Prepping for the Paris 2024 Olympics: Top 10 must-see events and locations.

Before we head into the classic Olympic sporting events, let’s go over the unique aspects and events that Paris is bringing to the table this year.

Swimming in the Seine. Yes, you read that correctly, a main objective for the Parisian city council is to host the triathlon (July 30 - August 5) and marathon (August 8-9) swimming events under the Alexandre III bridge, where the opening ceremony (July 26) is set to take place as well. Indeed, this is a great challenge as previous events that were set to take place in these waters had to be cancelled due to poor water hygiene, tested after periods of mass flooding in the city. However, professionals are still on top of this project, hoping to make the city of love’s dream come true and allow swimmers as well as spectators to take in the city’s magnificent views during these events! So let’s keep our fingers crossed. More information on this, here. 

The Paris 2024 Olympics is also introducing additional sports to the chart, such as break dancing, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. Whilst the three first ones will be held in the capital, the latter will be held in Tahiti. 

1. Swimming

The swimming category in the Olympics has always been an all-time favourite. The main swimming events will be hosted in the Paris La Défense Arena from July 27 to August 4. Amongst the many swimmers expected to compete this year, the French crowd is rooting for their new prestige athlete, Leon Marchand, aged only 21 years old and ranked top of the French division! 

The artistic swimming events, on the other hand, will be hosted at the Centre Aquatique, from August 5-10. 

2. Gymnastics

This year’s Olympic gymnastics events will be held in two arenas. Whilst the rhythmic gymnastics events (August 8-10) will be held at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, the artistic gymnastics (July 27 - August 5) and trampoline gymnastics (August 2) will be held in the Arena Bercy. An opportunity to witness unbelievable performances in one of Paris’ most beautiful indoor Arenas!

3. Track & field

Yet another Olympic classic: athletics. People come from all over the world to attend these events. Watch world renowned runners beat world records before your eyes, in the spirit of true sportsmanship and celebration!

This year’s athletics events will take place between August 1-11th in the most famous stadium in Paris, the Stade de France.

4. Football

Didn’t get tickets for the past Euros or World Cups? If you are a football fan, here is your chance to support your country’s team and its best players! The Olympic football matches will take place from 24 July to August 10 at Paris’ beautiful and world famous Parc des Princes. 

5. Volleyball

To all those volleyball fanatics out there, this year’s Olympics have got the most jam-packed schedule yet! Enjoy watching your favourites at the indoor tournament in the Arena Paris Sud 1 from July 27 to August 11, whereas for the beach volleyball tournament, at the beautiful Eiffel Tower Stadium from July 27 to August 10. 

6. Basketball

Basketball may be the most impressive team sport to be played in the Olympics. Regardless of the match, you are guaranteed to be blown away by the skills and talent  displayed by the very best. Non-stop action and excitement, you simply cannot be disappointed! This year’s classic basketball tournament locations will be split between the Stade Pierre Mauroy and the Arena Bercy from July 27 to August 11, whereas the 3 by 3 tournaments will take place at Stade La Concorde between July 30 and August 5. 

7. Handball

Another crowd favourite is the handball tournament. Described as an incredibly speedy indoor sport, you are bound to be astonished by the rapidity and highly-organised plays performed by these skilled players on such a restraining court! The games will be played between July 25 and August 11 at Stade Pierre Mauroy and Arena Paris Sud 6.

8. Table tennis

Handball wasn’t enough for you? Well, if you’re into fast paced performances, nothing compares to the popular game of table tennis at the Olympics. Hosted in the Arena Paris Sud 4 from July 27 to August 10, Paris will be gathering the very best table tennis players from all over the world, in the best possible conditions. So sit back and simply be amazed by the high speed intensity of this extremely technical sport. 

9. Waterpolo

One of the most impressive water sports out there is without a doubt waterpolo. Combining endurance, speed, strategy, and upper and lower body strength - it’s challenging by simply watching it! This year’s Olympic water polo games will be held at the Aquatic Center as well as the Paris La Défense Arena between July 27 and August 11. If you haven’t yet witnessed a game of the sort, we highly recommend you do as it is an unforgettable experience to say the least. 

10. Wrestling, Taekwondo & Judo

Now for the sports that showcase pure human strength, discipline, and strategy: wrestling, taekwondo, and judo are the final must-see events when attending the Olympics. Wrestling will be held from August 5-11 at the Champs de Mars Arena, whereas taekwondo will be held from August 7-10 at the Grand Palais, and Judo between July 23 and August 3 at Champs de Mars Arena. 

1. Arc de Triomphe

At the top of Paris’ world famous Champs Elysées sits the Arc de Triomphe. This area is without a doubt the most strategic place to stay during the Paris Olympics given its centrality to the majority of events as well as the closing event that will be held at the Stade de France.

Here is our favourite hotel close to the Arc de Triomphe:

2. Place de la Concorde

Another strategic area to be posted during the two week running period of the Paris Olympics is anywhere near Place de la Concorde. Not only is it practical to get to the majority of the sporting events (especially the Seine opening ceremony and swimming events), but it is also closest to the city centre, meaning that you can sneak in a lot of sight-seeing during your visit, all the while making it to the Olympic events on time! In our opinion, the best possible Parisian experience. 

Here is our favourite hotel right by Place de la Concorde:

3. Eiffel Tower

Now, for the Parisian dream you have all been waiting for: staying by the legendary Iron Lady: the Eiffel Tower. That’s right, this year’s Olympics will be hosting events right by her side, thus making it an even more perfect place to stay! In addition to its breathtaking beauty and scenic views over the city, the Eiffel Tower is just a lovely and romantic walk to the opening ceremony location by the Seine, which is meant to be unforgettable. So what are you waiting for? Book your once in a lifetime stay there now! 

Here is our favourite hotel by the Eiffel Tower:

4. Invalides

Finally, the second most popular area close to the Eiffel Tower is Invalides. This is undeniably the closest point to the opening ceremony and water events hosted by the Alexandre III bridge. Indeed, this area involves walks along the Seine as well as visiting monuments, such as Hôtel des Invalides and its beautiful Esplanade, but also world renowned museums such as the Musée Rodin!

Here is our favourite hotel by Les Invalides: