER C).

RER service starts daily, including on public holidays, at around 6 a.m. and continues until around 12:45 a.m.

RER fares are aligned with metro fares for journeys within Paris. You can take the RER with your metro ticket if you’re staying inside Paris.

For travel beyond the city on the outskirts of Paris, however, an additional ticket is required. At this point, the fare increases to €6 per unit (CA$8.85) or €4.80 per unit if purchased in a book of 10 tickets.

To buy RER tickets, we recommend using the SNCF Connect app. Very intuitive, it allows you to view timetables according to the destination selected, and buy tickets for the slots that suit you best. You won’t need to print them out; the QR code will be displayed directly in the app.

Please note, however, that on some routes, tickets must be stamped. This means you’ll need to scan your QR code on the station platforms before boarding the train.

Paris’s Vélib’ is like Montreal’s Bixi. And just like in Montreal, there are classic bikes and electric bikes.

There’s a Vélib’ station every 300 meters on average; there are 1,464 in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Whatever your neighborhood, it’s easy to find a Vélib’ terminal close to your home or workplace.

A standard day pass costs 5 euros (just over 7 CAD) for 24 hours. It allows free use of conventional bicycles for the first half-hour. Beyond this period, the rate is 1 euro per additional half-hour.

No free time is granted for electric bikes. The fee is two euros for every thirty minutes.

To subscribe, go to the Vélib’ website.

Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are accepted in Paris. However, the Olympic Games have Visa as an official partner. So, Visa credit cards are the only ones accepted by the Official Store and at Paris 2024 Olympic Games venues.

To avoid paying the unpleasant 2.5% conversion fee on all foreign currency transactions, the only VISA credit card in Canada that doesn’t charge it is the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card.

Paris is a sprawling city, so you won’t have time to see everything in one visit. But to fully immerse yourself in the unique Parisian atmosphere, be sure to visit these neighborhoods, or even stay in them.

Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Marais is a historic gem where medieval architecture blends with a contemporary art scene. Stroll its cobbled streets to discover designer boutiques, avant-garde art galleries and quaint cafés. The start of the Paris Marathon during the 2024 Olympic Games will be held at the Hôtel de Ville de Paris, located in this neighbourhood.

Don’t miss the Place des Vosges, one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Fortunately, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral should be reopened in time for the Olympic Games.

Vibrant and lively, the Latin Quarter is the intellectual heart of Paris, home to the famous Sorbonne and numerous independent bookshops. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of student life as you stroll along boulevards lined with lively cafés and trendy boutiques.

Don’t forget to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg for a peaceful getaway in the heart of the city.

The bohemian soul of Paris resides in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, an emblematic district that has been a favorite of intellectuals and artists for decades. Soak up the refined atmosphere as you stroll along its lively lanes, explore its fabulous bookshops and stop off at legendary cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

In the Trocadéro – Tour Eiffel – Champ-de-Mars area, there will be an area with free access for all, called the Parc des Champions. Every afternoon from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (except August 2 to 4), the previous day’s medallists will parade on a stage in front of spectators to celebrate their victory and perform a “Walk of Fame”-style parade.

Make the most of being in this area to marvel at the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont de l’Alma. The Esplanade des Invalides in this neighbourhood will be the site of archery, athletics, cycling and the finish line of the famous marathon.

This emerging district offers a relaxed, trendy atmosphere, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. Stroll along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, lined with trendy cafés and vintage boutiques. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a picnic by the water or to stroll around on a sunny day.

Perched on a hill, the Montmartre district charms visitors with its bohemian ambience and panoramic views over the city. Explore the steep alleyways that inspired artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh, visit the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and be enchanted by the magic of the Moulin Rouge.

In the Parc de la Villette, twenty temporary pavilions designed by architecture students will be erected for the Olympic Games. Each of these ships will be assigned to a country.

A host of entertainment, sports trials and events will be organized to celebrate the athletes and watch the Games on giant screens.

Reservations and registration are required before visiting the Parc de la Villette. Access is “free”, but there is a registration fee to get in.

Paris isn’t the only city worth visiting! When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city, head for the provinces, where you’ll find a host of charming little villages steeped in history.

Just a short distance from Paris, the majestic Château de Versailles rises in all its splendor. Explore the decadent royal apartments, stroll through the vast formal gardens, dotted with fountains and groves, and immerse yourself in the history of the French monarchy at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest, this historic town is home to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, another iconic royal residence. Admire its remarkable architecture, richly decorated rooms and peaceful gardens, where French history resonates around every corner.

Immortalized by Impressionist artist Claude Monet, Giverny is a haven of peace where nature and art meet in harmony. Stroll through the enchanting gardens of Monet’s home, where the famous water lilies and Japanese bridges still inspire visitors from all over the world.

Surrounded by vast green expanses, the town of Chantilly is home to an architectural and cultural treasure: the Château de Chantilly. Discover its exceptional art collections, stroll through its formal gardens and watch dazzling equestrian shows in the magnificent setting of the Grandes Écuries.

Although French culture is somewhat similar to Quebec culture, there are some notable differences, particularly when it comes to tipping and shopping hours.

In France, the tipping culture is very different from that in Canada. As a general rule, the French are not in the habit of leaving a tip, unless they are particularly satisfied with the service, in which case they may leave an additional 5-10% of the bill.

Be sure to look at your bill before paying, as some restaurants include service charges on the bill. In this case, it’s not expected to add an extra amount.

Whereas in Canada, everything is open all the time, the situation is very different in France. Outside tourist areas, restaurants may be closed in the afternoon. So be sure to check restaurant schedules before planning your day. It’s not unusual for service to be interrupted between lunch and dinner, generally between 3 pm and 6 pm, or even 7 pm. Because in France, dinner is served much later than in Quebec. The French normally eat around 8 pm.

And don’t forget that most shops are closed on Sundays. Grocery stores are generally open in the morning, but normally close around 1 p.m.

Paris offers an unforgettable cultural and historical immersion, enriched by the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games. With its emblematic monuments, picturesque districts and renowned gastronomy, Paris reveals its timeless charm and passion for sport. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of Paris!