Did you find this video helpful? Then our guide will blow you away. For hundreds of recommendations, lots of tips and tricks, and even an interactive map feature - head to go.parisinmypocket.com/gMZyAm to grab the guide, and have access for life!
I'm an American who has lived in France for two years now where I own a house in the country in the South West near Toulouse. I was just in Paris doing my practical driving exam to get my French driver's license. It looked like it will be a zoo in Paris for the rest of the summer. BTW, in spite of the traffic I managed to get a perfect score on my driving exam, 30 out of 30. It was on Friday, in the rain, there was an inspector and a supervisor in the car, the fete de la musique was going on and it was done entirely in French. I still aced it 😁, Jay you have been my favorite RU-vid site since before I moved to France, you have been a great help 👍
My husband and I are coming during the Olympics. We’re excited not only to attend some of the Olympic events, but also to see some of the usual sites. We have our tickets for everything we want to see, and while the city will look a bit different, it’ll fun to be there at such a historic time.😁. It’s our fist visit to Paris and we’re so looking forward to it….even if it will be crowded and hot. Only a few short weeks left 👍🏻
One thing Parisians and future visitors will like is because of the Paralympic Games the city is required to make some accessibility improvements. Happened here in Vancouver when we has them. More wheelchair ramps!
I just came back from Paris yesterday and it wasn't too bad. The best thing I did for my group was to hire a photographer. He was amazing. He was a photographer, an interpreter, and a guide around Paris for us. Without him we would have been lost.
An update on this info would help. 44,000 barriers have gone up making navigating center areas difficult without a QR code and even with it, since many bridges are completely closed off. Many restaurants are fenced off requiring a QR code.
@@parisbreakfastit’s only the case until Friday and the opening ceremony, the situation will change after the ceremony and it will be easier to navigate around Paris.
Was in Paris this past March for my honeymoon and used Jay’s Paris in my pocket. 100% would recommend. Lots of goodies in there for what to do, where to go, and what to eat! Thanks Jay! Definitely wanting to go back.
Also, a greater number of people on the subway equals a greater number of pick-pockets and general thievery scams. Put your phone away, take the headphones out of your ears and pay full attention to your surroundings. I hope everyone has a great time there this summer!
Thank you for all of this detail! I am traveling to Paris to watch the Olympics and do general site seeing as well. We will be there right after opening ceremonies, landing on the 27th. So happy I made that decision! Love your content. Thanks!
Well this video was just AWESOME!!! Not just a comment for engagement metrics, lol ... my husband and I will be visiting our fave city for the Olympics and have been doing research for quite some time. This video is the best i've seen in the past 2 years!! Full of the exact (and updated) info we need, and tips to enjoy the city away from the hustle and bustle of the JO!! Looking forward to purchasing your guide and getting to know Paris in a new way ... also, thanks for the in-depth tips, such as purchasing tickets before prices go up (with exact dates!!), and downloading that QR code. Did not know about that.
Thank you Jay, this is very helpful. Can you please also share about the safety and security because I heard there's a lot of pickpockets in Paris? Maybe it can help us, as first time visitors.
Glad you found it helpful! We'd recommend checking out this metro video: The Paris Metro - Everything You Need to Know 2024 Which has a section on pickpockets. Otherwise, head to go.parisinmypocket.com/gMZyAm to grab our guide, which has a section devoted to scams and pockpockets!
Traffic was a mess in May, way in advance of the Olimpics, I can only imagine at the openings. The other big issue is Paris doesn’t have enough bathroom 😂😂😂 as it is! I can’t wait to go back, but I’ll wait for Nuestra Dama opens to the public. Great video Jay!
Jay, first off you are a legend and thank you for making all these videos. It's my family's first time traveling to Europe and we desperately want to see the opening ceremony somehow. I know you just said there will be no free viewing for spectators but, do you have any other recommendations or tips to be able to watch the ceremony. Thanks
Thank you for your comment and support! Our goal is to help you feel as confident as possible when travelling in Paris. At this point, we don't have any other tips on catching the ceremonies, but if we hear anything, we'll update!
Thank you Jay. Arriving in Paris Sept 19 and happy to hear your favourite parts of Paris, which I plan to visit, are not impacted by the games clean up.
My wife and I are in Paris right now. Lots of fencing blocking off areas that are normally open to people. A lot of the grandstands are still in place too, but they are working on it. Hasn't detracted too much from our visit. Paris is a beautiful city! Easy enough to get around, clean and everyone has been very friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to use public transportation... We've used the Metro, RER and TGV while here and all were very easy to use.
I was just there! Stayed on the Ile St. Louis & it was cool as a tourist. Most folks have evacuated Paris and the police presence was everywhere. Never overly crowded & the streets were incredibly clean. It looks like they’re ready for the Olympics! I pray no one is relying on a car to get around however!
July 26… my birthday…yayyyy…but, this summer, I’m going on the Camino, in Spain, so I’ll miss the Olympics. Nonetheless…this video is awesome, and the info you have provided is AMAZING….Thank you! Truly, Paris in my Pocket will be worth every penny! I’ll be interested to see what changes that have been made to Paris, will remain permanent.
Very helpful video, Jay, even though this will be my 9th Summer games and I've been to Paris over 30 times, most recently in January when I purchased a Navajo card and loaded up two carnets onto it. I have tickets to 8 evening sessions, otherwise I am pacing myself and limiting my sightseeing. Not cheering on any team in particular (although I have been staff on two recent Games teams for track/athletics), just want to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy our common humanity at this spectacular quadrennial event. I am optimistic that it will be a fantastic Games despite all the predictions of doom and gloom, which usually happens for most of the Games I have been to.
I was in Paris last week for five days. It was still pretty calm and enjoyable but walking around the city I had the impression that it was not easy to get around unless you speak French. I do but it was still confusing - especially the ticket machines and the signage.. Normally in Paris I just walk but this time I used more pubic transportation. I would suggest buying Navigo and all passes and tickets at the airport because after that it’s much more difficult. Long lines and broken machines and general confusion. Also most of the Olympic sites were still under construction.
Another fabulous video! Now that you're posting less frequently, I find myself appreciating your videos even more. I thought this was a very balanced piece, striking the right chord between "Here's everything that will be disrupted due to The Olympics" and "Here are all the reasons why you still should consider visiting during The Olympics." Frankly, I can't think of a worse time to visit, but I'm biased by a personal dislike of The Olympics, which strike me as a very thinly veiled corporate cash grab. BUT -- this might be a great time for people with different preferences to visit a world class city. Either way, great video!
Thanks-amazing info Jay..just came into Paris, and it is great. Almost the calm before the storm. Staying on Ile Saint Louise again. So quiet and chill. Still bustling but not crazy Only disruption was flying in, which wasn’t a big deal -CDG made us do “air stairs” , and even though I’m coming from NY dealing with JFK and LGA, never experienced air stairs. I thought it was an attempt on being green or more efficient but work on the terminal Loving how off season it feels. Like September. I was taking golden hour photos of the streets of the Marais, with basically nobody in shots around 9pm and the street lights came on at 10 for some more beautiful architecture shots. The bridge has palm trees on it lol 🌴 😂
Thanks-amazing info Jay..just came in and the Paris and it is great. Almost the calm before the storm. Staying on Ile Saint Louise again. So quiet and chill. Still bustling but not crazy Only disruption was flying in, which wasn’t a big deal -CDG made us do “air stairs” , and even though I’m coming from NY dealing with JFK and LGA, never experienced air stairs. I thought it was an attempt on being green or more efficient but work on the terminal Loving how off season it feels. Like September. I was taking golden hour photos of the streets of the Marais, with basically nobody in shots around 9pm and the street lights came on at 10 for some more beautiful architecture shots. The bridge has palm trees on it lol 🌴 😂
Yes! I was just there last week - and it was so different than visiting the same week a year ago. One night the cops were at the top of the metro causing chaos. I don’t like any cops but man the Parisian cops are so disorganized and intimidating just for fun. It didn’t feel like the same city and I usually LOVE Paris
Hi Jay, loved your content. Have watched it over and over again. Im about to fly from Australia to your amazing place for the Olympics. Im struggling to find information on what size bag I can take into the stadiums with my 750ml water bottle. Some places say 10L some say 25L, some say we cant take anything but a small handbag. Can you confirm? Im going to all the big stadiums for the games in Paris. thanks
Hi Katherine! Just found a super useful guide! Each venue might have slightly differing rules, and you can find them all here: olympics.com/en/paris-2024/spectator/spectator-guides Scroll down to the spectator checklist and you'll see the size bags allowed for your specific events.
Just got back from 10 days in Paris on July 18th. Traffic has become a nightmare anywhere close to the river. My 40min drive to Orly airport ended up taking 3.5hrs. TAKE THE METRO!!!
Agreed! There is now a metro line that runs from Orly to Paris, no reason to take a car. So sorry that was your experience. I hope the rest of your time was wonderful... and hope you didn't miss your flight!
Jay: I'm a new viewer to your site and am amazed and thoroughly impressed by the quality and quantity of information you are presenting. Hopefully will be in The City 9/1. Thanks so much.
Very useful video. You mentioned the ticket for the airport in is about €16 euros, is this not included in the week pass on the travel app or is this outwith the metro area? Thanks
It might be worth mentioning that if you run into someone rude or an issue with somebody, they most likely won’t be Parisian. Everyone is leaving town during that time
I'd really love to know more about these 220k opening ceremony free tickets! That's a huge amount of people with very little information from the organisers about how they will be distributed. We are travelling from New Zealand, a big part of the decision to come was to be able to be part of the opening ceremony, so pretty disappointing if we just have to watch it on TV while we are there. Does anyone know any more details about who to chase/ask about getting 2?
Unfortunately it looks like free access to the ceremony will now (invite only) will go to select "residents of towns or regions hosting Olympic events, local sports federations & others chosen by the State, public authorities or the organizing committee." Here's more info on NBC www.nbcnewyork.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/paris-tourists-free-access-olympics-opening-ceremony-seine-river/5198195/
@@paris.in.my.pocket If we can't get tickets thinking our second best option would be to watch it on an outdoor big screen with other fans, ideally with views of the skies around Eiffel Tower, so we can see the fireworks, drones swarms and fighter jets that I'm guessing will be on show. Do any places spring to mind that might work for that?
Hi, and thanks for watching! This video is mostly to educate how the city will be impacted in tourist-heavy areas, especially for non-Olympic travelers. La Villette doesn't really fall into this category for us, but we totally agree - it's going to be super cool up there!
Great information, thank you. We are in Paris the week prior. We depart the morning of July 26 from Champs-Elysses area hotel to Gare du Nord. Do we need a QR code to get into the area to catch the Eurostar? We already have our train tickets. If we do need a QR code I assume it’s now too late.
So, we would be there between Olympic and paralympic games, and I heard of the Paris pass for the use of all public transportation, but only send them within 30 labor days!! I'm from Mexico and doest arrives before leaving home. How can I buy it? Or which is the option of card, we are going 4 days TIA😊
Love your video, so helpful. I have questions about the restriction map. The Voies (purple) or tinéraires (pink) Olympiques line on the map. Can paediatricians walk across? Thanks so much
Yes, you should be fine there. The only zones you can't traverse at all without a QR code are the gray zones, which shift a little depending on the day!
Has anyone received their Pass Jeux? A lot of people are getting denied for the area for their appointments. I heard it’s been a mess and that people who live in the grey areas are being denied.
Great info, I don't arrive until October 14 so 99% will be moot. SO glad I'm making yet another trip to one of my favorite places after all the shenanigans are over!
@@paris.in.my.pocket I've been to Paris many times, the city is magical. My last visit was in '22. No pic necessary for the Navigo Easy then but apparently there is now so I had a few printed and I'm all ready
@@paris.in.my.pocket Two questions: 1. Traveling with a friend, wants to do a day trip, Brussels is on the table. Walkable? And other recommendations for a day trip with a train ride of 2hrs or less? 2. I saw your video on Montmartre (terrific) and I was especially interested in going to Hôtel Particulier, can we go for just drinks? Is there a secret to gaining entrance? Day/time? On a side note I'm envious of your recent French citizenship!!
Definitely wouldn't recommend walking to Brussels XD Jay has a small playlist on his person channel about day trips from Paris that you might find useful: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DVWKpdb4rW4.html For Hotel Particulier, you can reserve to go to their bar: www.hotelparticulier.com/tresparticulier?lng=fr Have a good one!
Hey! It doesn't usually rain too much in September, but these days you never know. Be prepared for heat, but we'd still recommend bringing light layers and an umbrella - just in case. There will still be lots of construction mid-September, as the Paralympics will just be finishing up. Jay covers this in more detail in the video!
Hello, do you know if boat tours/Seine dinner cruise will be open after the Opening ceremony and are we going to enjoy usual routes of the boats, if open? Thank you.
No boats will be running that evening, but it looks like many are picking up activity again from Saturday. Vedettes du Pont neuf is a great option; not a dinner, just a basic cruise. Great at sunset!
May I ask a stupid question?? How are they so sure it's not gonna rain during the Olympics?? As I see a lot of sports that are normally carried aut in indoor venues will be in opendoor venues😶
Not stupid at all! We don't have any concrete answers, but imagine that plans are to go ahead with the competition barring unsafe weather - that seems to be what's happened in the past.
I booked a stay at Hotel Acropole Paris for EUR 808 per night. However, I've noticed that the hotel has since lowered their nightly rate to less than EUR300 closer to the event date, but they are not offering any refunds or compensation. I am considering filing a complaint with the local consumer protection agency or tourism board. Could you pls suggest contact? Thank you!!
That's really frustrating! Unfortunately, hotels do have the right to change their rates, similarly to airlines. Maybe you could just rebook, depending on the cancellation fee of your current res?
That's a good question, and it's probably specific to the event you're attending. You'll probably have to apply for a different pass jeux for each time. But you'll only be approved if you have a reason - restaurant reservations, museum tickets, etc. And definitely apply way ahead of time!
Depends on your starting point, what venue you're ubering to, and what time of day it is. Our best guess is that Uber will be massively surging it's pricing, and cars have limited access to the city. Wouldn't recommend.
It seems many places are closing between the Olympics and the Paralympics. Because you'll be here during the Paralympics, you might get lucky! Also, most businesses should open back up near the end of August as the city wakes back up and it's back to school season :) The construction will still be around - depends on your priority, but it could still be a cool time to visit!
i saw on instagram that there is a new temporal bike lane to get to all olympic venues, could you tell us the way to rent a bike please? Thanks for al the info, if im makin like 3-4 metro rides a day i think the best option for me its the 70$ / week pass
Absolutely! You can rent a bike with Velib' - the city bikes. But we recommend renting a bike with the bike tour companies linked in the video description. That way the bike is yours for the duration of the games!
Long time subscriber here. I’ve watched many Paris Olympics videos, and this one is the best! Thank you! Question: do you happen to know if ticket transfer is required? We are a family of five adults, and I bought all the tickets. I did enter the name of each person for each ticket in the ticket app, but I did not transfer the tickets. I believe the name is required - tickets are “nominative” - but the transfer is not. I’ve checked the official sites as well as forums, but I don’t see a clear answer. Any idea?
This is a great question, and we're not able to find anything more conclusive. We think you should be safe as long as the tickets match the names of the attendees. Some people don't have smart phones, and people will have tickets for their kids, so it makes sense that not everything is required to have their own ticket on their own app!
@@paris.in.my.pocket Thank you! For both the info (as much as there is) and for your watchful eyes! We just figure if somebody’s phone is lost stolen or broken, it’s better that the tickets are accessible. If my phone meets an untimely demise, I can always login on the app on somebody else’s phone! Enjoy the opening ceremony and all the festivities. I’ll be sure to follow along
Hi Kathy! Looks like we were incorrect! The latest olympic email has this copy (maybe you already received it) "You bought tickets for friends and family? It's mandatory to transfer your tickets at least 48 hours before the session. A secure QR code will show up on your ticket a few hours before your sesson. This will be the only way to access your session. Your children's tickets can be kept on your app." You can find all the answers to ticket transfers here: tickets.paris2024.org/faq/en_en/category/how-to-buy/ I hope you seet this!
The Eiffel Tower should remain open except for the Opening Ceremony, but you can keep an eye on it here: www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/visit/visiting-eiffel-tower-and-during-olympic-games
The IDF app and Apple Wallet only let me load 1 carnet of t+ tickets, IDF said until your first validation I can’t load any more, not even RER B for the airport. Anyone else have this issue before the Olympic price hike? Also, how do you show a Metro officer you validated your ticket if you have an iPhone ticket?
Ah, that's good to know, but super frustrating! If you have multiple travelers, maybe they can each create an account? You'll validate your ticket with your phone at the gates to the metro - you'll scan it just like a pass - and you should be able to pull that up is you're ever "controlled" by a metro officer.
Update: Just in the past few days I was able to go through Apple wallet (instead of IDF and RATP) and load CDG airport tickets and more t+ tickets. They didn’t come up in Apple wallet either until recently. IDF app stores the t+ and RATP stores the CDG airport tickets. I think these are all glitches that the app creators are unwilling to admit, but glad it actually functions and can be purchased now. Get your tickets today before tomorrow’s price hike! :)
@@paris.in.my.pocket I did and it s awesome video. Im just saying the prices in Paris are insane. Been many times in Paris in the last 10 years. Each time I visit, the more expensive it is 😁
a question about metro tickets. I already have about 20 of them ( those yellow ones, normal price ;) ) are they then also valid on 20 July and later?.... Thanks
Hi Damian, If you bought paper tickets over the last few years, they should still be valid. You might find that they demagnetized over time, but if you find that happened and they're not working, you can just ask someone at the kiosk to remagnetized them (and don't take no for an answer!)
Wow, yellow ones… those must be super old. I’d say the ticket are now white for 15 or 20 years. Not 100% sure they’ll be accepted, but you can « tenter le coup ».
To whoever may read that comment, apologies for the serious tone of this comment, but if you happened to have plan to come to Paris for those Olympics, please just change it, choose another destination. France is currently ruled by a totally corrupted and authentically autocratic, totalitarian regime. Democracy has fallen here. Individual freedoms are increasingly threatened. If you love France and want to help the French people, then just boycott the event so that it can be turned into a major failure for Macron and his minions in the face of the world. Please be also aware that the people who make up this regime are truly incompetent, with the mainstream media constantly covering up their blunders. For several years this incompetence has lead to an increase in violent crime in the country. It's really worrying that these people could be entrusted with the organization of such an event.
Hi Etienne, Paris in my Pocket gives travel advice to anyone, regardless of their background or political stances. We try to foster a spirit of support in our recommendations, videos, and comments. We ask that others do the same. We do our best to stay out of politics and personal opinions, unless absolutely necessary - and we don't allow fearmongering in the comment section. The team here has lived in Paris for a long time, and does not feel threatened by Olympic games or any other large event. We educate and encourage people to make their own decisions on what they feel comfortable with.
We’re fleeing the city in this period (even more than usual). So maybe you’ll be lucky to see Paris without any Parisians this time ! (Not sure the pickpockets take vacations though 😅)
