I'm going to the Olympics!
Plus, a guide if you're heading to the Olympics, too, or still thinking about it.
Dear reader,
Tomorrow, I’m going to be on a flight to my favorite city in the world to watch the Olympics!
I was living in Paris in 2017 when they won the bid for the 2024 Summer Games, and I’ve been planning this trip ever since. I even have apparel that rolled out in the days after Paris won the bid (that unfortunately doesn’t fit me anymore… and is also a sweatshirt… but I digress).
I like having trips to look forward to, but 7 years has been a very long time to wait! Even the direct planning for this trip has spanned over 16 months as we first registered to be permitted to purchase tickets last March. It took us a while to find a hotel, and then came booking train tickets and more event tickets as they rolled out. This is absolutely the most planning I have ever had to do for a trip. I enjoy planning trips for other people, or finding a few cool things to do when I travel solo, but this trip has multiple spreadsheets, several transit and ticketing apps, and a Google Doc behind it.
Some of the extra coordination is because, while I typically take solo trips, this time I invited both of my sisters to join me on this once in a lifetime experience. It’ll be our first time all traveling together as just the three of us, though we’ve all traveled quite a bit. I’m excited to share this experience with them and see what it’s like to travel together as adults.
In the meantime, I’ve finished packing and I’m hoping I have enough accessories to help me survive outdoor events in the heat! I am sensitive to the heat so this is my biggest worry about the trip. Luckily, the bag regulations for the Olympics are pretty generous so I have a “survival kit” packed for myself that I plan on bringing to every event!
Still thinking of going to the Olympics?
If the idea of going to the Summer Olympics excites you but you haven’t booked a trip yet, it’s not too late! While the games start on Friday, there are still hotels available in Paris (especially if you are 1 or 2 people and not a larger group). Flights still have seats as well. And if you’re worried that you can get to Paris but you don’t yet have tickets to any events, never fear! There are also still tickets available to a variety of events: new tickets are still being released and resale tickets from folks who can no longer attend are now online. And ticket prices start as low as 15€!
Prices for hotels, flights, and public transit tickets within Paris are inflated during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Going to the Olympics but confused about how to get around?
To navigate the Paris metro area by public transit, including to and from the airports
Download the IDF Mobilités app [Google Play] [App Store]
Make an account
You may be prompted to download the My Navigo Tickets app either now or after you purchase your pass.
Purchase a Paris 2024 Pass for the number of consecutive days you will be in Paris.
Navigate to the Purchase tab
Click “Purchase a ticket”
Select “Package”
Select the option for the number of consecutive days you need the pass for, including travel days, as in addition to using this to navigate the Paris metro, you can use the pass to take the RER or the RoissyBus from to and from the CDG and ORY airports and to take the RER to regional sites for Olympic events such as the Palais de Versailles and the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
The pass will be stored on your phone, and you will scan your phone at the entrance to the metro, trains, and buses.
To navigate by foot around Paris
There are security perimeters set up throughout Paris, surrounding the Seine and many other venues that are serving as Olympic event sites. This website has more information about whether you will need to apply for a QR code (the Pass Jeux) that will allow you to enter the security perimeters.
If you have tickets to an Olympic event, the ticket alone will allow you to enter the regulated zones.
Aside from stricter regulations for Friday’s Opening Ceremony, security perimeters will activate around each venue beginning 2.5 hours before each event.
For the Opening Ceremony, security restrictions are already in place. The gray zone, closest to the Seine, is highly restricted to locals and those with scheduled appointments. The red zone is open to pedestrians but not motorized vehicles.
For all other events, pedestrians will not need a Pass Jeux to get within the so-called blue and red perimeters; motorized vehicle passengers will. The gray zone is only for ticketed event attendees.
Metro and bus lines will pass through the security perimeters but may not stop within the perimeters.
If your hotel, museum reservation, or other appointment is within a security perimeter, go here to apply for a Pass Jeux.
To navigate by train to other French cities
Travel throughout France, including to Olympic sites in Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and others, can be booked on the SNCF website. This site allows you to book OUIGO, TGV Lyria, and TGV Inoui trains to get between major French cities, as well as the Eurostar if you are extending your European vacation outside of France.
Coming soon…
I’m excited to share more about my trip once I return home. Stay tuned (and subscribe to receive all Unlonely World posts, including my Olympics series, directly to your inbox on Wednesdays!)
P.S.: Did you know I am available to plan your next trip? I specialize in travel planning for busy young professionals. Learn more!