Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games

Updated May 8, 2026
Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - parc-champions-paris2024
To the point The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great opportunity to discover France's history, heritage and culture. Here are some ideas for getaways that combine sport and escape.

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.

Paris Olympics: 10,500 athletes in the spotlight

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?

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - volley-champs-de-mars

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.

C’est le 26 juillet 2024 que le monde entier aura les yeux rivés sur Paris avec la cérémonie d’ouverture des Jeux olympiques. Le défilé aura lieu sur la Seine qui accueillera les embarcations des diverses délégations. Sur les quais hauts, les spectateurs auront des accès gratuits pour voir la parade fluviale. Si vous pensez la manquer, n’hésitez pas à réserver une croisière fluviale en France après les Jeux!

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - JO-ceremonie-ouverture-Paris

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

Paris 2024: let the party begin!

These figures, published on the official website of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, are breathtaking:

  • Several billion viewers will follow the competitions;
  • 10,500 athletes will take part in this major sporting event;
  • 329 events will take place across France;
  • 19 days of competitions to thrill the crowds (the handball, soccer and rugby tournaments kick off on July 24);
  • 206 National Olympic Committees will be taking part in the event;
  • 28 sports (plus four additional sports, including skateboarding) will be featured.
Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - breaking-dance-Facebook-Paris-2024

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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - tickets-Paris-2024-facebook

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.

Summer Olympics: escapades from the competition venues

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.

The Paris region

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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - jardins-chateau-versailles-facebook

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.

  • Detailed itinerary here.

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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - chateau-vincennes-facebook

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.

  • For details of the day’s events, click here.
  • The Bois de Vincennes is located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. Here are our top addresses in the capital.

Normandy

Multi-day cycling tour of the Cotentin peninsula3 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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - carentan-marie-anais-thierry-normandie-tourisme

We continue to Utah Beachone of the landing beaches on June 6, 1944. Then visit the site of the Crisbecq batterynot forgetting the pretty seaside village of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

Along beautiful beaches, you reach Cherbourg-en-Cotentin , home to La Cité de La Mer.

Brittany

A day in Rennes 1 h 30 from Paris by train

Rennes is the capital of Brittany. You can visit the famous Lices market – the second largest in France – wander through the narrow streets of the town and relax in the Thabor park.

  • Detailed itinerary over here.
Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - pres-canal-saint-martin-Tourisme-Rennes

Several days in Vannes, the Gulf of Morbihan and Lorient3 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!

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - Vannes-morbihan-tourisme

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,

  • To plan your getaway, click here and here.
  • For our guide to Brittany on a road trip, click here.

The South-West

A weekend in Bordeaux by bike2 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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - Vignes-entre-deux-mers-tourisme

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.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Une journée sur la côte de Marseille 3 heures de Paris en train

Que de paysages à admirer à bord du petit train de la Côte Bleue ! On s’arrête en premier à la station balnéaire de Niolon, un spot de plongée réputé.

Laissez-vous tenter par une belle randonnée sur le sentier des douaniers (GR51), vers la magnifique calanque de Méjean.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - Provence-alpes-cote-azur-tourisme

In Carry-le-Rouet, enjoy a stroll along the quayside or a swim at Cap Rousset beach.

You’ll also be charmed by the pretty seafront of Sausset-les-Pins and the old town ofIstres.

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.

Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - Nice-Office-Tourisme-Metropolitain-Nice-Cote Azur

Beautiful walks await you in Villars-sur-Var and Touët-sur-Var. Entrevaux ‘s medieval town and fortified citadel are well worth a visit.

The adventure continues in the north-east of the Verdon Regional Nature Park.Among the places to visit, Saint-André-les-Alpesa village typical of the Gorges du Verdon and Haute-Provence.

To refresh yourself, head for the Lac de Castillon which in summer is transformed into a water sports centre.

  • For details of this getaway, click here.
  • For our guide to the Côte d’Azur, click here.
Paris 2024: Exploring France during the Olympic Games - lac-castillon-verdon-tourisme

Customizable experiences

Paris 2024 has teamed up with On Location, the official and exclusive hospitality provider, to offer three packages for the Olympic Games:

  • Hospitality on the competition site, to experience the events in a shared or private upscale space;
  • Hospitality in the city, offering a sports ticket and access to Clubhouse 24 ;
  • Travel packages, depending on length of stay and points of interest.

Tips for travelling with peace of mind while saving money

Avoid local conversion costs

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.

Travel Internet without roaming charges

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.

Save on insurance

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.

Book flights at reasonable prices

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 :

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle Froment
Emmanuelle, a solo traveler and animal lover, has journeyed through numerous countries. A Scene+ expert and Caribbean travel specialist, she shares insights on maximizing rewards. Her love for the sea, inspired by family vacations in France's Languedoc-Roussillon, led her to spend 8 years in the French Antilles. While the call of the ocean remains, Montreal—her heart's city—is where she truly feels at home.
All posts by Emmanuelle Froment
Series
Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Region
Europe, France, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Paris

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings this way:

Milesopedia