5 Paris Neighborhoods to Visit During the Olympics to Avoid the Crowds

This summer, the spotlight will be on Paris as it hosts the 2024 Olympics Games. Whether your clients are attending Olympic events or simply holidaying in the French capital in July or August, it’s critical to know how this international event will affect their trip. We’ve got you covered on the Olympic Games basics, including where the events are taking place and great alternative neighborhoods to visit to avoid the crowds, traffic and other challenges that might arise.

Details to Know About Paris 2024 Olympics Games

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11, and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8. In addition to the 15 million spectators and athletes expected for the games, there will also be many related events held within Paris; this means the areas around the Olympics venues will be extremely busy, as well as tricky to reach, due to ramped-up security, additional traffic and closed metro stations.

While the Olympic Village and several new sports complexes are near Stade de France, located north of Paris, within the city center, events will be held at Place de la Concorde, the Grand Palais, Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, all of which are in western Paris. The Seine River will host the opening ceremonies in the form of a flotilla of 170 boats — transporting more than 10,000 athletes — floating through the city and ending at the Eiffel Tower. 

A security perimeter will be enforced around each venue 2.5 hours before each Olympics event and one hour afterward, and every venue will accessible only to those with a special QR code, which will be provided to ticket-holders or those living and staying within the designated areas. So, unless your clients are attending a specific sporting event, they’re better off avoiding these areas completely and might rather spend time and dine at some exciting new restaurants in the following areas.

Neighborhood 1: Saint-Germain-des-Pres

The quintessential Left Bank neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres should be mostly spared from the frenzy of the games. Although the area’s art galleries and antique shops usually close in August, your clients will still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of its alluring narrow streets. They can take a breezy stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, catch the last of the summer sales in chic boutiques, sip a coffee at legendary cafes or visit Maison Gainsbourg, a new museum dedicated to legendary French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.

For French culinary classics with a modern twist, book a table at the charming Brasserie Des Pres. For exceptional “bistronomic” cuisine, try Oktobre, the new venture of chef Martin Maumet, formerly of Kitchen Galerie Bis.

Neighborhood 2: The Marais

The historic and stylish Marais district features a central location, and its little-trafficked streets make it an ideal place to escape next summer’s hustle and bustle. There’s enough to do in the neighborhood to occupy a few hours, a full day or longer. Browse the trendy boutiques around Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille du Temple. Meander the rooms of the Marais’ many museums, such as Musee Picasso Paris; Musee Histoire de Paris Carnavalet, the free city history museum; or Musee Cognacq-Jay, which displays art from the 18th century. Enjoy a sunny break or some people-watching in the glorious Place des Vosges or lesser-known Square du Temple.

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Located in the newly opened Le Grand Mazarin hotel and featuring a stylish eclectic decor, Boubale offers exquisite Ashkenazi cuisine by Michelin-star chef Assaf Granit. For top-quality Italian food within a cozy setting in the North Marais, stop by local favorite Les Vitelloni.

Neighborhood 3: Montmartre

Although the former village of Montmartre is popular with tourists, it’s far removed from the games and thus will make for a well-appreciated retreat. Clients can weave their way through its tranquil car-free lanes, where they’ll discover the art studios and hangouts of artists such as Renoir, van Gogh and Picasso. Peruse the shops along the vibrant Rue des Abbesses or art stands of Place du Tertre. Admire the many sweeping vistas of the city throughout the hilly neighborhood or in front of Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Located on the north side of Montmartre, Le Boreal is one of Paris’s best new modern bistros, serving exceptional seasonal dishes. Next to Place des Abbesses is the newest branch of Kozy, a group of popular brunch spots.

Neighborhood 4: Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq

Flowing through the northeast of the city, Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq were commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. A favorite of locals, they provide an alternative place to enjoy the waterside away from the flocks of people congregating along the Seine in central Paris. The more southern and trendier Canal Saint-Martin and its surrounding streets are packed with hip shops, modern eateries and street art. It leads north to Canal de l’Ourcq, which has wide walkways, bars on former barges, Paname Brewing Company and friendly Parisians playing petanque (a bocce-style game). Clients can take to the waterway by renting a self-drive boat from Marin D’Eau Douce or hop onboard a two-hour Canauxrama cruise, which sails along the canals.

For a taste of the south on Canal Saint-Martin, suggests travelers lunch at Brasserie Valma, which offers up contemporary Provencal cuisine. For modern-fusion dishes available on lunch menus, recommend they head to Bloom Garden in the new Bloom House hotel.

Neighborhood 5: The 12th Arrondissement 

Located east of Place de la Bastille — and on the exact opposite side of town to where the in-city Olympics events are being held — the hidden gem of the 12th Arrondissement district is another perfect escape. Relax along the neighborhood’s two bucolic watersides: Port de l’Arsenal, a small pleasure port dotted with boats and exuding a seaside feel, and Port de la Rapee, a lively area along the Seine south of the Gare de Lyon train station with outdoor bars and restaurants. Clients can stroll along Coulee verte Rene-Dumont, a pretty walkway on a repurposed elevated train viaduct, beneath which is Le Viaduc des Arts, a collection of artisan shops, art galleries and a new gin distillery. Pick up picnic supplies to enjoy at the above spaces at the district’s much-loved food market, Marche d’Aligre.

Found on a refurbished barge moored on the Seine, Facette welcomes guests for festive meals of modern dishes and natural wines accompanied by DJs on weekends. Or, clients can drop by Bamboche Comptoir for market-based cuisine using ingredients straight from the Aligre market.