Tips for Traveling During the Paris Olympics
As many of us are heading into Paris this weekend or in the coming weeks for the Paris Olympics, we thought we鈥檇 share some tips and tricks for navigating the city during such a busy time.
Plan ahead – but remain flexible.
While your visits to the Olympic games are likely already booked (, you鈥檒l likely want to schedule some other activities as well. Plan ahead by checking opening and closing times, any unusual closures due to the Olympics, and the possibility of private tours for attractions you have your heart set on. Remain flexible as lines are likely to be longer and many attractions may sell out. This is a good time to explore some quieter, hidden gems in Paris, such as the聽聽or the聽.
Talk to children and staff ahead of time.
Even with the best planning, you are likely to find yourself in large crowds of people at some point during your time in the city. Talk to children and staff members traveling with you about protocols in these situations. Who is in charge of each child? What happens if you get separated? Make a plan on what to do and where to meet in the event you are separated and cannot access your phones. This is important to do not only with children but with staff, as well.聽
Pack light.
When heading out for the day, we suggest packing quite light. Not only will it be easier in the heat and crowds but you will make security screenings easier. We love聽聽or Rimowa鈥檚聽聽for carrying daily essentials. Remember to leave original documents and passports in the hotel safe (or make arrangements with a local branch of your bank for safekeeping) and carry copies of all identification instead. Don鈥檛 forget to pack water and light snacks to keep your family hydrated and healthy in the heat.
Familiarize yourself with Olympic protocols and signage.
There are plenty of guides online highlighting the various changes made to the city during the games. For example, there will be colour-coded traffic regulations in place across Paris. Grey areas are for athletes, ticketed spectators and accredited people (e.g. journalists), and black areas are for searches and pat-downs for anyone entering an Olympic site.聽
Travel privately.
Many metro stations are closed during the Olympics () so while you may spend more time in the car, we recommend traveling privately throughout the city. We suggest booking a private car service with a knowledgable driver who will be able to navigate the best routes around the city. We鈥檇 avoid typical ride-share services during this time and opt for an experienced private driver to get you where you need to go quickly and safely. If you鈥檙e flying private, make sure you are aware of any peak dates and the related restrictions.聽.
Book a quiet afternoon to recharge.
After the excitement of the games and the rush of the crowds, you might be seeking a private experience with just your closest loved ones. Those staying at the聽聽can ask the concierge to arrange a visit to聽, the former house of the founders of Perrier-Jou毛t. The experience includes a private tour of the historic 1811 home, lunch in the gardens, and a tour of the champagne vineyard – it鈥檚 the perfect afternoon escape to reset and recharge. For other getaways, while we love Giverny, Chartres, and Versailles, those are likely to be quite crowded this time of year; you might take a train to聽instead. Senlis is a beautiful historic town surrounded by lush forests.
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