What do the Louvre, Disneyland Paris, Sacré-Cœur, and the Montparnasse Tower have in common? These are fairly famous spots in
Paris. Though you may argue that the city has other more iconic places, these are must-sees too. And the best part? They'll stay open during the Paris 2024 Olympics! While the rest of the French capital's most famous spots will host the games, these and a few more will remain open to the public. They're some of the best places to check out when you have free time and can play tourist in Paris!
The Louvre
Among the
best art museums in Paris, the Louvre is undoubtedly the one you simply have to see. Home to many of the world's most celebrated artworks, it's almost a requirement to go here, especially if it's your first time in the city. At the same time, part of why you ought to visit the Louvre during the Paris 2024 Olympics is it's fairly far from where the games will be held. The museum, even with its expansive palaces and spacious squares, is surprisingly absent from the list of the city's famous spots to hose the games. It's as if it's Paris's one last give to tourists during this busy time!
Montparnasse Tower
Admittedly, the Montparnasse Tower's fame is rather limited. Most of the world only knows one iconic tower in Paris and it's in the
7th arrondissement. So it's also no surprise that the latter gets to be one of the handful of
famous spots to host the Paris 2024 Olympics. Montparnasse Tower, on the other hand, is free and open to locals and tourists alike. But is it worth seeing in person in the first place? Yes, it is! Its streamlined and modern design is a nice contrast to the grand Haussmann buildings and intricately architectured halls that make up the French capital.
Moulin Rouge
As far as famous attractions in Paris go, none get as iconic as the Moulin Rouge. It's the ultimate
Parisian cabaret, so much so that Hollywood even produced an award-winning romantic spectacle named after, set in, and inspired by the beloved club. While the Moulin Rouge is far from the melodramatic and underground vibe seen in the 2001 film, the place has retained its seductive glamour and Parisian grandiosity. Its extravagant shows might just be what the doctor ordered after watching intense matches during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Sacré-Cœur
Unfortunately, Notre Dame won't open until December 2024, a good many months after the Paris Olympics in July. The city may have many grand churches, but there's no doubt that this gothic monument of a cathedral in the
4th arrondissement is the most iconic. Fortunately, however, the city's second-most famous church, Sacré-Cœur, will be open this summer. With its massive domes and stunning Roman-Byzantine architecture, many would argue that it's a far more worthwhile landmark than Notre Dame. At the very least, the slopes of Montmartre Hill will make for a great park to hang out when you have nothing else to do.
Jardin des Tuileries
Speaking of parks, especially the famous
parks in Paris, one that you can visit in between watching the games at the Paris 2024 Olympics is Jardin des Tuileries. Surprisingly enough, none of the city's expansive green spaces, apart from Champ de Mars, will host the games. So many of them will remain open to the public during the event. As for why you should check it out while you're in Paris, it's simply the quintessential Parisian park. From its lush grassy fields to its opulent palaces, this is the kind of green space you'd expect in the glamorous French capital.
The Historic Cafes
One thing that you can do to blend in with the Parisians is to go to a cafe. Café de Flore, Le Procope, Le Consulat, Le Dôme Café, Café Les Deux Magots, and Café de la Rotonde are just some of the most historic cafes in Paris. Many of them have been around for decades and/or centuries and embody the true cafe society of the French capital. But apart from their fascinating legacies, their delicious food, warm drinks, and excellent service have all contributed to their longevity. The fact that they're still open even during the Paris Olympics in 2024 should already tell you these are worthwhile hotspots!
Disneyland Paris
Yes, you read that right!
Disneyland Paris will stay open throughout the Paris 2024 Olympics. It makes sense considering that the theme park is a fair distance away from the central neighborhoods of Paris. Even though many of the games' major venues may be near the park, that won't deter anybody who wants to have fun here. Though you may have to leave an entire day to devote to Disneyland Paris, rest assured that it'll be worth it. You might find it as a refresher of sorts after the stress you'll inevitably feel rooting for your country in the Olympics.
Château de Versailles
To be more specific, the
château near Paris (though it's technically still part of the city) will stay open. The former royal estate, however, particularly the garden and grounds, will host the equestrian matches for the Paris Olympics. But if you want to tour the
Versailles palaces with its gilded halls and ornate rooms, you still can. Many have been well-preserved since before the French Revolution and serve as glittering reminders of just how ostentatious France was in the past. Naturally, history buffs will find it worth their while, as would cinephiles who are fans of the various movies set in the 18th century.
If you're worried that you won't be able to see any famous spots during the Paris 2024 Olympics, there's no need to fret. There will still be many beloved attractions that will stay open throughout the weeks-long event.
