If you’re seeing all of the raffut surrounding the Paris Olympics, you might be wondering — however will those people navigate their way through the City of Lights? Fortunately for our clients, we have amazing supplier partners like Queen of Clubs—a luxury lifestyle company that specializes in Sports and Events, among the many exceptional travel experiences they curate. Would you like to see the information our clients get about getting around in Paris during the Games?

Here’s what Queen of Clubs is telling us:

From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host the Olympic Games in symbolic and exceptional locations. Paris will be transformed to welcome this global event. The opening ceremony on July 26, 2024, will officially start the Paris 2024 Games. For the first time in Olympic history, it will take place outside a stadium, with the spectacle occurring on the Seine over 6 km, from the Pont d'Austerlitz to the Pont d'Iéna. Such an event requires security measures that impact traffic around the temporary Olympic sites. Visitors to Paris during this period can still enjoy tourist activities, albeit with some restrictions on certain days. To help you make the most of your stay, here is some useful information for a visit between July 18 and 26, 2024.

1. Restricted Access Along the Seine from July 18 to 26

From July 18 to 1 pm on July 26, the Paris police prefecture will establish security perimeters along the Seine to ensure the safety of the opening ceremony site.

Two security perimeters will be in place with specific access conditions:

Red perimeter: Free access for pedestrians and cyclists without restriction. Motorized traffic is prohibited, except with a special permit presented at the police checkpoint (no prior registration is needed to obtain a Games Pass).

SILT (gray) perimeter: Everyone over 13 must present a Games Pass and an ID to the authorities. The Games Pass is a personal pass marked by a QR code, which must be shown at access points to the perimeter.

Identifying the Perimeters

Consult www.anticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr for an interactive map displaying the security perimeters according to the dates.

Obtaining a Games Pass

Register online at https://www.pass-jeux.gouv.fr. You will be asked for personal information and supporting documents depending on the reason for your request. The Games Pass will be sent once your application is approved. Tip: Apply before the perimeters are set up to anticipate processing times.

2. Traffic According to Your Mode of Transport Near the Seine Between July 18 and 26

If you are cycling or walking:

You can freely move within the red perimeter (and everywhere else in Paris). To move within the gray SILT perimeter, you must justify a reason (museum visit, restaurant reservation, hotel stay, etc.). You need to register on the platform to obtain a Games Pass.

If you are using public transport:

Public transport will operate normally. However, some metro and RER stations within the SILT perimeter will be closed.

Metro Closure Schedule:

Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau: Lines 1 and 13: Closed from July 20 to August 11 and from August 22 to September 8, 2024, all day.
Concorde: Lines 1 and 8: Closed from June 17 to September 1, 2024, all day. Reopened from September 2. Line 12: Closed from May 17 to September 21, 2024.
Tuileries: Line 1: Closed from June 17 to September 1, 2024, all day. Reopened from September 2.

Find the complete list of closures on the Paris City website.

Tramway Closure Schedule:

Porte d’Issy: Line T2: Closed from July 25 to August 11, 2024, and from August 29 to September 7, 2024, all day.
Porte de Versailles: Lines T2 and T3a: Closed from July 25 to August 11, 2024, and from August 29 to September 7, 2024, all day.
Colette Besson: Line T3b: Closed from July 27 to August 10, 2024, and from August 29 to September 8, 2024, all day.

Bus lines crossing the two perimeters will be diverted.

If you are using a taxi, VTC, or minibus:

You can freely move within the red perimeter (and everywhere else in Paris), without a Games Pass. Taxis, VTC, or minibuses will not be allowed in the gray SILT perimeter during this period.

If you are driving your vehicle:

You will not be able to access the red or gray SILT perimeters. An exception is possible if you are staying in a hotel located within one of the two zones and it has private parking off public roads. In this case:

To move within the red perimeter: You must present proof to the authorities at the entrance.
To move within the SILT perimeter: A Games Pass is required (with supporting documents to be uploaded on the platform).

Other exceptions are possible.

If you have a PMR vehicle:

You can freely move within the red perimeter (and everywhere else in Paris), without a Games Pass. You will not be allowed to move within the gray SILT perimeter unless your home or workplace is located within one of these perimeters. A Games Pass will be necessary.

If you are traveling by coach:

No coaches will be allowed in the red or gray (SILT) perimeters.

3. Crossing the Seine from July 18 to 1 pm on July 26

You can cross the Seine using the following open bridges:

Pont d’Iéna (closed from July 22)
Pont des Invalides Passerelle Sédar-Senghor (pedestrians only)
Pont Notre-Dame
Pont de Sully
Petit pont du Cardinal Lustiger
All bridges upstream of Pont d'Austerlitz (excluded) and downstream of Pont de Bir Hakeim (included).

4. Tourist Activities within the Security Perimeter Remain Accessible from July 18 to 1 pm on July 26

In the red perimeter, establishments and activities remain freely accessible to pedestrians and cyclists without proof. Only motorized access is regulated in this perimeter.

In the SILT (gray) perimeter, tourist sites, hotels, and other commercial accommodations remain open. Accessibility is conditioned on obtaining a Games Pass, presented with a reservation proof.

Some cultural establishments in the SILT (gray) perimeter will remain accessible through specific passages. This includes the Louvre Museum (closed on July 25 and 26), the Eiffel Tower, the Orsay Museum, the Branly Museum, and the Arab World Institute, which will be accessible with a ticket without needing a Games Pass.

River cruises on the Seine will be paused from July 20 to 26. Tourist buses and other itinerant activities will offer alternative routes.

5. On July 26 from 1 pm, Traffic Conditions Will Be Very Restricted Near the Seine

The red and gray (SILT) perimeters will be expanded with the same access conditions as previous days for pedestrians and cyclists and motor vehicles in the red zone. Spectators with a ticket or free entry pass can, upon presentation of the ticket/pass and an ID, access the public reception areas on lower or upper quays from 3:30 pm. Motor vehicle traffic in the SILT zone is prohibited after 1 pm. Some bridges will remain open for crossing until 7 pm. Crossing will no longer be possible afterward. Remaining bridges upstream of Pont d’Austerlitz (closed) and downstream of Pont Bir Hakeim will remain open.

Most cultural sites in the area will be closed on July 26.

Is your head spinning? After all, this is France. But not only that — it’s the Olympics! You may have missed the bateau for the Paris games, but if you’re thinking about Milan and Cortina d’Ampezza in 2026, Los Angeles in 2028, Vancouver in 2030, or Brisbane in 2032, we’ve got great relationships with supplier partners who can ensure that you’re in-the-know, when it comes to navigating the games.

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