The Olympics are back, and this year they’re just a short trip from the UK! From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host the Games, with events also in Lille, Marseille, and Tahiti. Millions of tickets have been sold, but there are still some available.
Here’s a quick guide to help you if you’re planning a last-minute trip to France or just want to catch the action in the UK:
How to Get Tickets
- You can buy tickets on the official Paris 2024 website. There are over a million still available, with new tickets released daily.
- Prices start at $24 (£20) for most events. For the opening ceremony, tickets can cost up to $2,700 (£2,300). Some events are cheaper if you buy multiple tickets at once.
- Download the Paris 2024 Tickets app to manage your tickets. Avoid third-party sellers to prevent scams.
How to Travel to Paris
- Eurostar trains from London to Paris start around £200 one-way, with prices possibly lower if you book for later.
- The Eurotunnel for cars and coaches costs around £200 one-way, with cheaper options in the following weeks.
- Ferries from Dover to Calais are about £200-£350 return, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours.
- Flights from UK airports to Paris start at about £200, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Where to Stay
- Accommodation in Paris is pricey. Airbnb options range from £100 to £200 per night. Hotels vary from £100 to £800 per night.
- Staying in nearby cities like Reims or Rouen might be cheaper, but you’ll need to travel over an hour by train to Paris.
Getting Around Paris
- With Paris being busy, biking or walking is often easiest. There are thousands of bike parking spots and rental options like Velib’ Metropole.
- For longer distances, use buses or the metro. Fares will be higher during the Games, and some stations will be closed.
- The Paris 2024 Transport App can help you plan your routes and buy passes. Taxis and Ubers are available but expect security zones to limit access at times.
Fan Zones in Paris
- If you don’t have a ticket, you can visit free fan zones like Champions Park next to the Eiffel Tower and L’Hotel de Ville. These areas will have big screens and entertainment.
Fan Zones in the UK
- In the UK, there are fan zones in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Southampton where you can watch the Games on big screens.
Watching from Home
- BBC will broadcast over 250 hours of live coverage across BBC One and BBC Two, with a nightly highlights show. BBC iPlayer will offer a live stream, and there’s also coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and social media.
For more details and updates, you can check the official Paris 2024 website and BBC’s coverage.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c035v554408o