What to Know About The Paris 2024 Olympics Before They Start

The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics is bound to be the most important event to happen this year. The global sports event will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The entire French capital is already abuzz, preparing many of its iconic spots to host the different games. If you'll be going to Paris yourself for the Olympics, there are a few things you'll want to know first. For example, did you know that other European countries are lending some of their police forces to France for the event? Or that the lighting ceremony of the Olympic flame won't even take place in Paris at all?

The Olympic Flame is Already Lit

Typically, the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony takes place during the games' opening ceremony. It's widely regarded as the most important part of the event, symbolic of the centuries-long legacy of the Olympics. This year, however, the Olympic flame lighting took place a good few months prior. The ceremony was done in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the iconic sports event, last April 16, 2024. Greek actresses played high priestesses, reminiscent of the more cultural and religious ceremonies done during ancient times. The flame will then be passed on to the Paris 2024 Olympics organizers on April 26.

The Games will Take Place Beyond Paris

If you thought the 2024 Olympic Games will only take place within the central neighborhoods of Paris, think again. Various games will take place beyond the French capital, including arenas in far-off provinces. The event's football matches, for example, will largely take place in the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux in southwestern France. The stadium in Lyon, the capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, will also host other football matches too. The Marseille Marina on the French Riviera, on the other hand, will host the sailing races. And even Teahupo'o, Tahiti will feature the surfing competition in the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.

Source: BBC News YouTube Channel

Other European Countries are Lending Their Police

You'd think that such a global metropolis like Paris will have a big enough police force to help keep the city in order during the 2024 Olympics. But that's not exactly the case. To help with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, the French capital requested the aid of other European countries' police forces. Around 2,000 foreign troops are set to descend in Paris for the international sporting event, coming from neighboring countries like Poland, the UK, and more. This comes after the city itself fell victim to a number of terrorist attacks over the past decade.

Paris will Host The Games in The Most Iconic Spots

In city rich with famous landmarks, it makes sense for Paris to host the Olympics in its most iconic spots. The Eiffel Tower, for example, will set up an open-air arena for the beach volleyball matches. The Grand Palais in the 8th arrondissement will also feature heavily in the event, set to host the fencing and taekwondo matches. And even the stunning Château de Versailles will host the equestrian and modern pentathlon games. Hôtel des Invalides will be the site where you can watch the cycling, archery, and athletics. Imagine getting to see these world-renowned places for the Olympics!

Football and Rugby Matches Will Start Before The Opening

If you're going to the Paris 2024 Olympics to watch the football and rugby matches, you'll want to go there a bit earlier than others. The games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. However, the football and rugby matches will begin on July 24, 2024, a good two days before the opening ceremony. As for where these games will take place, they're set to happen in Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne, La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes, Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, and the Groupama Stadium in Lyon. As you may have noticed, most of these are beyond Paris. Some are located in more rural towns or on the French Riviera.

It Might Be Easier to Rent an Apartment

As far as finding a place to stay is concerned, you're better off renting a luxury apartment in Paris instead of booking a hotel room. Even months prior to the event, the 2024 Olympics' impact on Paris real estate is already clear—the market is widening and the prices are soaring. The latter might turn you off from this prospect but don't let it! Even if it seems more expensive, you'll have an easier time staying in the city by renting a place of your own. This gives you more freedom with your accommodations, better privacy, and an opportunity to live like a local Parisian.



Before you go to the Paris 2024 Olympics, here are a few things you'd do well to know. This will give you a better idea of how Paris will be during the global event, which is one of the biggest the city will host in recent years.