This year, Paris will play home to the Olympic Games, which will take place in close proximity to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. In Europe’s most populous city, millions will swarm to see the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8 and the July 26 to August 11 games. Here are some tips for enjoying the Games at six renowned locations in Paris, whether you have a ticket or not.
The Eiffel Tower
A makeshift outdoor stadium at the base of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Parc du Champ de Mars, will play host to beach volleyball and men’s Paralympic blind football competitions. Views of the 1889 beacon, the 330-meter-tall latticework tower, are unmatched for spectators. An original historical touch has been added to the Olympic medals by repurposing some elements of the Eiffel Tower.
The three stories of the Eiffel Tower itself offer a bird’s-eye perspective for people without event tickets. To ensure the finest experience, buy your tower tickets online 60 days in advance and bring binoculars. Throughout the Olympics and Paralympics, the Eiffel Tower will be open for business, save the opening ceremony.
Champs de Mars
Olympic judo, Paralympic wheelchair rugby, wrestling, and para-judo will all take place on the expansive Champ de Mars, which is tucked between the École Militaire and the Eiffel Tower. These events will take place at the temporary Champ de Mars Arena, which will be called the Grand Palais Éphémère starting in 2021.
Tickets for Paralympic events are still available, however resale and surprise releases may include Olympic event tickets. In addition, visitors can take in the picturesque grounds of the Champ de Mars, a famed parade ground that dates back to the eighteenth century.
Trocadéro
The men’s and women’s road cycling events will begin and end in Trocadéro, which is well-known for its gardens, fountains, and museums, on August 3 and 4. Beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower may be seen from the monument, particularly from its esplanade.
Apart from the cycling competitions, Trocadéro will host Champions Park from July 29 to August 10. During this time, champion athletes will parade every day and the finals will be aired live on a large screen. Visit Café Lucy in the Musée de l’Homme for a more sedate experience and a broad perspective of the celebrations.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais, featuring an amazing barrel-vaulted glass roof, will serve as the arena for taekwondo, Paralympic wheelchair fencing, and Olympic fencing. Reopening as a cultural centre in 2025, this historic building made its debut at the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900 and presently receiving renovation.
Having a ticket to these events gives you the chance to see the inside of this masterpiece of Art Nouveau, which makes it one of the most sought-after experiences during the Games.
Les Invalides
Olympic and Paralympic archery competitions will take place on the Esplanade des Invalides, which boasts a magnificent backdrop of the Hôtel National des Invalides. Not only is this famous landmark the ultimate resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte, but it was constructed in 1670 to shelter injured veterans of war.
On August 10, the Olympic men’s marathon and the Marathon for All will cross the finish line at Les Invalides. On August 11, the women’s marathon will take place, signalling the end of the Paris 2024 Games. Watching these free activities allows spectators to take in the magnificence of this ancient site.
Butte de Montmartre
The hill of Montmartre provides one of the best locations to watch Olympic sport for free, despite not being an official Olympic venue. The road cycling races will go through this iconic quartier, with three strenuous ascents up Rue Lépic making for an exciting show.
Get to Montmartre early to guarantee a space along the route and support the cyclists as they make their way through the neighborhood’s steep inclines and cobblestone streets, which is rich in artistic and cultural heritage.