Paris, the City of Light, is gearing up for an extraordinary summer in 2024 as it hosts the Olympic Games. For first-time visitors, this presents a unique opportunity to experience the city's timeless charm alongside the excitement of a global sporting event. Here's a guide to the must-see attractions and essential advice for making the most of your Parisian adventure.
Must-See Attractions
- Eiffel Tower - No visit to Paris is complete without seeing its iconic iron lady. The Eiffel Tower offers breath-taking views of the city from its various levels. For the best experience, consider booking tickets in advance and visiting early in the morning or near closing time to avoid the largest crowds.
- The Louvre - Home to the Mona Lisa and countless other masterpieces, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum. Given its vast collection, it's wise to plan your visit around specific artworks or sections you're most interested in seeing.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral - While the cathedral is still undergoing restoration following the 2019 fire, its exterior remains a stunning example of French Gothic architecture. The surrounding area offers beautiful views and a chance to appreciate the ongoing restoration efforts.
- Palace of Versailles - Located just outside Paris, the opulent Palace of Versailles offers a glimpse into France's royal history. The palace's gardens are particularly spectacular during the summer months.
- Seine River Cruise - A boat tour along the Seine provides a unique perspective of many Parisian landmarks and is especially magical in the evening when the city is illuminated.
Top Advice for Tourists
- Plan and Book in Advance - With the 2024 Olympics taking place, it's crucial to book accommodation, tickets for attractions, and even restaurant reservations well in advance. Many venues will be implementing timed entry systems to manage crowds.
- Use Public Transportation - Paris has an extensive and efficient public transport system. Consider purchasing a Navigo Easy pass for convenient travel on metros, buses, and RER trains.
- Be Prepared for Olympic-Related Changes - Some areas of the city, particularly around Olympic venues, may have restricted access or altered traffic patterns. Stay informed about these changes through official Olympic and city information channels.
- Explore Beyond the City Centre - While central Paris is packed with iconic sights, don't miss the chance to explore charming neighbourhoods like Montmartre or the trendy Canal Saint-Martin area.
- Learn Basic French Phrases - While many Parisians speak English, attempting a few French phrases can go a long way in local interactions.
- Stay Vigilant - As with any major city, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Embrace the Café Culture - Take time to enjoy the Parisian way of life by lingering over coffee at a sidewalk café and watching the world go by.
By combining these timeless attractions with the unique atmosphere of the Olympic Games, your first visit to Paris in summer 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Remember to stay flexible in your plans and embrace the city's vibrant energy, both old and new.
Resources
- Best Paris attractions - https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/attractions/best-paris-attractions
- Getting around before Olympic Games - https://parisjetaime.com/eng/convention/article/getting-around-before-olympic-games-a1608
- Things to do in Paris During 2024 Games - https://www.roadtrips.com/blog/things-to-do-in-paris/
- Tips for visiting Paris first time - https://fullsuitcase.com/tips-visit-paris-first-time/
- Visiting Paris in Summer 2024 - https://www.acs-ami.com/en/travelling-to-france/visiting-paris/
- Paris Olympics 2024 travel advice - https://www.cntraveler.com/story/paris-olympics-2024-travel-advice
- Best Sightseeing Spots in Paris - https://www.timeout.com/paris/en/attractions/paris-sightseeing
- Detailed Paris Itinerary - https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/how-to-spend-5-days-in-paris/
Other Information
- Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau - https://en.parisinfo.com/
- RATP (Paris Public Transport) - https://www.ratp.fr/en
- Louvre Museum - https://www.louvre.fr/en
- Eiffel Tower - https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
- Palace of Versailles - https://en.chateauversailles.fr/
- Paris 2024 Olympic Games - https://www.paris2024.org/en/