Paris during the Olympic Games: explore the city differently

While visiting Paris in summer is ideal for enjoying the city while Parisians are on vacation, this year, due to the Olympic Games, the city will be a little different. Living in step with these events without actually attending them can be a real challenge. By following our tips for getting off the beaten track and avoiding the crowds, you're sure to have an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Before your stay, find out about traffic restrictions imposed by the Olympic Games. While we always encourage walking as a means of transport to discover and explore each new destination, this summer in Paris, it will be more than suitable. For longer distances or if you want to rest your legs and feet, opt for cycling. Paris has many designated cycle paths that make journeys simple and pleasant. By bike, conductor and composer Uèle Lamor advises favoring lively, less touristy neighborhoods such as the Canal Saint Martin , the Haut Marais or Voltaire to be able to get 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 historical sites, cultural buildings and verdant gardens with a thousand and one secrets that Paris is full of, you should find what you are looking for by going to outlying districts, for example. Masami-Charlotte Lauvalt, urban florist, invites you to take walks attentive to plant species and landscapes in parks like Belleville or Buttes Chaumont . Jérôme Callais, bookseller on the banks of the Seine, suggests going to markets, like Aligre to appreciate the overflowing life that these events bring, where fresh produce, flea markets and book sales happily mingle.

When choosing a place to eat, trust your instincts by paying attention to certain details. Jordan Moilim, chef and food critic, suggests first and foremost being wary of restaurants that display a large number of stickers on their doors. Then, when taking a look at the menu, if you notice that the list is short and that the products used are seasonal, this is 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, " says Jordan.

A Week Abroad wishes you a wonderful exploration!

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