The warmer summer months bring a certain sparkling beauty to Paris and in 2024, that will only be accentuated with the arrival of the Paris Olympics. This makes it the third time that the French capital has hosted the Olympic Games. The first was in 1900 and the last was almost a century ago in 1924. The latter marked the arrival of the very first Olympic Village. Should you be planning on joining in the festivities, we've come up with a useful list on where to stay, depending on which events you'll want to see. (Please note, however, that some of these hotels are more functional for events rather than excellent, life-changing stays – but it's all about perspective!).
Once you've settled on accommodation, it would be smart to settle on a dinner reservation or two. Everyone from athletes to tourists to locals will be vying for a table en terrace. Luckily, Paris is full of excellent bistros and cute cafés, so there are plenty of great establishments from which to choose. We've rounded up a few of our favourite spots close to the Games' Parisian venues, as well as eateries known for their healthier, athlete-friendly treats and meals.
Paris Olympics dates
The Games will be taking place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, followed by the Paralympics, from August 28 to September 8.
How to get Paris 2024 Olympics tickets
While some sessions are sold out after the initial draw, there are tickets available for the 2024 Olympics. The opening ceremony may set you back over £2,000 but other football games can be as little as 24 Euro a ticket.
Where is the best place to stay for the Paris Olympics?
Stade de France (for athletics and rugby fans)
Paris' Stade de France, located just outside of the city's periph in Saint-Denis, is no stranger to avid football and rugby fans. In 2024, the large stadium will host the Olympics' Rugby Sevens matches, as well as other general ‘athletics’ games.
Hotels near Stade de France
Should you wish to stay close by, we'd recommend the Novotel Suites Paris, Stade de France. For those willing to be within métro rather than walking distance and more keen on a more elevated stay, we'd recommend the lovely Hôtel Rochechouart in Paris' 9th arrondissement.
Restaurants near the Stade de France
The Stade de France will host certain athletics games as well as the highly-anticipated Rugby Sevens Olympic tournament. The stadium is located just outside of Paris in the suburb of Saint-Denis, which is slightly rougher around the edges. However, there are two great options for those hoping to indulge in excellent food and cocktails both inside and near the stadium, Tricotin and La REcyclerie.
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Paris, Tricotin has recently opened a concession truck at the Stade de France, serving a delectable array of dumplings (raviolis in French), summer rolls and noodles on game days. (Should you happen to be in the Paris' Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement, I'd recommend a sit-down feast at Tricotin, too.)
Eco-friendly hipsters, aspiring DJs and cocktail enthusiasts converge at La REcyclerie every weekend, clinking drinks glasses, eating well-made meals with ingredients from their urban farm and dancing the night away on the rooftop of the venue's industrial-style café above the unique urban farm and eco-repair centre. La REcyclerie is just a 16 minute drive from the stadium, a 40-minute, direct bus ride on the mustard 255 line from Pont du Canal or a 25-minute public transport journey from the RER B (the best option when the traffic's très terrible.)
Roland-Garros Stadium (for tennis and boxing fans)
The legendary Roland-Garros stadium and complex is an iconic sporting venue, having been the setting of some of tennis' greatest moments during the stadium's 95 year tenure as host of the French Open. Located near Bois de Boulogne park in a more residential part of western Paris, Boulogne-Billancourt, the venue is in one of the quietest, chicest parts of the city. Tennis and boxing fans will certainly want to book their stays earlier, as nearby hotels tend to book up quickly.
Hotels near Roland-Garros Stadium
For those hoping to be in close proximity to Roland-Garros' famous clay courts, we'd recommend staying at the famous Hôtel Molitor, a former sports club for glamorous Parisians.
Restaurants near Roland-Garros Stadium
Roland-Garros Stadium, famed for its 95 years of hosting the French Open, is located just beyond the beautiful Bois de Boulogne park in a leafy Parisian suburb and will be hosting the Olympic Games for tennis and boxing.
There are excellent food options at the stadium itself – the champagne house Veuve Clicquot hosts a champagne-themed concession stand, as does Moët-Chandon, both serving chilled flutes of bubbly alongside small nibbly treats both sweet and savoury. Also at the stadium is La Brasserie des Mousquetaires, a lovely new French brasserie whose concept and menu was created by Michelin-starred chef Akrame Benallal.
Should you wish to dine away from the inevitable bustle inside the stadium, we'd recommend dining at the lovely restaurant La Grande Cascade, a well-priced and stunning Belle Epoque restaurant located in the middle of the Bois de Boulogne park promising a memorable dining experience.
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Parc de Princes (for football fans)
Parc de Princes is a smaller football venue and is set to host further football games during the Olympics. Located in the same neighbourhood as the Roland-Garros stadium, there is definitely some overlap in hotel options.
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Hotels near Parc de Princes
Beyond the Hôtel Molitor, we'd recommend the Mercure Paris Boulogne, a nice, frill-free place to stay within walking distance of the stadium and just a ten minutes drive from central Paris, where you'll find the chic Hôtel Keppler.
Restaurants near Parc de Princes
Parc de Princes is a stadium not too far from Roland-Garros, also in the Parisian suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. For the upcoming Olympic games, the stadium will host football matches so, of course, a good pre- and post-game pub in the area is a necessary recommendation. Enter Aux Trois Obus, a quirky, beer-slinging bar with an adopted American aesthetic. Burgers and pizza are on the menu and whilst it won't be the best meal you'll have in Paris, it is an excellent option after a long day screaming “GOOOALLL!!” from the stands.
Should you fancy a more Parisian option, I'd recommend heading to Sables, the most recent addition to the esteemed French chef Jean Imbert's collection. Amidst ocean-themed decoration and a covered terrazzo are excellent plates of seafood and shellfish, each as refined as the next. Order celebratory champagne or luxuriate in a pre-game long lunch at Sables and before long, you'll make the trek to the 16th arrondissement each time you return to the City of Light.
Place de la Concorde (for BMX, freestyle, basketball and skateboarding fans)
One of Paris' most iconic landmarks will be transformed into an adventure sports arena complete with everything from skateboarding pipes to basketball nets. Located in Paris' 1st arrondissement, the venue could not be more central!
Hotels near Place de la Concorde
There are plenty of hotels within a stone's throw of the Place de la Concorde. For a glamorous option with certain rooms overlooking the action, we'd recommend the five-star luxury Hôtel de Crillon, located on the Place. Also within walking distance is the inimitable Hotel Le Bristol, of a similar price point, and the less expensive but still luxurious Le Roch Hotel & Spa.
Restaurants near Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde is perhaps one of Paris' most iconic plazas, nestled to the left of the Jardin des Tuileries. It is here where the Olympic Games for BMX, freestyle, basketball and skateboarding will be held, which makes for dramatic and exciting events all around.
There are many excellent restaurants in the area (though many are pricey). I'd recommend heading to Wild & the Moon Saint-Honoré for a vegan, healthy lunch or treat, perfect for athletes-to-be hoping to stay lean in a city full of temptation (read: butter and wine). For dinner, Japanese restaurant Foujita serves traditional sushi platters made by proper masters. If you can swing it, an incredible three Michelin-starred restaurant Epicure or the one-Michelin starred restaurant 114 Faubourg at Hôtel Le Bristol are excellent, tasty and luxurious choices.
Grand Palais (for fencing and taekwondo fans)
The Grand Palais has been host to many of Paris' most legendary moments and events, from ice skating masterclasses to Chanel fashion shows and vast art gallery exhibitions. Located in the 8th arronidssement, the Grand Palais is also relatively centrally located, just a bit west of the city centre.
Hotels near the Grand Palais
Whilst there are many hotels within walking distance, we'd recommend a stay at Parisian classics Hotel Le Bristol or the Hôtel San Régis. For a more budget-friendly price point, why not try the trendy Hôtel Bienvenue?
Champ de Mars Arena & Eiffel Tower Stadium (for beach volleyball, judo and wrestling fans)
Is there anything more iconic than Paris' Eiffel Tower? Whilst many visitors may have picnicked on the great lawns (called the Camp de Mars) in front of the massive steel structure, we dare say that few will have witnessed professional sporting matches in the park's arena and stadiums.
Located on Paris' Left Bank, there are slightly fewer hotels from which to choose on this side of the river. However, we've rounded up our favourites close to the Eiffel Tower, all within walking distance of the arena and stadiums: on the Left Bank, we'd recommend J.K. Place as well as the lovely Hôtel Duc de St-Simon in the 7th arrondissement; on the Right Bank, you could try the George V, the Hôtel de Montesquieu and the Shangri-La in the 8th arrondissement.
Esplanade des Invalides (for archery fans)
A grand stretch leading to Napoleon's tomb, the Esplanade des Invalides is one of the finest examples of Paris' excellent urban planning. Starting deep within the 7th arrondissement, the Esplanade elongates towards the Seine, making for an excellent setting for the Olympics' archery games.
As it's not too far from the Eiffel Tower, we'd recommend staying in one of the hotels mentioned above near the Champ de Mars arena; if you're in need of more options, try Le Narcisse Blanc and the Juliana Hotel.
Yves-du-Manoir Stadium (for hockey fans)
Located in the Parisian suburb of Colombes, the Yves-du-Manoir stadium, like other Olympic venues, is slightly out of the way. Whilst there are relatively few hotels within immediate proximity to the stadium, we'd recommend staying in Paris' 9th or 17th arrondissements and hopping on a train from the Gare St Lazare.
Hotels near Yves-du-Manoir Stadium
For chic stays, try the Paris post of Soho House in the 9th arrondissement or Le Tsuba Hôtel in the 17th arrondissement, each within walking distance of the train station (or a simple métro ride away!).
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