Explore the Magic of France: Parisian Landmarks, Châteaux and More

🇫🇷 Bonjour, fellow travelers! 🇫🇷

The 2024 Paris Olympics are fast approaching, and what better time to explore the enchanting beauty of France than during this exciting global event? While the Olympic buzz will undoubtedly center around Paris, this diverse country offers so much more beyond its capital city. So, pack your bags and join me as we dive into the ultimate guide to experiencing Paris and beyond.

Paris: The Epicenter of Excitement

Embrace the Olympic Spirit

Secure Your Tickets: Book your Olympic tickets (official site) well in advance to avoid disappointment, as popular events will sell out quickly.

Explore the Olympic Venues: Venture beyond the stadium and discover the architectural marvels and cultural significance of venues like the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais Éphémère, and the Seine River, where many events will be held.

Join the Fan Zones: Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Olympic fan zones, where you can watch live broadcasts, enjoy cultural performances, and interact with fellow sports enthusiasts from around the world.

Experience Parisian Charm

Iconic Landmarks: Don't miss the chance to visit the Louvre Museum, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, and climb the Eiffel Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known neighborhoods like Montmartre, with its artistic vibe and charming Sacré-Cœur Basilica, or the trendy Marais district, known for its stylish boutiques and art galleries.

Culinary Delights: Indulge in Parisian cuisine at traditional bistros, sample delectable pastries at local patisseries, and savor world-class dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Beyond Paris: Unveiling France's Hidden Treasures

Loire Valley: Step back in time as you explore the majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Renaissance architecture and picturesque landscapes.

Provence: Immerse yourself in the lavender fields and charming villages of Provence, a region that inspired countless artists with its vibrant colors and idyllic scenery.

French Riviera: Bask in the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera, a playground for the rich and famous, and discover the glamorous cities of Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.

Normandy: Pay homage to history by visiting the D-Day landing beaches and exploring the charming towns of Normandy, known for their apple orchards, cider, and delicious seafood.

From left to right:

1. Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley.

2. The Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole, Provence.

3. Nice, French Riviera.

4. Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy.
   

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

Transportation

France has an excellent transportation network, making it easy to travel between cities by train or bus. Consider purchasing a rail pass for unlimited travel.

Please note: between 20 July to 8 September 2024, the Navigo Day Pass and Navigo Week Pass will not be available for use during this period, even for French residents. During this time, you will need to purchase the Paris 2024 Pass from Île-de-France Mobilité website either as physical card or by using their official app for unlimited travel within zones 1-5:

https://www.iledefrance-mobilites.fr/en/tickets-fares/detail/paris2024-pass

Options

Another option is the combined Go City's Paris Pass® and Paris Museum Pass bundle available from Get Your Guide, with unlimited access for your choice of either 2, 3, 4 or 6 consecutive days.

The Paris Museum Pass on its own is also, an excellent choice.

Both provide 'Skip the Line' access, however bookings for a museum entry timeslot does still need to made for most museums, especially the Louvre. For a full list of the museums included in the Paris Museum Pass, click here.

Explore more varieties of Paris city cards, saving you time and convenience with Skip the Line access to museums and tourist attractions, click below:

Outside of the Paris Olympic Game 2024 period, to use the Paris Metro consider purchasing:

Carnet of 10 t+ tickets: This is a pack of 10 single-use t+ tickets that can be used on the metro, RER, buses, and trams within Paris. While individual t+ tickets are made of cardboard, a carnet of 10 is contactless and costs slightly less per ticket.

Navigo Easy Pass loaded with 10 t+ tickets: This pass is a reusable card that you can load with t+ tickets. You can buy a Navigo Easy Pass pre-loaded with 10 t+ tickets, which is a cost-effective option compared to buying a carnet.

Note, the cardboard t+ tickets are being phased out. For more information and to purchase these tickets, you can visit the official RATP website.

Citymapper app is a popular navigation app for exploring France. The app's user-friendly interface and comprehensive transit information make it easy to plan routes and compare different transportation options, including buses, trains, and trams. While the app is free to use, some features, like real-time disruption alerts, may require an internet connection.

Accommodation

Book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season of the Paris Olympics. Look for apartments, guesthouses or hostels that suit your budget and preferences on Booking.com.

Hotels.com often offers additional benefits to customers such as included breakfast, late check-out or 24-hour cancellation policies.

Language

While many people in France speak English, learning a few basic French phrases will enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals. Download Google Translate's French language pack to your phone - it's a life saver!

Currency

The currency in France is the Euro (€). Exchange some money before you arrive or withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport upon arrival. Be sure to check with your financial institution for foreign transaction fees and ATM fees. There are travel friendly credit and debit cards available, so be sure to check those out and apply well before your trip to Europe.

The 2024 Paris Olympics offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of France, from the bustling streets of Paris to the serene countryside. Make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

For a break away from the Olympic Games, organised tours offering a variety of experiences and day trips to suit your tastes and budget are available. Keep an eye out for special offers and deals.

Bon voyage!

Emelie xo

Book Paris and beyond entry tickets and day tours with Viator

Paris

Websites

https://www.france.fr/en/
https://www.visitparisregion.com/en

Check the official France and Paris tourism websites for
up to date operating hours and more information.