Paris 2024 Olympics: our tips and practical information for attending the Olympic events

Published by La Rédac · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on August 6, 2024 at 10:41 a.m.
What time should you arrive, can you bring food, is it hot or cold in the stadiums? Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Olympic Games.

The big day has arrived, you've got your tickets, your little flag in hand to support your team from the stands: you're ready to attend the Olympic events at these Paris 2024 Games! But are you sure you've thought of everything? To help you have the best time, here are a few tips and tricks you need to know to enjoy these sporting events.

First thing to know: your tickets can be found on theParis 2024 Tickets mobile application. Make sure you've created your account in advance, and that you have enough battery power on your smartphone when you show your ticket at the entrance to the Olympic site. These tickets feature a QR code that only appears a few hours before the start of the events, and can change right up to the moment of scanning, to prevent fraud. The tickets are also nominative: they must be scanned one by one, for each person present at the event.

The second important factor is the weather! Check the forecast and plan accordingly. If it's hot, you'll need a fan, hat, sun cream and a bottle of water, especially when the stands are in the open air. If it's raining, we advise you to wear closed, waterproof shoes: the queues to enter the Olympic venues are long, and the streets can be filled with puddles. Having wet feet for hours on end is not pleasant and can spoil the fun. Likewise, windbreakers, raincoats, umbrellas and vests will help you combat the elements.

Please note: umbrellas, water bottles, bags and even cameras are regulated on Olympic sites. Only bottles of 75 cl or less, small folding umbrellas, bags under 25L and 50 cm high are allowed... Alcohol, scooters, drones, motorcycle or bicycle helmets, animals (except medical assistance) are prohibited. Food is permitted in reasonable quantities (a sandwich is perfectly acceptable, but avoid whole roast chicken).

As mentioned above, queues can be very long. It is advisable to arrive 1h to 1h30 before the start of the tests. This time should be taken into account: standing and walking for over an hour can be tiring, especially when you're carrying a heavy load, wearing uncomfortable shoes or in very hot weather.

Many volunteers, recognizable by their uniforms, are present in and around the site. Don't hesitate to ask them for help or to ask any questions you may have. If you're disabled or have special difficulties, ask the volunteers and people holding a "hospitality" sign: these volunteers will give you " priority access to the site, a mobility support service, the provision of hearing loops or even a dog-friendly area. "

At the Grand Palais for fencing and taekwondo

If you're coming to the Grand Palais for these Olympic Games, you should know that there are several entrances available: the number of your entrance is specified on your ticket. To avoid queuing in the wrong place, ask the volunteers, who will direct you to the right entrance.

Inside the site, you'll find a refreshment and snack area , toilets and a small souvenir store. Depending on where you sit, be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. But don't worry: even at the top, the central track is perfectly visible, so you won't miss a thing. What's more, there are giant screens all around, displaying scores and replays of the action.

If you're sensitive to noise, we strongly advise you to bring earplugs or noise-reducing headphones. Your neighbors might be VERY enthusiastic and be louder than they should be. Also note that very tall people may feel a little squeezed into the Grand Palais seats, which leave little room in front and to the sides. Unless you're a yoga master, there aren't many solutions to this. Comfort remains very acceptable, however.

At the Esplanade des Invalides for archery

Arriving in front of the Pont Alexandre III, it's easy as there's only one place to get in! Once you've passed the controls, you'll find plenty of shady spots to beat the heat, as well as misters, which come in handy as the Olympic site is in full sun all day long. We advise you to bring a bottle of water or a flask (always less than 75cl), which you can refill on site, and a hat or cap to protect you from sunstroke.

There are pieces of cardboard on your seat, which you can turn into a fan- a nice touch! Although the esplanade lets the wind through when it's blowing, the three-hour sessions we attend can quickly become exhausting in direct sunlight. The lucky ones are those positioned high up, protected by the giant screens on the two bleachers, which are also useful for keeping track of the shooter's score!

At the Parc des Princes for soccer

On this Olympic site, a notification informs us to come well in advance. This time, it's a good idea to respect the hour and a half and come early, as bag checks can take a long time, depending on your location. If you are located between gates A and G, it's best to exit via the Porte de Saint-Cloud metro station, which will drop you off right in front of the Parc, on the ring road side! Once inside the stadium, many volunteers are on hand to help you find your seat.

On the food front, there's plenty to choose from, including hot dogs, cheddar fries, burgers and other fast-food dishes. On the other hand, unlike at other Olympic venues, you can 't go home with a cork in your bottle! At the Parc des Princes, seats are close together, and legroom isn't ideal for tall people, so you'll have to be patient for the duration of the match. But wherever you sit, you'll have a great view of the pitch, unlike at the Stade de France!

The Olympic Games in Paris are a historic moment that we want to make the most of. Now you're armed for every eventuality, all you have to do is have fun!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From July 27, 2024 to September 8, 2024

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