A guide for those in Paris during the Olympic and Paralympic games
Closed transport stations, road traffic, large crowds, hot weather, restricted areas: Here is how to navigate the city as the global sporting event gets underway
The Eiffel Tower is still open to visitors during the Olympics, but many restrictions apply across the city - from roads to stations to pedestrian zonesnoriox/Shutterstock
Many roads now have dedicated Olympics transport lanes, which are only accessible for vehicles with a valid pass.
This is particularly the case in the areas where events will be taking place, such as around the Stade de France, Porte de Versailles and the roads running from Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower area (including Trocadéro and Champ-de-Mars).
Restricted access zones are now in place in the city itself, with pedestrians and cyclists needing QR codes to enter where they have a legitimate reason for access. Many areas are off-limits to vehicles, and even emergency services will need a pass to enter.
There is an interactive map of all restrictions on the dedicated website AnticiperLesJeux.gouv.fr.
Many metro stations and other train stations will also have restrictions or be closed, a colour coded system has been put in place to estimate waiting times where these exceed the normal limits.
Some lines will be closed completely, or at certain times. For example, Saint-Denis-Porte de Paris station on line 13 will be closed on July 29 between 17:00 and 20:00 because of an event at the Stade de France.
Restricted tourist areas
Many tourist attractions will be closed or have limited access during the Games so it is advisable to check before you go, or buy a ticket in advance to be certain of being able to enter.
For example:
The Louvre is closed on July 25 and 26.
Part of the Tuileries Gardens will be inaccessible throughout the Games as the BMX freestyle, skateboarding and 3×3 basketball events will be held in the nearby Place la Concorde.
The Eiffel Tower is open (although note that prices increased last month), but the Champ-de-Mars and Place du Trocadéro areas are off-limits due to Olympic events.
With the city busier than ever with longer transport waiting times and high temperatures expected, it is advised to stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
A law in France states that all establishments open to the public, which can accommodate at least 301 people or more, must be equipped with at least one water fountain that is “accessible under reasonable conditions”.
The association No Plastic in My Sea claims that 60% of establishments that should follow this law are not complying with it. To help, it has posted an interactive online map showing where drinking water is available in Paris (see a screenshot, below).
The map allows you to zoom in to a specific spot and find a water point.
A screenshot of the No Plastic in My Sea water point maphttps://watermap.fr/
The association has also launched a petition calling for establishments to comply with the law, and install water points where needed. At the time of writing, the petition has gathered 24,385 signatures, just short of its 25,000 goal.
The petition is addressed to transport operators SNCF, RATP, stations managers and shopping centre organisations, as well as teams which run service stations, conference halls and ‘sports and cultural establishments’.
Establishments that fail to install a water point where required risk a fine of €1,500 for individuals, rising to €7,500 for companies.
