Visiting France for Olympics 2024 & Staying Connected
The ultimate guide for visiting France for Olympics 2024 & staying connected
The Olympics is a monumental event that promises to be a celebration of sportsmanship, culture and unity. It’s attended by millions of spectators around the world. The 2024 Summer Olympics are going to be hosted in Paris, France starting from July 26, 2024.
If you’re planning to visit France this time, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your trip.
Accommodation
This is a busy time for Paris so book your hotels/AirBnBs fast. Rely on places that are known or have a good number of reviews with a decent rating. You could consider staying in areas like Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, or near the Eiffel Tower for easy access to Olympic venues.
Other areas with easy accessibility to the Olympic venues:
- Invalides district.
- Roland-Garros district.
- Saint-Denis.
- Porte de la Chapelle district.
- Parc des Princes district.
- Concorde district.
- La Défense district.
- Le Bourget
Explore the Olympic Venues and Events
There are various events happening across various iconic locations during the 2024 Olympics:
Opening Ceremony - Paris will be the first host city to not do the opening ceremony in a stadium, as expected. For the first time in Olympic history, the event will be held on river Seine instead of in a stadium, with each national delegation represented by a boat.
You can get a package to access the Palais Brongniart for the first time, which would also be the headquarters for Team USA.
Venues for the matches - To be able to accommodate the 10,500 athletes and ensure the 339 sporting events of the next Paris 2024 Games, no less than 35 competition sites have been planned. They are spread across the capital, the rest of France, and even Tahiti.
Parc des Princes will be the venue for football matches. They will be hosting both men’s and women’s football matches, and in total will have 10 football matches there. The Grand Palais will be the venue for the Fencing and taekwondo events. La Concorde will be the venue for Skateboarding, Cycling and Basketball. The venue will be accessible by public transport. Champ-de-Mars will be the magnificent setting for Judo, Freestyle wrestling, wheelchair rugby and more.
Staying Connected
While exploring the venues and navigating the city at such a busy time, it is crucial to stay connected with a seamless network. With MobiMatter, you can select from a large variety of eSIM plans for Europe and install your eSIM before even entering France. Upon landing, you simply have to activate it with the click of a button and you’ll have data.
Feel in control of ordering a taxi online from the airport to not relying on airport WiFi or hotel WiFi. Move seamlessly from cafes to museums to Olympic venues with MobiMatter.
Our best eSIM recommendations for every data and price point is as follows:
- For those who will be streaming videos all the time : EU 60 GB Unlimited Calls allows for plenty of data for the validity period of 30 days. Priced at only $41.99 you have unlimited access to making free calls within the EU.
- For those who need internet to navigate maps, check Instagram and make zoom calls : France 20 GB priced at only $12.99 is ideal for surfing the net and staying connected without doing any heavy duty streaming. What’s awesome is you have the flexibility to recharge this eSIM should you need more data.
- For those in France for 1-2 weeks : Best Europe 2 GB, is ideal for anyone in France for a short time. Valid for 15 days for just $4.49, this eSIM is rechargeable should you need more data during your stay.
- For digital nomads in France : Europe and USA Yearly 40 GB allows digital nomads to stay connected for a whole year for only $39.99. With top up options, connectivity was never easier for those working in Europe, USA or both.
Exploring Paris
While in Paris, take time to explore beyond the Olympic venues. Some must-see attractions include:
- Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without visiting this iconic landmark.
- Louvre Museum: Home to thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Montmartre: A historic district known for its artistic history and stunning views of the city.
Additionally, Paris is renowned for its culinary delights. Savoring French cuisine is a must, whether it's enjoying a croissant at a local bakery, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or trying street food at one of the city's many food markets.
Cultural Etiquette
Understanding and respecting local customs can enhance your experience in France. Here are a few tips:
- Learn a few basic French words: A polite "Bonjour" (meaning: good day) goes a long way. The French appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language.
- Dining: French dining etiquette is formal. Wait until everyone is served before starting your meal and keep your hands on the table.
- Tipping: While service is included in restaurant bills, it's customary to leave a small tip for good service.
Safety and Health
With the large crowds expected for the Olympics, it's important to stay mindful of safety:
- Pickpocketing: Be vigilant in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.
- Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and follow any health guidelines issued by local authorities or event organizers.
Visiting France for the Olympics in 2024 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With careful planning, staying connected, and embracing the local culture, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip. From witnessing historic sporting moments to exploring the timeless charm of Paris, the 2024 Olympics offer a perfect blend of excitement and adventure.
Bon voyage!
