We have the ancient Greeks to thank for our love of competitive sport. It’s become a universal language across the world, connecting people of all cultures and creeds. The celebration of Zeus in 776 BCE prompted the first chapter in the story of the Olympic Games.
It may have gone on hiatus for 1,500 years, but the games came back stronger than ever in 1896 when Baron Pierre de Coubertin decided to reignite the Olympic flame and introduce the modern Olympics to society.
From 26th July to 11th August, the Olympic Games will continue to enthral people from all walks of life. Bearing witness to human achievement at the highest competitive level is a sight to behold. It’s been a century since the games were hosted on French soil, but 2024 is France’s time to shine again!
An estimated 15 million spectators will witness the 2024 Olympics in France. And that’s just the number of sports fans physically attending the event! The majority of fans view the festivities from their own home. A total of one billion viewers will be watching the live opening ceremony!
If you’re one of these fans, you’re now able to plug into the Olympics in multiple ways. The Olympic Games is a golden opportunity for sports betting fans in particular. Head over to a known Bitcoin bookmaker for this year’s Olympic games in France if you’d like to check who the favorites are to win each event.
Traveling to This Year’s Games
Although most of us will savor the sporting performances from our couches or computer screens, there will be some lucky people attending the event.
If you’re part of this special group of people, we’ve given you a helping hand with all the important travel tips you’ll need below.
Documentation
USA, Canadian, British, and EU residents can visit France without a visa, provided your holiday is less than three months. Residents of other countries require a visa. The French government’s website offers a helpful ‘visa wizard’ link. Here, you’ll find all the step-by-step requirements to obtain a visa.
Destinations
We’ve visited plenty of places on our travels but have yet to see France. So if you’re headed to the Olympics this year, you’re lucky as most of the sporting events will take place in different areas of Paris.
These include Seine-et-Marne, Les Yvelines, Hauts-de-Seine, and Seine-St-Denis. Enjoy watching the handball, basketball, soccer and sailing events in Marseille, Nice, St-Etienne, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
The Palace of Versailles will host the pentathlon and equestrian events. BMX and track cycling events will take place at the Montigny-le-Bretonneux national vélodrome. An additional flight to Tahiti will be needed to watch the surfing events.
Tickets
In addition to flight tickets, you’ll need to buy tickets to the sporting events. The official Olympic Games website includes a link for ticket purchases. Refrain from visiting unauthorised sites for tickets, as the reselling of tickets is prohibited in France and deemed a criminal offence.
Almost 10 million tickets were initially up for grabs, and at the 100-day countdown, an additional 250,000 new tickets were made available. Ticket prices range from €24 to €100 and are purchased on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Accommodation
If you have an unlimited budget, head over to On Location. This is the Olympics’ official hospitality partner. You can choose from a range of customized travel packages. These three- to five-star packages include event tickets, airport transfers, accommodation, and even guided Parisian tours!
If you’re a bit more budget-conscious, go to the Seine-St-Denis tourist website. You’ll find a range of accommodation options near the various sporting events. An interactive map of accommodation spots and sporting venues can be found on the Paris website.
Transport
France has a convenient rail system, providing a stress-free transport solution. High-speed trains on the SNCF rail line will get you from Paris to Lyon in two hours. The Inoui line offers a more luxurious experience. Ouigo is an option for cost-effective travelers, although the schedule is limited.
Intercity offers routes between Nantes, Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, and Marseille. The TER rail system includes smaller towns, and the RER commuter line operates within the suburbs of Paris.
Travel Safe
If you’re watching the 2024 Olympics in person, keep our top tips in mind and you’ll be sure to have a safe, fun time! Who knows, maybe you’ll also get to catch a glimpse of the famous torch as it makes its way to Marseille!
