Paris during the Olympic Games: explore the city differently

While visiting Paris in the summer is ideal for enjoying the city when Parisians are on vacation, this year, due to the Olympic Games, the city will be navigable differently. Experiencing these events without attending them can be a real challenge. By following our tips to go off the beaten path and avoid crowds, you are sure to have an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Before your stay, inquire about traffic restrictions imposed by the Olympic Games. While we always encourage walking as a mode of transportation to discover and explore each new destination, this summer in Paris, it will be more than appropriate. For longer distances or if you want to rest your legs and feet, opt for cycling. Paris has many dedicated bike lanes that make journeys simple and pleasant. By bike, conductor and composer Uèle Lamor advises prioritizing lively and less touristy areas like the Canal Saint Martin, the Haut Marais or Voltaire to be able to move around easily. Urban planner Marion Waller invites you to "get lost in the city to discover all its neighborhoods, from the oldest to the most contemporary." It's up to you to choose the method that suits you best!

For visits to historic sites, cultural buildings, and lush gardens with a thousand and one secrets that Paris abounds in, you should find what you're looking for by going to outlying districts, for example. Masami-Charlotte Lauvalt, an urban florist, invites attentive walks to plant species and landscapes in parks such as Belleville or Buttes Chaumont. Jérôme Callais, a bookseller on the banks of the Seine, suggests going to markets, such as Aligre to appreciate the overflow of life that these gatherings create, where fresh produce, second-hand goods, and book sales joyfully mingle.

As for choosing dining establishments, trust your instincts by paying attention to certain details. Jordan Moilim, chef and food critic, first suggests being wary of restaurants that display a large number of stickers on their door. Then, by glancing at the menu, if you notice that the menu is short and the products used are seasonal, that's a good sign. Finally, "if you spot fresh bread on the table, a good wine list, and good coffee, you are undoubtedly in a quality establishment where you should enjoy yourself," Jordan specifies.

A Week Abroad wishes you a wonderful exploration!

For more unique and authentic recommendations, get the A Week Abroad Paris guide.