It’s been more than a week now with the Summer Olympics having transported all of us to the City of Lights through our tellies! Now, Paris is gearing up for one of the most inspiring events on the global stage—the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
We can only imagine the thrill of watching top names like wheelchair racer Marcel Hug, swimmer Ellie Cole, and para-cyclist Sarah Storey push the boundaries of human potential, all against the stunning backdrop of Paris's iconic landmarks.
As you find your way through the city, you’ll see these extraordinary athletes competing in venues like the Eiffel Tower for blind football, the Grand Palais for wheelchair fencing, and the Seine for para-swimming.
So, let’s all gear up to watch 549 amazing events in 22 different sports from 28 August to 8 September, with 4,400 athletes set to compete in it. Our guide is here to help you navigate your way through the city - what you can do there, where you can eat, where to stay - go on, give it a read!
Why visit Paris during the Paralympics?
The Paris 2024 Paralympics will host 549 medal events across 22 sports, bringing together athletes from all over the world. The competitions will take place in some of Paris's most famous venues, including the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
For the first time in history, the Paralympic Games will share the same emblem as the Olympics, without any variation. Additionally, the Paralympic mascot will feature a running blade on one leg, marking the first time since 1994 that a visible disability has been represented by the mascot.
Landmarks that are open during Paris 2024 Paralympics
Despite the high security and the influx of visitors, many of Paris's iconic landmarks will remain open during the Games. Here are some must-visit sites:
The Eiffel Tower will be open as usual, offering breathtaking views of Paris and the Paralympic activities. In 2024, a temporary outdoor arena will be set up for beach volleyball and blind football events, allowing visitors to enjoy the games in this iconic location.
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The Louvre will remain accessible throughout the Paralympics. This is a perfect time to explore its vast collection, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
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The Musée d'Orsay will be open during the games. Late-night openings have now resumed since the end of the Olympics, and the museum will continue to offer both online reservations and on-site ticket sales.
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Focused on indigenous art and cultures, the Musée Branly will be open from July 16 to September 8, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30am to 7pm. It will be closed on Mondays, and evening events will be suspended during this period. While online booking is not required, it is recommended to avoid long queues.
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Although the cathedral is under restoration, the surrounding area will be open. You can admire the facade and explore nearby attractions, including walking tours led by local guides and visits to the Notre Dame de Paris Archaeological Crypt.
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The Grand Palais, known for its stunning glass roof and rich history, will host the Para Taekwondo and Wheelchair Fencing events during the Paralympics. You can explore this historic venue during the games, with full cultural programming resuming in spring 2025.
The lawns outside Hôtel des Invalides, known as Esplanade des Invalides, will host the Para Archery event. This historic site, which houses French military museums and Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb, will be open for visitors during the Paralympics.
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The Pantheon will remain open during the Paralympics, offering a chance to delve into France's history. With its neoclassical architecture and tombs of famous figures, it’s a must-visit. Note that group bookings are restricted from August 15 to 18 due to high demand.
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Inside Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century cathedral, you’ll find nearly 6,500 square feet of stunning stained glass. The vivid red, blue, and purple hues create a magical experience, especially when sunlight streams through, making this landmark a must-see during your visit to Paris.
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More attractions in Paris open during the Paralympics
Using the Go City Pass
If you're planning to stay in Paris during the Paralympics 2024, the Go City pass is an excellent option for making the most of your visit. This pass provides access to over 80 attractions and can save you up to 46% compared to purchasing individual tickets. With it, you can easily visit top landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Palace of Versailles. The pass also includes the Paris Museum Pass, giving you entry to many of the city's museums, simplifying your sightseeing experience.
- Pass Duration: Available for 2, 3, 4, or 6 consecutive days.
- Included Attractions: Gain access to iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower Guided Climb, Louvre Museum, and Palace of Versailles.
- Outdoor Experiences: Enjoy activities like French wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre, a classic Parisian breakfast at Café Louise, and a ride on the PanoraMagique balloon at Disney® Village.
- Dining Discounts: Take advantage of deals like cheese tasting at Ô Chateau and a Croque Monsieur paired with a Champagne cocktail along the Seine.
- Tours Included: The pass covers a 1-day hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour and a Seine River cruise, making it easy to explore the city's major attractions.
Getting around Paris during the Paralympics
With the influx of visitors during the 2024 Paralympics, moving around Paris will require some careful planning. Here's a guide to help you navigate the city effectively:
🚇 Public Transportation: The Paris metro, buses, and trams will be running more frequently to accommodate the crowds. The Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP) will be essential in keeping the city moving, and the metro's 16 lines are your quickest option for getting around. Keep in mind that some stations near event venues may close temporarily for security reasons. Download the Ile-de-france Mobilités app, on Android and Apple, which offers real-time updates on schedules, closures, and delays.
🚶♀️Walking: Walking is a great way to experience Paris, especially since many landmarks are close to one another. Neighborhoods like the Marais, Montmartre, and the areas along the Seine are perfect for exploring on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated, particularly in the summer.
🚕 Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber will be available throughout the city, but access may be limited in certain areas, especially near Paralympic venues. It's a good idea to book your rides in advance and be mindful of restricted zones.
🚘 Rental Cars: Renting a car is not recommended due to the expected traffic during the Games. However, if you do choose to rent a car, make sure to book early and familiarize yourself with any restricted areas and parking availability.
🚲 Bikes and Scooters: Paris is very accommodating to cyclists, making bikes a convenient way to travel. The city offers bike-sharing services like Vélib', Lime, Dott, and Tier, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes at various locations. Electric scooters are also a popular, eco-friendly option for getting around quickly.
Understanding the Grey/Red/Black/Blue perimeters and Game Pass
Game Pass (Pass Jeux)
From August 28 to September 8, 2024, you may need a "Pass Jeux" to access certain areas in Paris during the Paralympic Games.
For pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users: You will need a Pass Jeux to enter the red zones around Paralympic venues and road race areas. The pass is also required for accessing the blue zones around venues and for traveling outside these designated areas.
For motorized vehicles (including two-wheelers, cars, taxis, rideshares, and commercial vehicles): A Pass Jeux is necessary to travel outside the blue zones, and restricted access to the blue zones around Paralympic venues will also require the pass. Only authorized individuals with a Pass Jeux will be granted controlled access.
Perimeter Activation: These controlled perimeters will be enforced 2 hours and 30 minutes before the start of each event and lifted 1 hour after the events conclude. This means traffic disruptions will be localized and limited to specific times.
Venue-Specific Details:
- Eiffel Tower Stadium: Events will only occur between September 1 and 5, with an additional evening event on September 7.
- Alexandre III Bridge: The perimeter will be active only on September 1 and 2 for competition days, although the bridge itself will remain closed.
- Stade de la Concorde: No competitions will be held here during the Paralympics.
- Hôtel de Ville and Trocadéro: These sites will not be used for any Paralympic events.
Public transport in Paris - Closures and accessibility
During the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, blue and red security perimeters will control motorized traffic. Access to red zones will be restricted to ticket holders with valid IDs, who must go through designated checkpoints. If you fall into this category and plan to use a taxi to reach the venue, you can pre-register online to make the process easier on the day. Non-motorized traffic, such as bikes, skateboards, and scooters, can generally move freely in all zones, but cargo bikes will be checked when entering red perimeters.
🚇 Metro
The Paris metro will run with extended hours and more frequent trains. You'll need a ticket to access the platforms, which you can purchase at staffed kiosks or ticket machines. The metro operates until around 1am
Metro stations closed during the 2024 Paris Paralympics:
Line 1
- Champs-Élysées - Clémenceau: Closed from July 20 to August 11 and from August 22 to September 8 (No connections)
- Concorde, Tuileries: Closed from June 17 to September 1 (No connections)
Line 8
- Concorde: Closed from June 17 to September 1
Line 12
- Concorde: Closed from May 17 to September 21 (No connections)
Line 13
- Champs-Élysées - Clémenceau: Closed from July 20 to August 11, and from August 22 to September 8 (No connections)
🚊 RER Trains
The RER trains will continue to operate, connecting Paris with its suburbs and key destinations like Disneyland Paris. No RER stations will be closed during the Paralympics, making it a fast and efficient option for reaching places like the Palace of Versailles and the Stade de France.
🚃 Buses and Trams
Bus and tram services will be increased to handle the extra demand. Special routes will be set up to ensure easy access to the event venues. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, tabacs, newsstands, or directly from the bus driver.
Tram station closures:
T2
- Porte d'Issy, Porte de Versailles: Closed from July 25 to August 11, and from August 29 to September 7
T3a
- Porte de Versailles: Closed from July 25 to August 11, and from August 29 to September 7
T3b
- Colette Besson: Closed from July 27 to August 10, and from August 29 to September 8
🚴 Cycle
Paris's extensive bicycle network is set to expand even further for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, with bike paths stretching to a total of 415 kilometers across the region and 20,000 parking spaces available. Cycling will be one of the safest and most convenient ways to navigate both central Paris and its surrounding suburbs. The city offers plenty of bike rental options, with Vélib' Métropole being the most popular choice. You can opt for a daily, weekly, or longer subscription, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes at numerous stations throughout the city. Plus, bicycles are unrestricted within the security zones.
🪪 Travel Pass
If you're in Paris for the 2024 Paralympics, please note that the Paris Visite travel card will not be valid between July 20 and September 8 during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Instead, a special Paris 2024 travel card will be available, offering unlimited travel across the Île-de-France region on all modes of transport. This pass grants access to all competition venues, fan zones, both Orly and Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airports, and various tourist attractions across the region. The pass is priced at €16 for one day, with discounted rates available for multiple-day purchases.
Major closures in Paris for Paralympics 2024
🚧 Place de la Concorde 🚧
On August 28, 2024, Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées will be the center of a significant celebration in Paris. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to witness the official parade at Place de la Concorde, along with various ceremonial and artistic events. The square will be completely closed starting June 1 and will only partially reopen on September 7. Despite these closures, the Pont de la Concorde bridge will stay open to traffic during this time.
🚧 Avenue Galliéni - Pont Alexandre III bridge - Av. Winston Churchill - Av. de Marigny 🚧
The entire stretch from the main entrance of Hôtel des Invalides on Avenue Galliéni to the Pont Alexandre III bridge will be closed. Road closures will extend beyond the bridge to Avenue Winston Churchill and Avenue de Marigny, following the same path.
Despite these closures, you can still visit the Army Museum at Hôtel des Invalides by accessing Rue de Grenelle from either side. Please note that roads leading to the Army Museum and Hôtel des Invalides fall within the Blue Perimeter. If you’re using a motorized vehicle, you’ll need to present a supporting document showing a legitimate reason for accessing the zone. No pass is required if you're walking, cycling, or using a scooter.
Zoom in to see the blocked roads around Place de la Concorde, and Avenue Galliéni - Pont Alexandre III bridge - Av. Winston Churchill - Av. de Marigny.
🚧 Roads around the Eiffel Tower Garden 🚧
Numerous road closures will be in place around the Eiffel Tower Gardens, including the inner roads that lead directly to the tower. Access to the area will be restricted, with alternative routes and detours available for both vehicles and pedestrians. Despite these restrictions, you can still visit and go up the Eiffel Tower during the Paralympics. Roads such as Quai Jacques Chirac, Pont d'Iéna, Avenue de la Bourdonnais, and Avenue de Suffren, which fall within the Red Perimeter, will still allow access for those walking, cycling, or using scooters to reach the tower.
🌉 Bridge closures:
Pont Alexandre-III:
- August 28 to September 8: The bridge will be completely closed during competition hours. However, it will be open to pedestrians outside of these hours.
- September 8 to September 25: The bridge will once again be closed to cars but open to pedestrians.
Insider tips during the Paralympics
🛡️ Safety and Convenience
Always have your ID and proof of your temporary residence (such as a hotel or Airbnb confirmation) with you. You may need these documents to pass through restricted areas and return to your accommodation.
❤️ Free Fan Zones across Paris
Paris City Hall has established several free 'fan zones' throughout the city. These zones will offer live screenings of the events, providing a great place to gather with other fans and enjoy the games together. Here are some key locations where you can join the excitement:
🏨 Accommodation
- Select a hotel close to metro or bus lines that provide direct routes to your event venues. Opt for a location that requires minimal transfers to make your travel easier.
- Plan for extra travel time, as public transport will be crowded. Be prepared to wait for the next train or bus if the first one is full.
🍽️ Dining in Paris
Low budget options:
- Crêpes: Freshly made French crêpes are a tasty and affordable option for lunch. You'll find creperies all over the city offering both sweet and savory fillings. Crêperie Genia, located at 7 rue de la Harpe, this spot is popular for budget-friendly eats, offering crispy crêpes and paninis for just a few euros.
- Bouillon Pigalle: Another great option for affordable dining, Bouillon Pigalle serves classic French dishes at reasonable prices.
Top dining experiences:
Paris offers a wide variety of dining experiences, from charming bistros in hidden alleys to luxurious Michelin-starred restaurants. No matter your taste, you’ll find some of the finest dining options in the world right here in the city. Here are some of the best restaurants in Paris.
Sports bars in Paris:
If you're in Paris for the 2024 Paralympics and looking for the best spots to catch the action when you can't attend in person, the city's sports bars are a great choice. These lively venues offer an energetic atmosphere that can be even more exciting than a formal screening. Here are some top sports bars in Paris where you can enjoy the games:
Paris 2024 Paralympics venues
Not a fan of sports? Check out these fun day-trips out of Paris!
Just a 30-minute drive from Paris, Versailles is a must-visit for its stunning Palace and expansive gardens.
Tip: Take a guided tour of the Versailles Palace, for an in-depth experience.
Located about 40 miles from Paris, Fontainebleau offers a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities.
Tip: Skip the lines at the chateau with these tickets.
Known as the "Garden of France," the Loire Valley boasts over 50 public castles, beautiful vineyards, and numerous hiking opportunities.
Tip: Combo tickets are available for those looking to explore multiple attractions.
Ideal for history enthusiasts, Normandy offers a mix of D-Day beaches, scenic countryside, and the stunning Mont Saint-Michel. Book tickets here.
Tip: Don’t miss the village of Camembert for local cheese and cider.
Just a 90-minute drive from Paris, Giverny is famous for being the home of Claude Monet. Explore Monet’s house and gardens, where he created many of his masterpieces.
Book your tickets here.
