Paris Olympics 2024: Your Ultimate Accommodation Guide
The Paris Olympics are here, so where are you staying?
Oct 10, 2023
Salut, sports enthusiasts! As the world anticipates the grandeur of the Paris Olympics, it's time to dive into one of the most crucial aspects of your journey - finding the perfect place to stay. Whether you're a fervent sports aficionado, or just someone who revels in the electrifying atmosphere of such a global event, securing the ideal lodging is paramount for your Parisian Olympic adventure.
When are the Paris Olympics?
The Paris Olympics are slated to unfold from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Spanning a little over two weeks, these dates promise a non-stop extravaganza of athletic prowess and competition. But there's more to the Olympics than just the main events. Pre-Olympic events and qualifiers offer a sneak peek into the excitement and can be equally electrifying.
Don't forget the captivating opening and heartwarming closing ceremonies, typically held a few days before and after the main events. Notably, the opening ceremony will be a historic spectacle, taking place on the Seine River for the first time ever, featuring an epic six-kilometer procession of around 160 boats.
The games themselves will be taking place in venues across the city with some of the main ones being Stade de France, Eiffel Tower Stadium, Roland Garros Stadium, Grand Palais, Château de Versailles, Bercy Arena, Parc des Princes, and Paris La Défense Arena.
Book on time
When it comes to accommodations, timing is of the essence. Seasoned Olympic travelers will tell you that early planning is the key to securing the best options. While the exact opening date for bookings may vary, accommodations typically become available about 18 months before the Olympics. For the 2024 Paris Olympics, that means you should be prepared to book around early 2023.
Booking early offers several advantages. You get your pick of locations and amenities, and you may lock in rates before they inevitably surge closer to the event. Hotels, particularly those near Olympic venues, often witness a significant price hike as the games draw near and demand soars.
Waiting too long to secure your accommodation can be risky. As the Olympics approach, it becomes progressively harder to find available rooms, let alone ones that won't break the bank. Additionally, bear in mind that cancellations or changes may be trickier and potentially costlier as the event draws near due to stricter policies during peak periods.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
Location is everything when it comes to selecting your lodging in Paris during the Olympics. Paris is divided into 20 districts, known as "arrondissements," each offering its unique charm and character. Here are a few neighborhoods that strike a balance between convenience, charm, and proximity to Olympic venues:
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
One of the best walking neighborhoods in the city, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is filled with typical Parisian cafes, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Don’t skip on getting the full quintessential experience of the literary heart of Paris, plus it’s a short metro ride away from many of the Olympic spectaculars.
La Villette (19th arrondissement)
If you want to live like an Olympian and stay as close as possible to Olympic Park, La Villette is the place to be. It's a modern area with plenty of green spaces in an ode to promoting biodiversity, while still giving direct access to Stade de France, where many events will be held.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Situated on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, the former village of Montmartre, which was kept separate from Paris until the 19th century, now provides the city with fabulous views, authentic French small town buildings, and remnants of the artist way of life. It’s also within an easy reach of Olympic events.
Saint Denis (10th arrondissement)
Right outside of Paris city proper, near the Stade de France, Saint Denis is home to one of the primary venues for the Paris Olympics. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts the Saint-Denis Aquatics Olympic Center (CAO), a state-of-the-art venue specially constructed for the Paris 2024 Games, hosting thrilling events like artistic swimming, water polo, and diving. From here, it’s just a short walk to see some Olympic dreams come true.
Champs de Mars (7th arrondissement)
This neighborhood is probably best known for being home to the Eiffel Tower, but the park, restaurants, and gardens draw crowds year round with plenty of things to do and see for every stay in Paris. It’s also the home to several Olympic events, along with its neighboring les Invalides neighborhood.
Invalides (7th arrondissement)
Proper French-style grandeur is the neighborhood of Invalides. Located along the River Seine in the 7th arrondissement, this dignified quartier showcases sights, such as the Musee d’Orsay, the Palais Bourbon, and Pont Alexandre III, among the remnants of old mansions and modern state buildings. Invalides invites all to experience city life in this Parisian gem of a neighborhood.
Remember, Paris boasts an efficient public transportation system. Even if you're not staying right next to an Olympic venue, you can easily get around the city. Consider your preferences, budget, and the locations of the events you wish to attend when choosing your neighborhood.
Finding Accommodation in Paris
Paris offers a plethora of accommodation options, catering to all budgets and preferences. From luxurious hotels that make you feel like royalty to cozy hostels where you can bond with fellow sports enthusiasts, there's something for everyone. If you're more adventurous, why not consider apartment rentals or homestays? They offer a more authentic experience and a chance to mingle with the locals. The choice is yours, so grab your beret, and let's find your Olympic abode!
Ukio
If you’re looking for a monthly stay or longer to get the full Paris experience along with the Olympic spectacles, Ukio is an excellent option. Providing fully furnished and beautifully designed apartments across the city, you can feel right at home in Paris and live like a local while sitting back and enjoying your team winning gold.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com provide a wide range of offerings from apartments, to hotels, to vacation rentals. You'll find competitive pricing, comprehensive reviews, and often flexible booking options in case your plans aren’t set in stone yet. Many OTAs require an upfront payment, but they are perfect for short stays in Paris.
Direct Hotel Websites
The best way to get access to hotel information and exclusive deals is booking directly through a hotel's website. Direct bookings also tend to provide better customer service and flexibility with changes or cancellations, as you’re dealing directly with the hotel themselves instead of through a third party service.
Home-Sharing Services
Airbnb provides a local experience at a range of prices, from private rooms to entire homes, there is a cost effective option for you. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Parisian life. However, cancellation policies can be strict, and quality varies from host to host.
The best thing to remember when choosing where to stay for the Paris Olympics are the price, location, flexibility, and whether you want the tourist or local experience. With monthly rental platforms like Ukio, you can fully soak in the Olympic environment while enjoying all the conveniences of home. Start booking soon to ensure you can find the perfect accommodation for you.
Booking Tips
Similar to winning a gold medal, accommodation hunting during the Paris Olympics is all about timing. Here are some additional tips for booking accommodation for the Paris Olympics:
When it comes to timing, be sure to book well in advance to ensure you have the best odds of finding the perfect spot.
Consider accommodation options with flexible cancellation policies in case of last minute changes to your plans. This can help save you stress and money in the long run.
Do your research! As many nice places to stay there are in Paris, there’s also a good number of scams floating around. Make sure to read reviews, compare prices, and follow up with phone calls.
The Olympics bring a lot of excitement to a city, so if the whole thing sounds a bit overwhelming, consider staying a bit outside of Paris for something a bit quieter and more affordable.
Live like a Parisian
Once you have your accommodation for the Paris Olympics figured out, then comes the fun part of living in Paris. From our team of locals in Paris, here’s some of their expert advice on how to fit in like a true Parisian to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Parlez-vous anglais?
The French are very protective over their language, so they may seem a bit reluctant in speaking English. It never hurts to learn a couple of French words and phrases for ordering at a restaurant or paying at a shop to help yourself get through basic interactions.
Getting around
Paris has a highly efficient public transportation system with an array of metro lines, buses, and trams that will take you to virtually every corner of the city. During the Olympics, these commutes will get crowded, so be sure to plan your timing in advance to make sure you don’t miss out on the sporting action.
Skip the tip
Parisian waiters aren’t known for their spectacular service, and with that being said, it’s not common to tip in France. By law, 15% is automatically included for service in the bill, but if you would like to leave a little bit extra for your waiter when paying, you can ask them to round up to the nearest euro or tell them to keep the change.
Paris safety
Overall, Paris is a safe city, but like any major city, it’s always important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in the metro, tourist spots, or populated areas. Of course there are some places where you should not go after dark, so do your research and you should be fine.
The Paris Olympics are a spectacle to be seen. The whole world will have its eyes on Paris, and you’ll be living out the dream of millions of people. However, make sure to take advantage of your surroundings too; Paris is a fantastic city with a magnificent culture, exciting activities, and plenty of unique charm. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity and immerse yourself in the grandeur that is Paris.