Paris: Summer Olympics 2024

We departed from Newark to Paris Orly Airport on French Bee that departs at 1 am and arrives in Paris at 2:30 pm — making check-in at the hotel easy and convenient. I would highly recommend French Bee for future travel to Paris. Arriving in Orly, we booked a car service with Rolzo. They arrived in a Mercedes Benz V-Class, with plenty of room for our group of five and all of our luggage.

During the Olympics, it was suggested that everyone take advantage of the great Metro system to access the competition venues, for €70 for unlimited use for the week. We purchased ours before we left the States, and we were glad we did — lines at the stations were long and frustrating. The pass can be pre-purchased online here.

This was my third trip to Paris but my first visit to La Galerie Dior, and I will absolutely add it to my trip every time going forward! The museum is such a beautifully curated space featuring the life and fashion of Christian Dior. After watching “The New Look” on AppleTV, I fell in love with the man and how he changed fashion after the war and had to see it in person. Tickets are only €14, but reservations are suggested. Booking window opens one month before your visit date. Be sure to plan extra time to shop at the gift store and enjoy a snack in the luxurious café. The museum is located at 11 Rue François 1er, 75008, Paris.

The warm welcome at Chez Martine by the owner was a great way to end day one in Paris. Offering traditional French bistro fare, we enjoyed ceviche, pate, warm bread and delicious French butter. We also had the special of the day, grilled lobster and French fries, which warmed our body and soul. Address: 54 rue de Lonchamps, 75016 Paris.

We started off day two with a visit to the Museé du Parfum and experienced a tour of the history of French perfume as well as the opportunity to make our own scent to take home. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly and walked us through the age-old process of making perfume. I picked up fragrances for my nieces on my last visit to Paris is 2019, and they requested refills on this trip! Purchasing real French products is such a special way to commemorate a trip. The museum is located at 9 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris.

We decided to kick off our Opening Ceremony Day with lunch at Ralph’s. It was a great choice! The atmosphere was fun and festive and celebrating all things Team USA! Even though it rained, we were seated at an open-air table with a view of the courtyard. Our table wear was specially designed with Team USA emblems. Definitely make a reservation for this splurge meal while in Paris. Address: 173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 75006.

Lining up along the Seine to experience the Olympic opening ceremonies live was a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Because we were staying within the secure perimeter of the ceremonies, we were able to apply for and receive a Pass Jeux to access the ceremonies alongside Parisians and fans from around the world. Being able to see Celine Dion sing from her spot on the Eiffel Tower was an amazing experience even if it was in the pouring rain!!

Paris did an amazing job of coordinating the transportation to the various locations around France. We traveled by train to Ille to watch the men’s basketball and via metro to watch women’s volleyball in the South Paris Arena.

We wrapped up our evening with a Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise on the Seine. It was the boat that Team USA traveled on during the opening ceremonies, and we were able to experience the Seine the way they did. The dinner included a choice of five starters, five entrees and five desserts and a selection of wines. The timing of the cruise was perfect to see Paris come alive and sparkle after sunset! Address: Pont de la Alma, Port de la Conférence, 75008 Paris.

We arranged a private photo shoot in the Jardin Luxembourg with photographer Louise Ludbrook. She was such a professional and made us laugh a lot during the shoot, giving us all the greatest souvenirs from our adventures in Paris.

Although the Olympics made travel around Paris a little more difficult than usual, we made our way to relax in a little AC while reflecting on Monet’s waterlilies in the Musée de l'Orangerie (Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris).

Although Notre Dame is still being renovated after the 2019 fire, it made for a great opportunity to visit Sainte Chapelle and marvel at the 1113 stained-glass windows. Timed tickets are required, so book in advance. Address: 10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris.

Another thing that the Summer Olympics in Paris did well was giving amazing access to see the athletes up close to celebrate them. The Trocadero was transformed into Champions Park, a place to celebrate medal-winning athletes!

Throughout the games, Paris was praised for having the most unique venues ever used for an Olympic games. Experiencing the women’s USA volleyball team win at the exact moment that the Eiffel Tower sparkled will be something I will never forget.

I enjoy doing a food tour in most cities I visit. In Paris, it gives you the opportunity to eat like a local and enjoy trying new foods in different neighborhoods. This trip, we did Sightseekers Delight's “Sweet and Savory” food tour in the Bastille section of the city and sampled fresh fruits and vegetables, pastries, local sausages and delectable chocolates!

We ended our week by meeting up with the crowds on the steps of Sacre Coeur to enjoy local musicians and wait for the sun to set while experiencing the breathtaking view of the city at dusk!

When we planned this trip, booking Moulin Rouge at 11:30 pm seemed like a risk after days of touring. However, with the sun setting after 9:30 pm, it really was an amazing way to wrap up our week in Paris. Address: Place Blanche, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris.

Overall, we were able to experience the spectacle of the Olympics while enjoying the sites, sounds, tastes and the graciousness of the people of Paris in this once-in-a-lifetime dream come true! I'm definitely hooked on the Olympics and plan to go to the Winter Olympics in Milan in 2026!

If you enjoy watching the Olympics on TV, plan to visit one it person! The key is putting it on your calendar and planning ahead. The countries that are selected to host are putting their best foot forward and the positive energy of the young athletes is contagious! Just do it!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ambar Colón Fargas’s guide, Springtime Splendor: Paris in March.