Tips for Traveling During the Paris Olympics
We thought we’d provide some pointers for traversing the city during such a busy period, as many of us are traveling to Paris this weekend or in the upcoming weeks for the Paris Olympics.
Plan ahead – but remain flexible.
You’ll probably want to plan some additional activities even though your trips to the Olympic Games are probably already scheduled (though tickets are still available for several sports and games if you haven’t). Check opening and closing times, any odd Olympic closures, and the availability of private tours for the attractions you really want to see in advance. Keep your options open because many attractions can sell out and lineups will probably be longer. This is an excellent time to visit some of Paris’s more subdued, lesser-known attractions, such the Gustave Moreau Museum or the Musée de Cluny.
Talk to children and staff ahead of time.
No matter how well you prepare, you will probably find yourself in crowded areas at some point when visiting the city. Discuss procedures in these circumstances with the staff and kids who are traveling with you. Who is responsible for each child? What would happen if you split up? In the case that you are separated and unable to use your phones, decide what to do and where to meet. This should be done with staff members as well as youngsters. For Global Rescue’s 5 Tips to Keep Children Safe in Summer Crowds, click this link.
Pack light.
We advise packing minimally while leaving for the day. You will facilitate security checks in addition to making things easier in the heat and crowded areas. For transporting everyday necessities, we adore Rimowa’s Personal Sling Clutch or Tumi’s Kimbell Backpack. Keep copies of all identification with you and leave original documents and passports in the hotel safe (or arrange for safekeeping with a local branch of your bank). To keep your family hydrated and healthy throughout the heat, remember to bring water and small snacks.
Familiarize yourself with Olympic protocols and signage.
Numerous internet guides describe the different ways the city was altered throughout the games. For instance, traffic laws will be implemented throughout Paris using color coding. Black sections are used for searches and pat-downs of anybody entering an Olympic venue, whereas grey areas are reserved for athletes, ticketed spectators, and accredited individuals (such as journalists). For Time Out’s guidance to the rules and road closures, click this link.
Travel privately.
We advise commuting privately across the city, even though you could spend extra time in your car because many metro stations are blocked during the Olympics (for a list, click here). We advise scheduling a private vehicle service with an experienced driver who can find the finest routes throughout the city. To get you where you need to go fast and safely, we would advise against using standard ride-sharing services during this time and instead recommend hiring a skilled private driver. Make sure you are aware of any peak dates and the associated restrictions if you are traveling privately. Worth’s piece about typical peak-day limits can be found here.
Book a quiet afternoon to recharge.
You may be looking for a private encounter with only your closest loved ones after the thrill of the games and the bustle of the throng. Guests at the George V can request a tour to Maison Belle Époque, the old residence of Perrier-Jouët’s founders, from the concierge. Lunch in the gardens, a private tour of the historic 1811 house, and a visit of the champagne vineyard are all included in the experience, which is the ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate in the afternoon. We love Giverny, Chartres, and Versailles, but they’re probably too packed at this time of year. Instead, you may take the bus to Senlis or the rail to Chantilly. The charming old village of Senlis is encircled by lush