#PARIS2024: City Guide
From beloved bistros to charming cafe's, our guide highlights the best places to eat, drink, stay, and explore near each Olympic venue, ensuring a Parisian adventure free from frantic Googling!
By Ellë Bolland
A city known for wooing visitors with towering Haussmann buildings, Seine-side galleries and clandestine bistro’s in corners of every commune of the city. Can you guess which city we’re talking about? Of course, it can only be Paris.
The capital will be brimming with millions of visitors for this year’s Olympics, bringing a certain joie de vivre you won’t find anywhere else in Europe this Summer. Want to channel the Olympic fever while escaping the crowds? Thanks to the extensive facilities, from open-air arena’s which are accompanied by some of Paris’ most iconic monuments, to purpose-built centres in the suburbs such as the Aquatique Olympique, you can do just that.
So why didn’t French authorities agree on a brand-new Olympic village? Because they wanted to deliver the most sustainable event in the history of the Games, committing to reduce its carbon footprint by half compared with previous editions, promote a second-life of resources after the event, and the aim to achieve long-term improvements and living conditions in parts of the local community – particularly the North-Eastern suburb, Seine-Saint-Denis. For spectators, the span of these events promises a truly immersive experience in the city, regardless if you’re attending one of the ticketed events. Whether you’ve got tickets or not, there are still many other ways you can get involved in this year’s Summer Games and we’re here to bring you everything you need to know on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. Here’s our Glorious guide to a Summer in the 2024 Olympic host city.
Stade de France
Athletics & Rugby Sevens, Closing Ceremony
Location: Saint-Denis
Distance from city centre: 10km
Also near: Olympic Village, The Aquatics Centre and La Courneuve (shooting)
Is it deja vu? Yes, yes it is deja vu, since we were here at the Stade for the Final of the Mens Rugby World Cup just nine months ago. Originally built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the multipurpose arena has been given a facelift for the games; a periwinkle coloured track (!), amongst several other enhancements. The Stadium is conveniently close to the Olympic Village as well as the Aquatics Centre and the shooting range in La Courneuve, so you can really soak up the spirit of the Games here.
Whilst you’re here, make the most of exploring the commune of Saint-Denis, a known hangout for culture cravers and music enthusiasts alike. lmmerse yourself in French art de vivre at fantastic flea markets such as Saint Ouen: the largest antique market in the world! Get there early to explore as many of the 2500 stalls before taking a stroll into the city centre, taking the street art trail along the Canal Saint-Denis and the Musée d’Art d’Histoire.
Stay: Stay at the Tribe Paris Saint Ouen (a 10 minute walk from the stadium), or if you’d prefer to be closer to the city, the Stade is also reachable via lines 12, 13 and 14.
Eat: Pick from hundreds of vendors at Paris’ trendiest food hall, La Communale. Open breakfast through to dinner.
Drink: Sip on natural wines at Bonne Aventure, the converted food cellar is just a stone’s throw away from the flea market. If you’re thinking about eating, just look at their Instagram feed full of colourful modern European plates – it’ll make the decision for you.
Do: You can’t visit Saint-Denis without visiting those iconic flea markets you see on Antiques Roadshow. In the mood for more markets? Go to the Marché de Saint-Denis to discover foods from around the globe, especially if you’re hoping to visit the architectural masterpiece that is the Basilique cathédrale. While you’re North of the city, a visit to the magnificent Montmartre and Sacré Cœur won’t go a miss.
Bercy Arena
Gymnastics & Basketball
Location: Bercy
Distance from city centre: 9km
Also near: Any sports within the city walls, particularly free roaming sports such as the Marathon and Road Cycling.
Situated in the calm corner of 12th arrondissement just East of the city, the grass-covered pyramid actually opened in 1984 not only as a sports venue, but it also welcomes pop-stars and musicians from around the world. This time, it’ll see double twists and spin moves as the venue will exclusively host the Olympic Gymnastics and Basketball. Want to get a bit of fresh air? Walk South East down Avenue Daumesnil and stroll through Bois de Vincennes; a handsome forest filled with lakes, trails, wildlife and the castle that once controlled this wood.
Stay: From your budget-friendly hotels to cloud-kissing sky bars, Bercy is full of hotels to choose from. Bob Hotel is a safe all-rounder, particularly if you’re planning to work remotely while you’re here.
Eat: Being just inside le Périph, it’s easy to get to the city’s best restaurants from here. Want the real Parisian experience? Don’t let Bistrot Paul Bert go to miss and get the Steak au Poivre. Make sure you order an extra sauce on the side – you’ll want it for dipping the last of your crispy frites.
Drink: Before you stroll along to Bistrot Paul Bert for dinner, head for an aperitif at Too Hotel, which promises stunning panoramic views of the city. After dinner, party until the early hours at underground nightclub, Phantom, which is actually inside the arena!
Do: For a spot of shopping, visit the quaint cobblestoned streets of Bercy Village; it’s not too dissimilar from Pavilion Road in Sloane Square! If you’re looking to tick off some of the historic attractions, you’re only a stone’s throw away from the Latin Quarter and Notre Dame.
Eiffel Tower Stadium Beach volleyball
Location: Champs de Mars
Distance from city centre: 0km
Also near: Champs de Mars Arena (Judo & Wrestling)
Possibly the most photogenic of sports for this year’s games, a temporary, open-air stadium has been built on the Champs de Mars with the Eiffel Tower towering over in all its splendour. Whether you’re here for the Beach Volleyball or not, make sure you pop by after dusk to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle every hour the lights are off at 1am.
Stay: Just like any major city, you pay a premium to be this central. Don’t scrape on costs or you run the risk of staying in a tourist trap. Splurge at Monsieur George for a 5* experience.
Eat: This area isn’t short of Michelin stars, just check out this monster of a list! Our recommendation is to venture to Saint-Germain and explore hidden gems such as La Boissonnerie.
Drink: Clink glasses at the underground cellar that is Chez Georges on rue des Canettes (not to be confused with the ephemeral bistro North of the Seine – which, we do recommend for a superb dinner).
Do: Peruse around Champs de Mars before a brief venture to Hôtel des Invalides. Stroll further East for a spot of shopping in Saint Germain. Le Bon Marché is not to be missed!
hidden gems
Château de Versailles Equestrian, Modern Pentathlon
Location: Versailles
Distance from city centre: 24km
Also near: Le Golf National (Golf) and Saint-Quentin en Yvelines Velodrome & BMX Stadium (Indoor Cycling & BMX)
With its vainglorious château and emerald stretch of lawns, it’s only fitting that the former residence of King Louis XIV hosts the equestrian disciplines! The Modern Pentathlon (consisting of riding, fencing, swimming, running and shooting) will also be held here.
Stay: Depending on whether you want to explore central Paris, your best bet is to stay Central-West of the city and take a 40 minute train ride out. If your only plans are around Versailles and its surroundings, check out the boutique Hotel Versailles la Résidence du Berry.
Eat: There are several great restaurants around Versailles, but bare in mind you’ll need a car to get to a lot of them. Bring a picnic if you fancy a quick bite in the park, or visit Le Bistro du 11 if you want something a bit more up-market (there’s a spectacular back-garden!).
Do: It’s non-negotiable to visit the majestic Château de Versailles while you’re here.
Paris La Defense Arena Swimming and Water Polo
Location: Nanterre
Distance from city centre: 15km
Also near: Being further out of the city, La Defense Arena isn’t particularly close to any other venues, although it is within reach of the attractions such as Arche de La Défense, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysées.
Unlike the rest of Paris, the business district of La Défense is far more futuristic than its counterparts. Christened by the Rolling Stones for its grand opening in 2017, La Defense Arena will transform into an Olympic pool thanks to its multipurpose structure.
Eat: With the games being held in the summer, we’re hopeful for blue skies and sunny days. Head to Quinte & Sens, located just around the corner from Paris La Defense Arena. The restaurant is open all day, but we’re big fans of their breakfasts.
Drink: If like us you enjoy a bit of people-watching, Les Gentlemen brasserie boasts a delightful outdoor terrace.
Stay: Whilst it’s an 8 minute Metro ride away from the stadium, we have to shout out one of our favourite luxury hotel chains in Europe, Meliá. The Meliá Paris La Défense captures the essence of the French capital while offering panoramic views of the city.
Do: Looking for a beautiful green space? Head across the road from the stadium to Parc André Malraux. This massive park is the perfect place to chill out with a book or toast to a fabulous trip with friends at an afternoon picnic!
Teahupo’o, Tahiti Surfing
Location: French Polynesia
Distance from city centre: Just short of 16,000km
Also near: Er…New Zealand??
The venue is further than an Olympic venue has been from any host city. Anyone fancy a detour to the Southern Hemisphere? If you ended up here, chances are you got on the wrong platform at St Pancras, whoops. We’re kidding, it’s in fact a 22 hour flight to this venue. After making its debut at Japan 2020, surfing is back in the calendar, this time in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Surfers cannot compete without heavy waves, which sadly, the Seine doesn’t quite have the ability to produce. Teahupo’o on the other hand, is revered among surfers for its waves which can sometimes reach up to seven metres. Fun fact: all athletes will be staying on a cruise ship during the competition! We’ll be watching from the comfort of our living room for this one.
You can find a full overview of the venues on the official Paris 2024 website.
How to enjoy the city without tickets
No bother! There are so many ways you can get into the spirit of the Games with non-ticketed events such as the Marathon, and 23 fan zones positioned across the city*. Our recommendation is to venture to areas you may not get to otherwise, such as the enchanting neighbourhood of le Marais, known for cool concept stores, world-famous speakeasies and the city’s best falafels. Not only that, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Louvre; just remember to get there early to avoid queuing for hours. Ask your hotel reception to book the delightful Chez Janou; an absolute must when in Paris! For the art aficionado’s, make sure you visit The Musée d’Orsay, which hosts an outstanding collection from the 19th Century and Impressionist masterpieces you’d recognise from Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoit to name a few.
*Events such as the Marathon, Triathlon, Rowing, Open Water Swimming and parts of the Opening Ceremony route will be visible to non-ticket holders along the streets of Paris. Not only that, 23 fan zones will be set up across the city, the main being the Trocadero (opposite the Eiffel Tower), Parc de la Vilette, and in front of the Hôtel de Ville.
In France, but not in Paris? You can still soak up the Olympic spirt across France. The host nation is celebrating the games throughout the country- from parks to village squares. Find your nearest fan zone in wider France here.
Our tips for getting around
Plan your Metro route – some stations will be closed. CityMapper is the best for planning your journey and getting real-time results Taxi’s: only classic taxis have the authorisation to use Olympic Lanes – so consider this if you’re in any rush! Uber will use the same lanes as the general public.
Cycling: The city’s Vélib self-service bikes are very easy to use, and Lime bikes and scooters are also available here. Be sure to plan your route and look out for the cycle lanes.
Where’s your favourite hidden gem in the City of Lights? What have we missed?
Spill your Parisian secrets with us on social @glorioussport
Safe travels xxx
Title Image: Paris 2024 poster by illustrator Ugo Gattoni
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