July is just around the corner and there’s bound to be incredible buzz in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. But with the city’s expected influx of visitors (as many as 15 million people) the city may feel a little crowded, and tickets for many events will be hard to come by.
Thankfully, the Olympics extends beyond Paris with a total of 35 venues spread out across the Fifth Republic. It offers a fantastic opportunity to explore other French cities and towns while enjoying the world class athletic talent on display—if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket.
France’s 10 Olympic Host Cities
From the beaches of Nice to the historic streets of Lyon to the clear waters of French Polynesia, each destination has something special to offer.
1. Paris
- Events: Athletics, Swimming, Gymnastics, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, and many more.
- Dates: July 26 - August 11
- Venues: Stade de France, Roland Garros, Paris La Defense Arena, Eiffel Tower Stadium (see the full list below.)
- Ticket Prices: Prices vary widely depending on the event, ranging from €24 for preliminary events to €950 for premium seats at the finals.
Where the bulk of events will be happening, Paris is the heart of the Olympics offering iconic landmarks to explore when you need a break from the sports, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame cathedral (currently under restoration). Enjoy a cruise on the Seine, then explore charming neighbourhoods like Montmartre, where you can take in panoramic views at the Sacré Coeur and visit the iconic Moulin Rouge. And don't forget to check out the always-trendy shops and restaurants in Le Marais!
2. Marseille
- Events: Sailing, Football
- Dates: July 26 - August 11 (Sailing), July 24 - August 9 (Football)
- Venues: Roucas-Blanc Marina (Sailing), Stade Vélodrome (Football)
- Ticket Prices: Sailing events start at €24. Football matches range from €50 to €180.
Marseille is a city that effortlessly blends the charm of its vibrant port with the breathtaking beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. Wander through the bustling markets of Vieux-Port, and don't miss the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde; a historic gem that offers panoramic views of the city.
3. Lille
- Events: Handball, Basketball
- Dates: July 26 - August 11 (Handball), July 28 - August 11 (Basketball)
- Venues: Stade Pierre-Mauroy
- Ticket Prices: Handball tickets range from €20 to €150. Basketball tickets range from €30 to €200.
Lille is renowned for its stunning Flemish architecture and the magnificent Palais des Beaux-Arts. Stroll through the city's Grand Place, and be sure to check out the Old Town; a must-visit area brimming with history and character.
4. Lyon
- Events: Football
- Dates: July 24 - August 9
- Venues: Stade de Lyon
- Ticket Prices: Football matches range from €50 to €180.
Lyon is celebrated for its exquisite cuisine and rich historical and architectural landmarks. The charming old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't forget to visit the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, one of the city's top attractions offering stunning views and historical insights.
5. Nice
- Events: Football
- Dates: July 24 - August 9
- Venues: Stade de Nice
- Ticket Prices: Football matches range from €50 to €180.
Famed for its stunning coastline along the French Riviera, Nice is an iconic seaside town with beautiful beaches to explore. Stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais and wander through the charming old town, where narrow streets and colourful markets invite you to discover the local culture and cuisine.
6. Nantes
- Events: Football
- Dates: July 24 - August 9
- Venues: Stade de la Beaujoire
- Ticket Prices: Football matches range from €50 to €180.
Nantes is brimming with key attractions, starting with the magnificent Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a historic castle rich in heritage. Don't miss the whimsical Machines of the Isle of Nantes, where creativity and engineering come to life. The picturesque Jardin des Plantes is a beautiful garden and a serene escape in the heart of the city.
7. Bordeaux
- Events: Football
- Dates: July 24 - August 9
- Venues: Stade de Bordeaux
- Ticket Prices: Football matches range from €50 to €180.
Bordeaux is all about world-class wine, elegant architecture, and the stunning Place de la Bourse. If vino is your thing, do not miss the Cité du Vin; a spectacular museum dedicated to the culture and history of wine.
8. Saint-Étienne
- Events: Football
- Dates: July 24 - August 9
- Venues: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
- Ticket Prices: Football matches range from €50 to €180.
This city is celebrated for its industrial heritage and modern design flair. Dive into contemporary art at the Musée d’Art Moderne, a must-visit for art lovers. The Pilat Regional Natural Park — 72,000 hectares of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures.
9. Châteauroux
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- Events: Shooting
- Dates: July 26 - August 11
- Venues: Châteauroux Shooting Centre
- Ticket Prices: Shooting events start at €15.
You can practically feel the history of Châteauroux as you stroll through its mediaeval streets and winding roads. Be sure to visit the impressive Château Raoul, a cornerstone of the town's heritage. The nearby Brenne Regional Nature Park offers a peaceful escape into nature.
10. Tahiti
- Events: Surfing
- Dates: July 26 - August 11
- Venues: Teahupo'o
- Ticket Prices: Surfing events start at €20.
Located in French Polynesia, Tahiti is far from the City of Lights (over 15,000km) but is nonetheless a dream destination with its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant Polynesian culture. Teahupo'o is renowned for its world-class waves; which is why it’s now an official Olympic venue.
National transport
For longer distances, domestic flights can save time— and Tahiti is a much longer international flight—but France boasts an excellent transport system, making it easy to travel between cities.
TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)
The TGV connects major cities across France. For instance, a trip from Paris to Marseille takes about three hours. Paris to Lyon takes roughly two hours. Tickets can be booked through the SNCF website, and prices vary depending on the time of booking and class of service.
Regional trains and buses
Regional TER trains provide access to smaller towns and cities. Buses are also an option for more remote areas. Both modes of transport are reliable and offer scenic routes through the French countryside.
Car rentals
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Major car rental companies operate in all cities and at airports. This is especially useful for reaching venues in more rural areas like Châteauroux. Keep Google Maps on hand to find your way and to avoid making any wrong turns.
City transport
Each city hosting Olympic events will be ramping up its public transport systems. For instance, in Marseille, access to the Stade Orange Vélodrome will be bolstered with reinforced metro and bus lines.
For those who prefer driving, park-and-ride facilities will be available on the outskirts of several cities, with shuttle services to take you directly to the venues. Expect dedicated facilities for bike rentals and other eco-friendly transport modes.
Getting organised
Even at this late stage, it pays to plan your trip as much as possible and avoid missing a moment of the action.
Public transport passes: Detailed information on recommended routes and timetables will be readily available to help you plan your trips. Look into city passes or regional transport passes for unlimited travel on public transportation.
Stay updated on ticket sales & fan zones: Tickets will be hard to find but keep an eye out for resellers. If something comes up, you’ll need to act fast. If you can’t find tickets, it’s OK because all locations (with the exception of Tahiti) will have fan zones; free spaces where Olympic events will be broadcast on giant screens. Paris will have 25 of these spaces.
Stay connected on your smartphone: Navigating France while staying up to date on ticket availability and fan zones is easier when you don’t have to rely on public Wi-Fi. But you don’t want to worry about roaming charges either. That’s why Orange, an official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, is offering an unmissable deal on their Holiday EU 50GB eSIM plan where you get an extra 50GB for free between June 6th and October 9th. This 100GB plan covers 40+ countries; perfect if you’re planning to see more of Europe. Here are the Holiday EU 50GB promotion details. (Wait, what's an eSIM?)
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Paris Olympic venues & events
1. Stade de France (Saint-Denis): Athletics, Rugby Sevens
2. Eiffel Tower Stadium (Champ de Mars): Beach Volleyball
3. Grand Palais: Fencing, Taekwondo
4. Place de la Concorde: BMX Freestyle, Skateboarding, Breaking, 3x3 Basketball
5. Roland Garros: Tennis, Boxing (Finals)
6. Parc des Princes: Football
7. Paris La Defense Arena: Swimming, Water Polo
8. Bercy Arena (Accor Arena): Basketball (Finals), Artistic Gymnastics, Trampoline
9. Champ de Mars Arena: Judo, Wrestling
10. Invalides: Archery, Road Cycling
11. Porte de La Chapelle Arena: Badminton, Rhythmic Gymnastics
12. Alexandre III Bridge: Marathon Swimming, Triathlon, Road Cycling
13. Hôtel de Ville: Start of the Marathon
14. Pont d’Iéna: Triathlon, Road Cycling, Marathon, Open Water Swimming
15. Yves-du-Manoir Stadium (Colombes): Hockey
16. Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium: Canoeing, Rowing
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