Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games

Are you planning to attend the world’s biggest multisport event? If Paris 2024 is on your agenda this summer, don’t leave without the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, which will help you save on foreign currency conversion fees and pay for all your purchases at the Olympic Games site.

The various sporting events of the Olympic Games will take place mainly in and around the French capital, but also in a number of provincial towns and in Polynesia. What if you took the opportunity to visit one or more regions while taking part in the excitement of the competitions?

Olympic Games fever will grip France from May 8, 2024 with the flame’s arrival in Marseille, which will visit the Lascaux caves and the Château de Versailles, among other places. Visit Torch Relay is an unmissable Games tradition.

It’s on July 26, 2024 that the eyes of the world will be on Paris with the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The parade will take place on the Seine, which will welcome the boats of the various delegations. On the upper quays, spectators will have free access to the river parade.

The world’s biggest sporting event will come to a close on September 8, 2024 with the Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony.

Mark your calendars: a weekend of madness awaits you on August 3 and 4, 2024! Some 15 disciplines will be represented in the finals, from fencing and athletics to artistic gymnastics and swimming.

Tickets for the Olympic Games are on sale exclusively on the official website of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (COJOP).

The official resale platform for the Paris 2024 Games will open in spring 2024, according to COJOP.

How do you find your way around all these events? All Paris 2024-related activities throughout France will be listed on the Olympic Games map, available at the end of April from the Paris 2024 app and official website.

To help you choose your getaways, here are a few itineraries that were presented by Atout France as part of their press conference dedicated to Paris 2024.

A weekend in Versailles – 40 minutes from central Paris by RER

The Versailles estate, a UNESCO World Heritage site, covers more than 800 hectares. The château comprises 2,300 rooms, including the famous King’s Chamber and the majestic Hall of Mirrors.

A gourmet break? On the second floor of the Pavillon Dufour, French chef Alain Ducasse’s ORE restaurant offers classic French dishes. You can admire the Royal Court and the Court of Honor from the windows.

On Sundays, head to the Notre-Dame district, the old center of Versailles, to stroll through the Carré Notre-Dame market.

Finally, horse lovers must visit the Académie Equestre, housed in the château’s former stables.

A day in Vincennes – 10 minutes from Paris by RER

The Château de Vincennes has preserved all its splendor, with its walls, medieval towers, keep and Sainte-Chapelle with its 16th-century stained-glass windows. In 1682, the royal court moved from Vincennes to Versailles.

Looking for nature and peace, just outside Paris? Explore the Bois de Vincennes with its four lakes. There’s no shortage of activities to choose from, including boat hire, bike rides and pony trekking.

The banks of the Marne, with their rich cultural and architectural heritage, are also worth discovering for their gentle way of life.

Multi-day cycling tour of the Cotentin peninsula – 3 hours from Paris by train

You’ll be amazed by the local scenery! Your getaway begins at the Carentan-les-Marais train station. Carentan-les-Marais station. After a visit to its pretty marina, head for the Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin, then the Baie des Veys.

Several days in Vannes, the Gulf of Morbihan and Lorient – 3 h 30 from Paris by train

In Vannes, the marina, St Peter’s cathedral, medieval ramparts and many timber-framed houses are well worth a visit.

Just outside the city, explore the beauty of the Gulf of Morbihan on foot, by boat or by bike: string of islets, beaches, marshes, birds and fishermen’s houses. And don’t forget to try the Breton oysters!

Head for Lorient, the sailing capital. Various water sports are available to discover this corner of paradise. Walkers will be able to take advantage of over 300 km of footpaths and footpaths covering the 25 communes of Lorient Bretagne Sud,

A weekend in Bordeaux by bike – 2 h 30 from Paris by train

Good wines, beautiful landscapes and sometimes ancestral know-how: the Bordeaux hinterland is an invitation to the pleasures of the senses.

Discover the charm of La Réole by bike. Along the route of the Canal des Deux-Mers, you’ll follow quiet little roads through the heart of the vineyards.

The Terra Aventura route takes you to the small bastide town of Sauveterre-de-Guyenne. From Latresne, take a road along the Garonne to the quays of Bordeaux.

A day on the coast from Marseille – 3 hours from Paris by train

There’s so much to admire on board the Côte Bleue’s little train! Our first stop is the seaside resort of Niolon, a renowned diving spot.

Let yourself be tempted by a beautiful hike along the customs path (GR51), towards the magnificent Méjean cove.

Several days between Nice and Digne-les-Bains – 6 hours from Paris by train

This train journey is a real feast for the eyes. The Train des Chemins de fer de Provence offers superb panoramic views between the sea and the valleys, sublimating the hilltop villages.

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is a must-see before your getaway.

Only Visa credit cards – one of the Games’ major partners – will be accepted by the official Paris 2024 boutique.

To avoid frustration, you could opt for the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card. Not only is this a VISA card, it’s the only VISA credit card in Canada to charge no conversion feesfor foreign currency transactions.

Among other benefits, the card offers six free annual access to airport VIP lounges. Before your flight to the Olympics, it would be a mistake to miss the Air France KLM lounge at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, which will be completely renovated in 2021.

With the Airalo eSIM cardeSIM card, you’ll avoid paying roaming charges to your cellular provider. You can access the Internet on your smartphone in France, or anywhere in the world, for a reasonable fee.

Many credit cards offer excellent travel insurance, such as the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card. If your stay exceeds the period covered, you can extend your emergency medical insurance coverage. Alternatively, soNomad is also an interesting and very affordable option for leaving with peace of mind.

To avoid paying a small fortune, the main strategy is to book your flight to Paris as early as possible.

Take a look at prices in other French and European cities. Bus, train and car are all economical options for heading to the French capital.

Google Flights is a handy tool for finding a flight quickly: just enter your destination and dates, and you’re in business. This Google extension searches all available flights for you.

Find all our guides to prepare your trip to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games :