Paris Olympics 2024: Navigating the City of Light

In this pivotal episode of Join Us in France, we engage with Patria Perry to bring listeners an indispensable guide on preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics. With the summer's excitement building up, we delve into practical advice and insider tips to navigate the bustling streets of Paris, ensuring a seamless experience whether you're attending the Olympics or simply soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. The discussion kicks off with a crucial travel tip: walking is king in Paris, especially during the Olympic season. Despite the addition of extra metros and buses to accommodate the influx of visitors, the compact nature of the city makes walking an optimal choice for getting around. We cover the challenges of biking in Paris, including finding drop-off stations and securing bikes at busy venues, and suggest signing up for bike services in advance for those willing to pedal their way through the city. Security measures are a significant focus, with enhanced protocols and the use of drones and AI to ensure safety in secured areas. We discuss the importance of downloading the official RATP Bonjour App and CityMapper for navigating closures, particularly of metro stations near Olympic venues, and provide tips on avoiding pickpockets and staying safe in crowded areas. Lodging during the Olympics presents its unique challenges, from stringent rental rules to the necessity of air conditioning during Paris's hot summer months. We share strategies for booking restaurants and emphasize the importance of proximity to venues over luxury accommodations. Lastly, we touch on the cultural and logistical aspects of Paris during the Olympics, including potential strikes, the significance of the Olympic mascot, and tips for using contactless payment methods for a hassle-free stay. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone planning to visit Paris during the 2024 Olympics, offering a comprehensive guide to enjoying the city's charm amidst the excitement of the world's most anticipated sporting event.   Table of Contents for this Episode Intro Paris Olympics 2024: Navigating the City of Light Podcast supporters The Magazine segment of the podcast: Navigo Pass During the Olympics Patricia and Annie about Navigating Paris during the Olympics Transportation Strategies for the Olympics Bike Rentals Security Measures and Precautions Metro Stations Closed Don’t be an easy target for pick pockets Do not put your feet up on the seats in Metro or Bus Accommodation and Weather Considerations Ice and Dining in Paris Restaurant Reservations and Apps Security Measures and Alerts Lodging and Payment Methods Opening Ceremony and Strikes Thank you, Patrons! Plan a trip to France with Annie Personal Update: Unscheduled trip to Spain Driving to Spain in an electric car Navigo Pass Next week on the podcast Copyright More episodes about family vacations in France