Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, tips and recommendations, everything you need to know

Published by My de Sortiraparis · Photos by · Published on July 26, 2024 at 07:21 a.m.
Are you attending the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this Friday, July 26? How do you get there? From what time? What can you bring? What is prohibited? How can I buy food? Can I bring my own food? How will it work? We answer all your questions.

If you're one of the lucky few who'll be attending the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics this Friday, July 26? Free or paid, the watchword from now on is"anticipate". With traffic restrictions and detour, you'll need to get organized well in advance. And for a perfect day, it's best to leave no stone unturned. We take a look at all the questions you might have, to help you prepare for what promises to be an exceptional day.

Can I still buy tickets for the opening ceremony?

To attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games without an invitation, it is still possible to buy a ticket from the official Games ticket office. Prices range from 900 to 3,000 euros, depending on category and location, with seats available on the banks of the Seine or on certain bridges. If you're looking for cheaper prices, you can also check out last-minute ticket resales on the official resale platform.


Is it possible to see the opening ceremony for free somewhere without invitations?

You won't be able to position yourself anywhere to watch the opening ceremony. For those who prefer a free alternative, the ceremony will be broadcast on 80 giant screens throughout Paris and on television. From the Terrasse des Jeux to the Hôtel de Ville, from the Arènes de Lutèce to the Parc Monceau, from the foot of the Saint-Sulpice church to the Parc de Choisy, there'll be no shortage of places to celebrate. As an added bonus, you'll be treated to live entertainment and food trucks on site.

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What time is the ceremony and how long will it last?

The Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games will start at 7.30pm and is expected to last until 11.15pm, a total duration of over 3 hours and 30 minutes.


What time do I have to be at my seat?

To attend the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is advisable to arrive as early as 3:30 pm this Friday, July 26, 2024 and at least 2 hours before. You can access your area, with your ticket, from 1pm. This recommendation is designed to facilitate security checks and your installation, and to ensure that you enjoy the show without rushing. What's more, arriving early will allow you to soak up the festive atmosphere and take part in the entertainment planned before the ceremony begins. Please note that it will not be possible to arrive less than one hour before the start of the ceremony. Please note that all departures from the site are final.


How can I sell my tickets if I don't want to go?

Can't make it to the ceremony? Your withdrawal could make people happy. You can resell your tickets at the last minute on the official resale platform.


Do I need a QR Code to access my Games Pass?

To access your seat for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, you won't need a QR Code or Games Pass after 1 pm. After this time, only holders of tickets or access passes and people with a waiver accompanied by a Games Pass will be able to enter the SILT zone.

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Can I come by car?

Driving to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is strongly discouraged. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete has warned that it will be "extremely complicated" due to traffic restrictions and the massive influx of visitors (around 320,000 people expected). What's more, Bison Futé is predicting a black day on the roads of the Île-de-France region, which means you're likely to be very late. The center of Paris will be largely inaccessible due to the anti-terrorist "grey perimeter", and the 185 km of lanes reserved for accredited vehicles will be strictly forbidden, on pain of a €135 fine. It is therefore preferable to use public transport and consult the Sytadin applications and the Public Transport Paris 2024 app for real-time updates. No motorized vehicles will be allowed to access and circulate within the SILT perimeter (except for emergency and rescue vehicles).

During the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, four Paris bridges will remain open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic until 1pm: the Pont des Invalides, the Passerelle Sedar-Senghor, the Pont Notre-Dame and the Pont de Sully. Crossing these bridges from the right bank to the left bank outside the SILT zones will not require registration on the Préfecture de Police platform. The Saint-Louis and Cité islands will remain accessible only to residents and professionals, on foot or by bicycle, whose activities fall within the SILT perimeter.

The other bridges will be completely closed to traffic, including pedestrians: Pont d'Iéna, Passerelle Debilly, Pont de l'Alma, Pont Alexandre III, Pont de la Concorde, Pont Royal, Pont du Carrousel, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, Pont de l'Archevêché, Pont au Change, Pont Saint-Louis, Pont d'Arcole, Pont de la Tournelle, and Pont d'Austerlitz. All bridges upstream of the Pont d'Austerlitz and downstream of the Pont d'Iéna will remain accessible until 7pm.

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Will there be parking areas for cars and vehicles?

No, no parking is provided, and the use of a vehicle should be considered only as a last resort. On the day of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, on-street parking will be strictly prohibited within the SILT perimeter. This measure also applies to holders of the European parking card or the "mobilité inclusion" card, as well as any other approved proof of disability. However, trips requiring a drop-off in the zone will be authorized until 1 p.m. with a Game Pass. We strongly recommend that you plan ahead for parking your motorized vehicle if you have no other choice. Remember to use public or private parking lots, or to park outside the area concerned.


Can I take public transport and with what ticket?

Yes, it is possible to take public transport to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games- in fact, it's recommended that you do so. You can use your Navigo Pass, which offers unlimited access to the metro, bus, streetcar and RER networks throughout the Paris region. For occasional visitors, you can opt for the Paris 2024 Pass at €16 per day for unlimited travel. For the event, it's advisable to plan your journey in advance. You can also buy single tickets, now priced at €4. A book of 10 tickets, available on a Navigo Easy holder or smartphone, will cost you €32. Please note that the cardboard ticket is now only valid for RER journeys outside Paris. For journeys within the city, it is compulsory to recharge a pass. Please note that it is impossible to load tickets for several people on the same pass: each user must pay individually.


How do I plan my public transit route?

To calculate your public transport route to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, use the Transport Public Paris 2024 app, specially designed to guide spectators to the Olympic Games competition and celebration venues. Remember to download it in advance and check your route before setting off. This app offers optimized routes based on advice from the Île-de-France Mobilités transport authority, and takes real-time incidents into account. You can also use the Île-de-France Mobilités app to plan your journeys and obtain information on transport timetables, bike and car-sharing services. To anticipate disruptions and crowds, consult the interactive map on the " Anticipating the Games " website.


Can I take a cab to the ceremony?

You will be able to use cabs and VTCs, but these are subject to traffic restrictions in the gray and red perimeters. They will not be able to access the SILT zone.


What facilities have been put in place for people with disabilities?

Île-de-France Mobilités has set up a shuttle system, and drop-off zones will be set up as close as possible to the reception areas for PSH and PFR visitors, to simplify access. Remember to reserve your shuttle. Please note: your drop-off/pick-up zone depends on your stand. It will be impossible to move from one stand to another. Make sure you select the stand indicated on your ticket before booking. Remember also to reserve your return slot.


Does every participant have to download the application for opening ceremony tickets?

Only the person who reserved the tickets must download the "Paris 2024 Tickets" application and log in with the Paris 2024 email address and password used at the time of reservation. This person will be the only one authorized to present all access tickets at the checkpoints. However, each participant must carry a compulsory identity document. Don't forget to check your tickets on your app, and to charge your smartphone to avoid running out of battery. Ticket counters will be available just in case, but you'll need to present your ID card and order number.


What if there's no network?

Your tickets will be accessible without an internet connection. However, it is crucial that you have downloaded the "Paris 2024 Tickets" application and logged in at least once before the opening ceremony, using the Paris 2024 email address and password used when booking.

Are you on the high quays?

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Safety: what items are prohibited on site?

For the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, strict security measures will be in place. Several items will be prohibited to ensure the safety of spectators and participants. Make sure you check everything so you don't get stuck at the entrance. Here are all the prohibited items:

  • Weapons and sharp objects: Any form of weapon, including bladed weapons and tools, is strictly forbidden.
  • Explosives and fire works: Fireworks, firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are also prohibited.
  • Illegal substances and drugs: The introduction of drugs or illegal substances is prohibited.
  • Bulky items: Bulky objects, such as large suitcases or coolers, are not permitted.
  • Backpacks over 25 liters: Your bag must be no more than 50 cm high, 30 cm wide and 20 cm deep. Labeling is mandatory.
  • Drones: The use of drones is strictly forbidden within the perimeter of the ceremony.
  • Glass bottles, cans and flasks: Glass containers and metal cans will not be permitted, nor will bottles larger than 75cl. Opt for metal or plastic bottles of less than 75 cl.
  • Helmets: bicycle and motorcycle helmets are strictly forbidden. Remember to fasten them before entering your zone.
  • Sticks and selfie poles: These objects may be used as weapons or may obstruct the view of other spectators.
  • Unauthorized flags and banners: Flags and banners bearing unauthorized political or commercial messages will be prohibited.
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Scooters, bicycles, skates and skates: These means of transport will not be allowed access to the secure perimeter.
  • Strollers
  • Folding chairs
  • Laser pointers
  • Professional camcorders and cameras
  • Camera lenses larger than 25 cm
  • Non-folding umbrellas. Think small folding umbrellas.

Security searches and pat-downs will be carried out at entry points to ensure compliance with these rules.


Can I bring my dog?

Pets are not allowed. Only guide and assistance dogs may be allowed through the checkpoint.


Can I bring food, drinks and other items?

As far as food is concerned, you can bring your own meal, as long as it's in reasonable quantities for personal consumption. Baby food is also permitted, although the presence of children under the age of 4 is not recommended during the events. As far as drinks are concerned, glass bottles are forbidden, but you can bring a bottle or flask of up to 75 cl. Free water fountains will be available for refilling, as will toilets. Alcohol, however, is strictly forbidden.


Will we be able to buy food on site, and how?

You'll be able to buy food and drink on site, with food stalls at every venue. Please note, however, that you'll need to pay with Visa or cash.

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What identity documents should I bring with me to the ceremony?

On the day of the opening ceremony, if you have a ticket for the festivities or a Paris 2024 accreditation, you will not be asked for a QR code or Games Pass after 1pm. You will, however, be required to show proof of identity. All pass holders must carry a valid form of identification (identity card, passport, driving license). Only the ID on the "France Identité" application will be accepted as digital ID. Identity checks will be carried out.


Can I take photos or videos, and under what conditions?

Inside the enclosure, spectators are allowed to take photos and videos. However, these photos and videos must be for personal use only. Please note that professional cameras and lenses larger than 20 cm are not permitted.


What to wear and what's the weather forecast?

We advise you to bring everything you need to protect yourself from the sun as well as the rain. Remember to bring your sun cream and spray bottles just in case, as well as wide-brimmed caps and hats for everyone, and sunglasses, bearing in mind that the wait can be long. And don't forget a small folding umbrella, as the weather is still uncertain.


What to do in the event of loss or theft during the ceremony

Request the security agents closest to your area. Quickly block your credit cards and smartphone. And don't forget location.


What is the order of delegations?

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What can we expect?

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How do I get home? Which lines are open all night from July 26 to 27?

The party's over, it's time to go home? Some lines stay open all night. Use your Transport Public Paris 2024 app to plan ahead, or the Île-de-France Mobilités app to plan your return journey.

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On July 26, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

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