Paris 2024 Summer Olympics Venues: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Mayi

Paris is gearing up for an exciting summer as it prepares to host the Olympic Games. Whether you’ll be there in person or watching from home, this guide will help you prepare for the event.

With thousands of spectators expected to come to Paris for the games, the Olympic Committee aims to showcase the beauty of the City of Lights. Many of the venues are located in the capital city, allowing visitors to enjoy the games while also exploring important sites. The opening ceremony will take place in the city centre, with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop and the Seine River as the focal point.

What are the other major Olympic sites in Paris, besides the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River? This summer’s games mark the first time the Olympics will be held on a different continent and in different time zones. This guide provides all the details about the Paris Olympic Games, including when they start, how to purchase tickets (there’s still time!), and information about game sites and places to visit while in Paris.

When are the Olympics?

The 2024 Paris Olympics Games will officially commence on Wednesday, 26th July, and conclude on 11th August. Non-medal competitions will begin on Tuesday, 24th July. Over 10,000 athletes will compete in 329 medal events, aiming to secure a top-three placement. The Paralympic Games will be held from Wednesday, 28th August, to Sunday, 8th September 2024. Check out the Olympic schedule on the official Olympics website.

Where are the Olympics being held?

The Paris Olympics will take place not only in Paris but also in neighbouring cities. The events will be held in different venues within Paris and its neighbouring cities, including Le Bourget and St. Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis – 93), Versailles (Yvelines-78), Nanterre (Hauts-de-Seine – 92), and Vaires-sur-Marne (Seine-et-Marne – 77). In addition to Paris, football will be hosted in other major cities such as Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice, and Marseille. Marseille will also host sailing. Furthermore, the surfing competition will take place in Teahupo’o in Tahiti, as it offers stronger and bigger waves than Biarritz. This surfing event will be the farthest from the host city in Olympic history.

What are the Paris Olympic venues?

Many of the games will be held in pre-existing or temporary venues in an effort to be more sustainable, responsible, and inclusive.

Paris Olympic and Paralympic Venues

Eiffel Tower & Champs de Mars

The Eiffel Tower, more specifically the Parc du Champ de Mars, will host two competitions, beach volleyball and blind football, during the Paralympics. If you are unable to secure tickets for these events, consider visiting the top floors of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’ s-eye view. Check the game schedules to see if you can also book a tour of the Eiffel Tower during the same time slot.

Les Invalides

The impressive Hôtel National des Invalides (Les Invalides) was built to accommodate wounded war veterans. The military hospital-turned-museum now houses the Musée de l’armée and Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb. The Olympic and Paralympic archery events will be held on Esplanade des Invalides, the formal gardens fronting the museum.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Invalides:

• Musée de l’Armée: Explore this military museum located within Les Invalides, which is home to Napoleon’s tomb.
• Rodin Museum: Enjoy the masterpieces of the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin in this nearby museum, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Rue Cler: Stroll along this delightful market street, brimming with cafes, bakeries, and speciality food shops.

Grand Palais

The Grand Palais is a stunning monument in Paris that architecture enthusiasts appreciate for its dazzling Art Nouveau interior. Built in 1897 as a museum and exposition hall for the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1900, it has served various purposes since. It will be the venue for the taekwondo and fencing and the Paralympic wheelchair fencing and taekwondo competitions.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Grand Palais:

• Petit Palais: Visit the free Museum of Fine Arts located just across from the Grand Palais.
• Champs-Élysées: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this famous avenue, which is lined with shops, cafes, and theatres.
• Pont Alexandre III: Take a walk across this ornate bridge to enjoy views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.

Pont Alexandre III

The stunning bridge, which crosses the Seine River and connects the Grand Palais and Hotel des Invalides, serves as an unusual venue for the Paris Olympics. Inaugurated during the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the bridge is classified as a historic monument. Unlike other venues, entry to this venue is free of charge. It will host three different competitions: marathon swimming, cycling, and triathlon. Due to its smaller size, the venue’s capacity may be limited.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near Pont Alexandre III:

• Boat Tours: You can take a sightseeing boat tour from one of the docks near this beautiful bridge.
• Esplanade des Invalides: You can enjoy the open space and gardens leading up to Les Invalides.
• Grand Palais and Petit Palais: You can visit these iconic exhibition halls located nearby.

Place de la Concorde

Located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, Place de la Concorde is one of the largest squares in Paris. This summer, the square at the end of the Champs-Elysées, with an impressive Obelisk monument, will host 3×3 basketball, skateboarding, and BMX freestyle events, among others.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near Place de la Concorde:

• Tuileries Garden: Enjoy a leisurely walk through these historic gardens that connect Place de la Concorde to the Louvre.
• Orangerie Museum: Visit this museum to see the impressive collection of Monet’s Water Lilies and other works of art.
• Louvre Museum: Although a bit further, it’s within walking distance for you to explore one of the world’s largest and most famous museums.

Parc des Princes

The Parc des Princes is located southwest of Paris and serves as the home ground for the Parisian team Paris Saint Germain. The stadium will host both men’s and women’s football games. Some non-medal events will take place in cities outside of the Ile-de-France region, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, Nantes, Nice, and Marseille. The Parc des Princes district is situated between Boulogne-Billancourt, Issy-les-Moulineaux, as well as the 15th and 16th arrondissements of Paris, and it’s worth exploring.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Parc des Princes:

• Bois de Boulogne: This vast park features gardens, lakes, and a zoo, making it an ideal destination for relaxation or various activities.
• Fondation Louis Vuitton: Explore this contemporary art museum housed in a stunning building designed by Frank Gehry.
• Auteuil Hippodrome: Enjoy horse racing or simply visit this historic venue.

Trocadéro

The Trocadéro is a picturesque location in Paris with beautiful gardens, ornamental fountains, grand museums, and breathtaking views of the Seine River. The men’s and women’s road cycling races will both start and finish at Place du Trocadéro. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Musée de l’Homme and take in a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower!

Although tickets are required for access to the start/finish locations of the races, you can still cheer on the cyclists for free from the roadside beyond Pont d’Iéna, as the race will follow a route. The charming Montmartre neighbourhood will also be part of the route. The hilly streets and cobblestones of Butte de Montmartre will provide the riders with challenging climbs. You can download the route maps and find out more information here.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Trocadéro:

• Palais de Chaillot: Explore the museums and theatres within this complex, including the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Man.
• Jardins du Trocadéro: Enjoy the gardens with fountains and a great view of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful at night.
• Aquarium de Paris: Encounter a diverse range of marine life at this aquarium located at the Trocadéro Gardens.

Stade Roland Garros

The Roland Garros venue is well-known to tennis fans as the home of major tournaments like the French Open. Therefore, it’s no surprise that tennis competitions will take place there. The stadium complex has twenty courts, and it will also host other competitions such as boxing (finals only) and para volleyball.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near Roland Garros:

• Parc des Princes: If you’re a sports enthusiast, catch a football match at this nearby stadium.
• Bois de Boulogne: A short walk away, this park offers various activities, including rowboat rentals and cycling paths.
• Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil: Visit these beautiful botanical gardens located close to Roland Garros.

Olympic and Paralympic Venues Outside Paris

Stade de France (Olympic Stadium)

The main stadium for the Paris Olympics is the famous Stade de France, which is the largest stadium in the country. It can accommodate 81,000 spectators and has hosted numerous sporting events and concerts. The Football World Cup and Euro, which France won in 1998 and 2016, and the World Championships in Athletics, were held in Stade de France. The stadium is situated in the northeastern suburb of Saint-Denis. It will host the rugby, track and field events, and the closing ceremony.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Stade de France:

• Basilica of Saint-Denis: Discover the burial place of French kings, located in the nearby suburb of Saint-Denis.
• Cité du Cinéma: Visit the film studio complex created by Luc Besson in Saint-Denis, which offers insight into the movie industry.
• Pantin: Explore the area known as the Brooklyn of Paris, where old industrial buildings have been converted into stylish loft apartments, art galleries, and lively music venues. Enjoy a peaceful boat rental tour along the Canal de l’Ourcq.

Château de Versailles

The famous Chateau de Versailles will host equestrian events (show jumping, dressage, eventing, para-riding) and modern pentathlon for the Summer Olympic Games. This temporary venue will erect stands in the palace gardens and along the Grand Canal, offering visitors a chance to combine the games with a visit to the Chateau de Versailles for an unforgettable experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a top tourist attraction.

Here are some suggested activities and attractions near the Chateau de Versailles:

• Palace Tour: Take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its history and architecture.
• Versailles Gardens: Stroll through the expansive and meticulously manicured gardens.
• Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon: Explore these smaller yet equally fascinating palaces within the estate.

Getting tickets to the Olympic Games

The tickets for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find the tickets for sale on the official Olympics website. Despite the games being just around the corner, and while tickets for the most sought-after events have already been snapped up, some tickets are still available. Make sure to check every Thursday when additional tickets are released for sale. Always make your ticket purchases from the official ticketing website to avoid any issues when attending the games.

Planning Your Trip to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

Where to Stay in Paris

With the games scattered in various places, the choice of where to stay will depend on which games you will attend and what other activities you plan to do while in Paris. The city has great transportation, so you won’t have any issues getting around. One of the best places to stay among the locals is Canal Saint-Martin, which is full of trendy restaurants and cafes and a lovely canal where people can take sightseeing boats.

What To Do in Paris 

The French capital is expecting more than 15 million visitors this summer. Although July and, specifically, August, are usually times of the year when Parisians are away from the city, expect lots of crowds. Whether you are a seasoned traveller to Paris or if this is your first time in Paris, you may want to include countless activities and attractions on your bucket list. If you’re going to explore something different with fewer crowds, I suggest you visit the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, one of Paris’s most significant gardens. Check out our three-day itinerary to Paris.

Other Places to Visit Outside of Paris

While in Paris, consider visiting other beautiful destinations in France, especially if you want to avoid the crowds during the Olympic Games. These destinations offer a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, providing a great alternative to the bustling atmosphere of Paris during the Olympics.

Brittany

Brittany is one of the most charming regions of France. Visit this region for its rugged coastline and quaint fishing villages. Highlights include Saint-Malo, the Pink Granite Coast, the medieval town of Dinan, and more.

Normandy

Just a few hours’ drive from Paris, Normandy is a popular destination known for its rich history and natural beauty, including the picturesque cliffs of Étretat. Be sure to visit Mont Saint-Michel and the charming town of Honfleur.

Grand Est

Enjoy the unique blend of French and German cultures in Alsace, which is known for its scenic wine routes and charming towns like Metz, Strasbourg, and Colmar.

French Alps

For breathtaking mountain views and outdoor activities like hiking, consider a trip to the French Alps. Explore delightful alpine villages, go hiking in the summer, or partake in winter sports at renowned resorts such as Chamonix and Annecy.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a fantastic destination for anyone who enjoys gourmet food, exceptional wine, and art. Discover the enchanting historic city centre, explore the nearby vineyards and venture to the charming towns of Saint-Émilion and Arcachon.

Lyon

As one of the big cities in France, Lyon is worth a viist. There is a lively food scene with traditional Lyonnais restaurants, great for exploring the historic old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoying its museums and cultural attractions.

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Do you have tickets to see any of the games at the Paris Olympics venues? Or have you visited these venues before? Share in the comments.

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Written by

Mayi

Mayi is the writer and photographer behind SecretMoona — a space for travellers who care more about culture and quiet corners than tick-box sights. She writes honest, first-hand guides to France, Japan and beyond, a journey that began with a solo trip to Japan in 2017.

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