Introduction

Planning a trip to Paris during the 2024 Olympics? Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of your visit to the City of Light while the world’s biggest sporting event takes over. My dad and his family are from France, specifically from the town of Toulon, and this heritage has deeply influenced my upbringing. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide will help you navigate Paris like a pro, blending Olympic excitement with authentic Parisian experiences.

Top Must-See Attractions

Eiffel Tower

Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Why Visit: The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks. It’s a must-see, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

History: Completed in 1889, this iconic structure was initially criticized but has become a beloved landmark.

Authentic Tip: Pack a picnic with fresh baguettes, cheese, and wine. Relax on the Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Très romantique! This is one of my favorite things to do, reminding me of my French heritage.

Louvre Museum

Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Why Visit: Home to the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces, the Louvre is a treasure trove of art and history.

History: Once a fortress, the Louvre became a royal palace and is now the world’s largest museum.

Authentic Tip: After your visit, stroll through the Palais Royal gardens and enjoy a coffee at a nearby café. Don’t miss trying different varieties of French cheese! This is something I always do to connect with my roots.

Sainte-Chapelle

Location: 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

Why Visit: Known for its stunning stained glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic architectural marvel.

History: Built in the 13th century to house the relics of Christ's Passion.

Authentic Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison. This combination always gives me a deeper appreciation of French history.

Quick Day Trips Outside of Paris

Versailles

Location: Versailles, France

How to Get There: Take the RER C train from central Paris to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

Why Visit: Explore the opulent Palace of Versailles, its magnificent gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors.

History: Once the royal residence of Louis XIV, the palace is a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.

Authentic Tip: Visit the Trianon Palaces and Marie Antoinette’s estate to get a complete experience of the grandeur and history.

Giverny

Location: Giverny, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon, then a short bus or taxi ride to Giverny. The total trip takes about 1.5 hours.

Why Visit: Visit Claude Monet’s house and gardens, which inspired many of his famous paintings.

History: Claude Monet lived and worked in Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. The gardens are designed to reflect his artistic style.

Authentic Tip: Spend some time in the nearby town of Vernon, which offers charming streets and a beautiful church.

Mont Saint-Michel

Location: Normandy, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Pontorson, then a shuttle bus to Mont Saint-Michel. The total trip takes about 3.5 hours.

Why Visit: This stunning island commune features a medieval abbey and picturesque streets. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.

History: Mont Saint-Michel has been an important pilgrimage site since the 8th century and is known for its unique tidal island setting.

Authentic Tip: Stay overnight on the island to experience its mystical atmosphere after the day-trippers have left.

Loire Valley Castles

Location: Loire Valley, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Austerlitz to Blois or Tours, then rent a car or join a tour. The total trip takes about 2 hours.

Why Visit: Discover the grand châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau.

History: The Loire Valley has been home to French royalty and nobility, featuring some of the most magnificent castles in Europe.

Authentic Tip: Plan to visit a few vineyards in the region to sample local wines.

Charming Villages to Visit Outside of Paris

Gordes

Location: Provence, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon, then rent a car or take a bus to Gordes. The total trip takes about 5 hours.

Why Visit: This picturesque hilltop village is known for its stunning views, cobblestone streets, and historic stone buildings.

History: Gordes has been a strategic location since Roman times and is now a popular destination for its charming Provencal atmosphere.

Authentic Tip: Visit the Village des Bories, an open-air museum featuring traditional dry-stone huts.

Riquewihr

Location: Alsace, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Colmar, then rent a car or take a bus to Riquewihr. The total trip takes about 4 hours.

Why Visit: Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vineyards, Riquewihr is often described as a fairy-tale village.

History: Riquewihr has retained its historic character with buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Authentic Tip: Enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries, as the region is famous for its Alsace wines.

Eze

Location: French Riviera, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice, then a bus or taxi to Eze. The total trip takes about 5 hours.

Why Visit: Perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, Eze offers stunning views, exotic gardens, and narrow medieval streets.

History: Eze dates back to the Middle Ages and has been a favored spot for artists and writers.

Authentic Tip: Visit the Jardin Exotique for panoramic views and a variety of exotic plants.

Annecy

Location: Haute-Savoie, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Annecy. The trip takes about 4 hours.

Why Visit: Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy boasts a beautiful lake, canals, and a charming old town.

History: Annecy has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is famous for its picturesque setting and well-preserved architecture.

Authentic Tip: Rent a bike and ride around Lake Annecy for stunning views and fresh mountain air.

Lourmarin

Location: Provence, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Aix-en-Provence, then rent a car or take a bus to Lourmarin. The total trip takes about 4.5 hours.

Why Visit: This picturesque village is known for its Renaissance castle, lively markets, and vibrant cultural scene.

History: Lourmarin has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is now a designated "Most Beautiful Village in France."

Authentic Tip: Visit the Château de Lourmarin and explore the local markets for artisanal products and Provencal specialties.

Exploring Regional Nature Parks Near Paris

Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse

Location: Île-de-France, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. The trip takes about 1 hour.

Why Visit: This park offers beautiful landscapes, historic villages, and numerous hiking trails.

History: Established in 1985, the park protects the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Things to do: Check out the Château de Breteuil, a historic castle within the park, for a fascinating tour. Visit Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse for more info.

Parc Naturel Régional Oise - Pays de France

Location: Hauts-de-France, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux. The trip takes about 25 minutes.

Why Visit: Explore lush forests, charming villages, and the Chantilly Castle.

History: The park was created in 2004 to protect the diverse landscapes and historical sites in the region.

Things to do: Don’t miss the Musée Condé at Chantilly Castle, which houses a remarkable collection of art and manuscripts. Visit Parc Naturel Régional Oise - Pays de France for more info.

Parc Naturel Régional du Perche

Location: Normandy and Centre-Val de Loire, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Montparnasse to Nogent-le-Rotrou. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.

Why Visit: Enjoy rolling hills, quaint villages, and historic manors in this picturesque park.

History: Established in 1998, the park preserves the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Perche region.

Things to do: Stay at a local bed and breakfast to experience the warm hospitality and charm of the region. Visit Parc Naturel Régional du Perche for more info.

Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims

Location: Grand Est, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Reims. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.

Why Visit: This park features beautiful vineyards, scenic drives, and the Verzy forest’s unique twisted beech trees.

History: Created in 1976, the park protects the vineyards and natural landscapes of the Montagne de Reims.

Things to do: Visit a local champagne house for a tour and tasting. Visit Parc de la Montagne de Reims for more info.

Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Français

Location: Île-de-France, France

How to Get There: Take a train from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

Why Visit: Discover rolling countryside, historic churches, and charming villages like La Roche-Guyon.

History: Established in 1995, the park preserves the rural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Vexin region.

Things to do: Hike or bike through the park to fully appreciate its natural beauty. Visit Parc naturel régional du Vexin français for more info.

Getting Around Paris During the Olympics

Metro: Efficient and extensive, the Paris Metro is ideal for getting around the city quickly. Be sure to check for any changes or closures due to the Olympics. Download the RATP app for real-time updates and easy navigation.

Buses: Buses offer a scenic alternative to the Metro and are a good option for seeing the city above ground. The RATP app also provides bus schedules and routes, making it easy to plan your journey.

Bicycles: Paris is bike-friendly, and renting a bike can be a pleasant way to explore the city. Look for Vélib’ stations throughout the city. The Vélib’ app allows you to find available bikes and docking stations.

Walking: Many of Paris’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it a fantastic city to explore on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and use a map or navigation app to find the best routes.

Rideshares and Taxis: Services like Uber and traditional taxis are widely available in Paris. Use these for convenient transportation, especially during late hours or when traveling with heavy luggage.

Olympic Shuttles: During the Olympics, special shuttle services will likely be available to transport visitors between venues. Check the official Paris 2024 Olympics website for the latest information on shuttle schedules and routes.

Olympic Venues and Events

The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature events across several iconic locations in the city. Here are some key venues and what to expect:

Stade de France: Hosts the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics, and football. Located in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.

Parc des Princes: Venue for football matches, located in the 16th arrondissement.

Roland Garros: Hosts tennis events, located in the 16th arrondissement.

Grand Palais: Hosts fencing and taekwondo, located near the Champs-Élysées.

Champ de Mars: Beach volleyball events with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

For the full schedule of events and to book tickets, visit the official Paris 2024 Olympics website.