Expert tips for navigating the Olympics in Paris

The Hôtel de Ville in Paris will be decorated for the 2024 Olympic Games. Although I love Paris, I wouldn't recommend visiting this summer. If Paris is part of your retirement plans, this is definitely not the best time to come and see what life is like in the City of Light.

It should be noted that although the Olympics last only three weeks, preparation and "normalization" will take several weeks before and after, which means temporary construction, improved facilities, and closed streets, as well as an increased number of tourists will affect daily life here from mid-July to the end of August.

Tips for visiting Paris during the Olympics:

• Plan ahead:Choose a hotel near the competition venues and purchase your travel passes in advance.
• Use bicycles:There will be many bike paths in the city for getting around between locations.
• Avoid central venues.Hotels in these areas will be more expensive and more difficult in terms of transportation.
• Keep your identification safe:You may need them to drive through closed streets.

Top places to visit outside of Paris:

• Reims:known as the "wine city" with numerous tastings and castles.
• Château d'Over:the place where Van Gogh spent the last months of his life, with an exhibition dedicated to his art.
• Other châteaux:Vaux-le-Vicomte, Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Malmaison, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye offer a unique exploration of French history and culture.

If you're not interested in the hustle and bustle of the Olympics, avoid Paris and explore other interesting places outside the city. Make your trip unforgettable!