Paris Olympics Edition: What's Open and What's Closed in Paris

The streets of Paris are abuzz with excitement as the city prepares to host the Olympics. However, with all the hype and fanfare, there are some downsides for those looking to explore the iconic landmarks and attractions that Paris is known for.

Interesting Facts:

• Paris will be the first city to host the Olympics for a third time when it hosts the 2024 Games.

• The estimated cost of hosting the Paris Olympics is around €6.8 billion.

• The Paris Olympics aims to have a 100% renewable energy-powered Olympics.

Key Dates and Disruptions During the 2024 Paris Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 26th July to 11th August, and the Paralympic Games will follow from 28th August to 8th September. Several temporary competition sites will be installed in central Paris and dismantled after the Games. Here's an overview of what to expect regarding closures and disruptions.

Temporary Competition Sites

Seven sites will be created for the Olympic Games:

1. Trocadéro

2. Eiffel Tower

3. Champ-de-Mars

4. Esplanade des Invalides

5. Alexandre-III bridge

6. Place de la Concorde

7. Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

Five of these will also be used for the Paralympic Games:

1. Eiffel Tower

2. Champ-de-Mars

3. Esplanade des Invalides

4. Alexandre-III bridge

5. Place de la Concorde

Closures and Disruptions

Major Landmarks:

• Eiffel Tower: Open during the Games except on July 26.

• Champ-de-Mars: Almost completely closed from June 3 to October 7.

• Esplanade des Invalides: Various closures starting April 12, with gradual reopening from September 18 to October 30.

• Place de la Concorde: Extensive closures from March 1 to October 30.

Bridges:

• Pont d'Iéna: Closed to traffic from July 1 to August 12.

• Pont du Carrousel: Closed to traffic from July 1.

• Pont Royal: Closed to traffic from July 15.

Metro and Tram Stations:

• Metro Line 1: "Champs-Elysées - Clémenceau," "Concorde," and "Tuileries" stations will have various closures from June to September.

• Metro Line 8: "Concorde" station will be closed from June 17 to September 21.

• Metro Line 12: "Concorde" station will be closed from May 17 to September 21.

• Metro Line 13: "Champs-Elysées - Clémenceau" station will be closed from July 1 to September 21.

• Tram Line T2: "Porte d'Issy" and "Porte de Versailles" stations will not be served from July 25 to August 11 and from August 29 to September 7.

• Tram Line T3a: "Porte de Versailles" station will not be served during the same periods.

• Tram Line T3b: "Colette Besson" station will not be served from July 27 to August 10 and from August 29 to September 8th.

Recommendations for Visitors

Avoid areas with major closures and disruptions. Consider visiting attractions outside the Olympic zones such as:

• Jardin du Luxembourg: a beautiful public park located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is known for its stunning gardens, fountains, and statues, as well as being a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park also features a palace, where the French Senate meets, and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: a historic and fashionable neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. It is known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, as well as its lively nightlife scene. The area is also home to several famous landmarks, including the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés church and the renowned Café de Flore.

• Le Marais: a trendy and vibrant neighborhood in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It is known for its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and diverse range of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Le Marais is also home to several important cultural institutions, including the Musée Picasso and the Centre Pompidou.

• Montmartre: a picturesque neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It is famous for its stunning views of the city from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, as well as its bohemian atmosphere and artistic history. Montmartre is also known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars, cafes, and cabarets to explore.

• 5th Arrondissement and Jardin des Plantes: known as the Latin Quarter and is home to the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful botanical garden and research institution. The area is also known for its historic universities, such as the Sorbonne, as well as its charming cafes and bookstores.

• 11th Arrondissement and Bastille Area: located in the eastern part of the city and is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. The Bastille area, in particular, is famous for its eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as its historic opera house, the Opéra Bastille.

• 10th Arrondissement and Canal Saint Martin Area: home to the Canal Saint Martin area, a trendy and up-and-coming neighborhood known for its scenic canal, hip boutiques, and cool cafes. The area is popular with locals and tourists alike for its relaxed atmosphere and laid-back charm.

• La Villette and Cité des Sciences: a cultural and recreational complex located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. It is home to the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe, as well as a concert hall, theaters, and a park. La Villette is a popular destination for families and science enthusiasts.

• Arc de Triomphe: famous monument located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It was built to honor those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The Arc de Triomphe offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

What museums are open during the Paris Olympics 2024?

• Louvre Museum: Open during the Games except for July 25-26. Visitors must book tickets ahead of time.

• Palace of Versailles: Fully open except for areas near Olympic events. Special cultural events are planned.

If you are under 24, and you’re a EU resident, you can enter the museums for free!

How to get around Paris during the Olympics 2024?

Use the “Transport Public Paris 2024” application for public transport guidance.

Plan your travel and stay updated on traffic forecasts via the “Île-de-France Mobilités” application and "Anticipate the Games" website.

• Public Transport: Metro and tram stations in key areas will have significant disruptions. Plan alternative routes in advance.

• Walking and Cycling: Less affected by closures compared to motorized traffic.

• Driving: Restricted in many central areas. Passes required for accessing certain perimeters.

For the most up-to-date information, regularly check official Paris 2024 communications and local transport websites.