Popular Paris Destinations That Will Close This Summer For The 2024 Olympics

A century has passed since the last time Paris hosted the Summer Olympic Games, and much has changed over those 100 years. In 1924, over 3,000 athletes competed in 126 events. In 2024, those numbers have grown to over 10,000 Olympic athletes competing in 329 events, as well as 4,400 Paralympic athletes who will compete in 549 events. These numbers reflect the addition of many sports that were not part of the extravaganza a century ago, such as surfing and skateboarding. They also demonstrate the growing number of competitors who have risen to the challenge and have qualified to compete. As these monumental events capture the world's attention, one consequence will be the number of popular destinations that will be closed for a period of time, such as Champs de Mars and the Trocadéro Gardens (per Anticiper les Jeux).

The Olympic Games will run from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games between August 28 and September 8. Access to several areas across the city will be restricted before the games as the venues are constructed, and these restrictions will last until the structures are taken down after the event. In addition, heightened security measures will be in place during this time that will place additional restrictions on many public spaces. If you're planning to travel to see the Olympics this summer, there are several things you should know before your trip, and be sure to note which destinations will be closed to the general public.

Near the Eiffel Tower, the large greenspace of Champ de Mars will be the site of several exciting 2024 Summer Olympic events. The Champ de Mars Arena will host the judo and wrestling competitions, while the new Eiffel Tower Stadium will be the location for the beach volleyball competition. Access to these areas is restricted from March until September 19, when the structures are taken down, a process estimated to be finished by November 4. The Esplanade des Invalides hosts the archery and para-archery events on its expansive green space, and road access around this area will be restricted until the venue is completed on June 17 and again from September 18 through October 30, when it is taken down.

The Trocadéro offers beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and will provide the setting for the popular cycling time trials and road races. It will also host several track-and-field events. The Trocadéro Gardens will be closed to traffic and pedestrians beginning July 1, and the Place du Trocadéro will be similarly closed starting July 16. The area will begin to reopen on July 27 until the deconstruction is completed by October 8. Pont Alexandre III will be closed to vehicles beginning May 17 and will reopen on September 12, and Pont d'Iéna will close to vehicles and pedestrians from July 1 until it begins to reopen on July 27.

The Château de Versailles will provide a spectacular backdrop for several competitions during the Olympic Games, featuring the equestrian and para-equestrian events, while the modern pentathlon will be held in a new outdoor arena near the Grand Canal. This immediate area will be restricted during the course of the Olympic Games, but the palace will remain open to the public during this time. In fact, allowing the public to continue visiting the palace was a condition requested by the public establishment of the Château de Versailles for consent to be granted for the games to be held at this magnificent and historic site. Once the Olympic Games are complete, the temporary venues built will be taken down, and the grounds will be returned to their previous conditions.

While the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be an unforgettable experience, don't overlook the opportunity to escape the crowds and visit one of the many places in Paris that won't be overrun with tourists. You can also begin to look forward to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano and Cortina (Italy) and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, U.S. If you still have Olympic fever and can't wait that long to be filled with anticipation, then it might be fun to travel to one of these former Olympic destinations, where there are a variety of activities to enjoy.