Essential Tips for Summer Travelers Heading to Paris During the Olympics

With the 2024 Olympics happening in Paris from July 26th to August 11th, travelers have yet another reason to visit this iconic city. While it’s thrilling to be part of such a unique event with millions of other enthusiastic people, delays and disruptions are to be expected. Tour companies like Servantrip are already anticipating these issues ahead of the big games.
However, this doesn’t mean you should cancel your Paris trip. By doing your research and keeping five crucial tips in mind, you can ensure an unforgettable summer getaway.
### Exploring the City Will Have Some Restrictions
If you’re a sightseer not interested in sports, you’ll need to make some sacrifices while exploring Paris this summer. Some of the city’s most iconic landmarks will be closed on specific dates to accommodate the Olympic crowds. Here’s a quick guide on when you can’t visit certain attractions in July:
– The Seine riverfront: Closed from July 20th to July 26th
– The Louvre: Closed on July 25th and 26th
– Musée Rodin, Centre Pompidou, and Musée D’Orsay: Closed on July 26th
– Some historic sites like Pont d’Iéna and certain neighborhoods will be closed during specific cycling events from July 27th to August 11th
Always check for updates as your trip approaches to stay informed about any changes.
### Apply for a QR Pass Now
This summer, accessing major sites like the Champs de Mars (where the Eiffel Tower is) will require a pre-issued QR pass. These codes are available through the official Olympics App and aim to ensure a safe and organized experience for the influx of travelers. The QR pass, which you can apply for on the official website, will serve as a digital key at checkpoints throughout the city. You’ll need to provide some personal information like your name and date of birth, but this will result in shorter wait lines, better-organized crowds, and a safer visit.
The QR pass comes into effect on July 18th at 13:00, so apply as soon as possible if you haven’t already.
### Make Plans A, B, and C
Don’t come to Paris with just one itinerary this summer. Even with careful planning, delays, traffic congestion, service cancellations, and other last-minute changes are likely. For every place you want to visit, timeline you want to follow, or restaurant you want to dine at, have a couple of alternative plans ready.
### Use a Traffic-Tracking App
Given how busy Paris will be, traffic jams and delays are inevitable. Keep your phone charged and have a reliable traffic-tracking app handy to avoid congestion. Citymapper is highly recommended by locals for this purpose.
### Enjoy a New Metro Line Extension
It’s not all disruptions! There’s a new extension of metro line 14 opening on June 23rd, which will get you from Saint-Denis Pleyel to Orly Airport in under 25 minutes, a significant improvement from the current 40+ minute journey. For more information and real-time schedules, check the official updates.