sport tourism in paris

20 Fun Sport Activities You Have to Try in Paris And Around

During your stay in Paris, you will surely want to exercise a little with a recreational sports activity. But in Paris, there is a lot of choice, and it can be easy to be lost between all the opportunities. So here are some of the most fun sports activities to do in Paris and the region that we have chosen for you.

1) Bike Tour

Let’s start with something classic, a bike tour in Paris to discover the symbolic places of the center of the French capital.

This bike tour, provided by Ceetiz, lasts 3 hours and will show you the major tourist sites of Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Louvre and many more.

The price of the tour is 35€ per person, and the guide is included.

Information & booking

2) Quad Bike Trek

If you’re tired of the city and you need some fresh air, you can rent a quad bike to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Val d’Oise, located in the north of Paris.

You will be able to enjoy your trek through the rich and remarkable background of the Vexin, alone or supervised by a guide, and even during the night.

If you want to explore on your own, Quad and Loc can rent you a two-seated quad bike for 100€ for 2 hours or 150€ for a half-day.

3) Bubble Football

The principle is simple: you put on an air bubble that protects you from head to knee, and you try to score a goal without being bumped by the other team.

The best way to have a good laugh is to go with your friends. If you’re interested, go to Bubble Bump, where you will be welcomed by a warm team!

A 30-minute game costs 16€ per person for a minimum of 6 players.

4) Skydiving

If you want to be thrilled, and you have always dreamed about falling from 4,000 meters, you’ll be interested to discover that there is an airfield within 2 hours of Paris, in the Somme .

You will live an unforgettable experience during your tandem jump, accompanied by an instructor.

You can also choose to immortalize this moment: a cameraman will follow you before, during and after your jump to film you and collect your impressions.

It will cost you 280€ to jump.

5) Indoor Free-fall Simulator

Speaking of skydiving, maybe you have always wanted to do a parachute jump, but the height is not for you?

With the indoor free-fall simulator offered by Aerokart, have no fear.

This tube, which has a diameter of 4.8 meters by 7 meters long, launches air at 200 km per hour and recreates the sensation that you feel when you skydive.

3 offers are available:

• Single baptism (2 flights of one minute each): 69.90€
• Double baptism (4 flights of one minute each): 114.90€
• Bapteme 360° VR (3 flights, one of which with the VR headset): 114.90€.

6) Kart Racing

The Aerokart facility also offers one of the largest indoor karting tracks in Ile-de-France.

If you’re an ace pilot, or if you just like to do laps, race at 70 km per hour on this 480 metre-long track.

Several karts are available:

•  Sodi LR5120 cm3 go-karts: these are designed for children aged 7 to 14. They are adapted to the morphology of children.
• 4-stroke karts 270 cm3: they are available from 14 years old and guarantee maximum comfort for adults. They also allow you to fully enjoy the sensations of karting!

Information & bookings

7) Bootcamp Training

Bootcamp training is a concept that comes straight from the United States.

This sport is based on American military training and involves pushing oneself to the limit during an intense training session.

In 2015, Midtown opened in Paris a gym dedicated only to boot camp.

For only 30€, you can participate in a training session and push back your limits.

8) Water Skiing on the Seine

If you want a touch of freshness, go to the Club Nautique du 19ème (CN19).

This club, created in 1986, is located in Boulogne-Billancourt between the Pont de Sèvres (Sèvres bridge) and the Pont Saint-Cloud (Saint-Cloud bridge).

Therefore, during weekends and public holidays from March to December, you will be able to choose between one of the two options offered by the club – by laps or by duration.

The club also offers other activities, such as wakeboarding, monoskiing or the Air Chair. To see all the prices, click here . (only available in French)

Club Nautique du 19ème: 36 quai Alphonse Le Gallo, Boulogne 92100

To book your session, click here . (only available in French)

9) Introduction and Hoverboard Ride

Here is another unusual way to visit Paris.

The hoverboard is a device that came from China in 2014, and which has been a huge success since then.

By paying 35€, you will be introduced to the hoverboard and its operation, and you will take a ride along the banks of the Seine.

If you’re already familiar with the hoverboard, there are also other tours with greater difficulty.

10) Adventure Park

You may think that it is impossible to move from tree to tree or slide down a zip-line in Paris.

Well, be prepared, because Evasion Verte offers you various acrobatic circuits in trees, from February to November.

There are 4 circuits, each one with a different difficulty level.

Located in the Parc Floral of Paris, 5 minutes walk away from the Porte de Bercy, the park offers an ideal setting for an enjoyable day with your family or friends.

The price is 21€ for adults and 16€ for children under 6 and under 1.30 meters.

11) Paper Chase in Paris

The website Quiveutpister Paris (Who wants to chase Paris) invites you to discover Paris through a big paper chase around the most famous monuments of the capital.

Find clues, solve puzzles and overcome the mysteries set up by the team.

They propose around ten paper chases, each one centered around a different district of Paris.

Reservations are only available online, and the price is 14€ per person, 12€ if you’re under 25.

12) Skating in Paris

Two associations invite you to roller skate in the streets of Paris.

The first one is Pari-Roller, which invites you every Friday night at 10 pm, in front of the Montparnasse Train Station.

The second one is Roller & Coquillages, and you will meet them every Sunday afternoon at 2.30 pm at the Place de la Bastille.

These hikes are open to everybody, as long as you’re comfortable with your rollers, and are free.

A great way to discover Paris!

Pari-Roller website . (only available in French) Rollers & Coquillages website . (only available in French)

13) Climbing

If you’re a height lover, you can have an introduction to indoor climbing.

Several sports centers of Paris provide climbing walls, in order to discover this discipline. In these centers, you will be able to choose between a one-hour introductory session for 10€, or a 2-hour independent session for 5€, if you’re already familiar with this sport.

For more information, here is the website of the city of Paris (only available in French)

14) Fly Yoga

Here is an interesting way to relax and exercise at the same time.

With this concept, created in 2009 by Florie Ravinet, you will perform various poses with a hammock suspended in mid-air.

Every class lasts one hour and is available for anyone.

If you want more information about this sport, here is a video (only available in French).

For the prices, a class costs 30€, but there is a reduced price: 3 classes for 59€, available 30 days.

15) Swedish Fit

Swedish Fit is close to aerobics. The class starts with a quick warm-up and some stretching to avoid straining or sore muscles.

Then comes the real exercise: a series of cardio, muscle development and abdominal exercises, all this with some lively background music.

At the end of the session, the instructor will make you do more stretching exercises to relax your body.

There are a lot of classes across Paris, and prices can vary depending on the type of class you choose.

16) Kin Ball

Here is a sport that comes straight from Quebec in Canada.

Kin Ball is a sport that was invented in order to leave nobody behind as part of a team.

The principle is simple: three teams of four players each pass a 1.20-meters ball.

However, the four players of the team must have touched the ball before it is thrown to another team.

If the ball touches the ground, the team that threw it win a point.

A game consists of 3 sets of 13 points each.

Designed as a special agent training camp, Koezio is a team adventure game.

During 2 hours, you and your team will progress in a 6000m²-facility by mixing thinking, cohesion and sport.

You must go through 4 districts to win.

There are two centers for Koezio in Paris: one is in Cergy, the other in Sénart.

The mission costs 26€, and 20€ if you’re under 17.

18) Laser Tag

This sports activity has been very popular for the last ten years.

Gathered in a big labyrinth, two teams face each other during a battle, equipped with laser guns.

Each player wears a vest with various sensors that you have to aim at to make points.

At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins.

Several centers of Laser Tag are available in Paris, and a game costs approximately 10€ per person.

19) Paintball

It is largely the same concept as Laser Tag.

Paintball is also a team game, with the only difference being that you don’t shoot a laser but paintballs.

When a player gets hit by a ball and it explodes, he is out of the game.

Prices start at around 20€ because you generally pay depending on how many paintballs you want to shoot.

20) Axe-throwing

Here is an activity that is not very common.

Indeed, Les Cognées offers you an introduction to axe throwing.

This new activity will allow you to share a good moment with your friends, and to unwind after a hard day at the same time.

The price is 57€ for one hour, and three people can throw at the same target.

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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Sports Tourist

Travelling Beyond Sport

The capital city of France with a population of 2.2 million is home to some of the biggest sporting teams, stadiums and events in the world.

Sport in Paris

The city of Paris has hosted some of the most prestigious events including the 1900 and 1924 Olympic Games , the 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2007 Rugby World Cup Finals, along with matches for the UEFA Euro 2016.

• One of the richest club’s in the world and most successful in France, Paris Saint-Germain (Football) play their matches at the Parc des Princes in the south-west of the city and compete in Ligue 1 .
• Stade Français (Rugby Union) play in the in the Top 14 league at the Stade Jean-Bouin and are one of the most succesful club’s in France.
• The Stade de France (Football/Rugby Union) is an 80,000 seated stadium to the north of Paris in Saint-Denis and home to French national football and rugby union teams.
• The French Open (Tennis) is one of the four Grand Slam events played every year, held over 2 weeks in late May/early June on clay court’s at Roland-Garros .
• The final stage of the Tour de France (Cycling) is traditionally held on the Champs-Élysées in July, with the winner of the yellow jersey presented on stage at the conclusion of the race.
• The  Paris Masters (Tennis) is an annual tournament held at the Bercy Arena and part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 series.
• The 2024 Olympic Games will be held across Paris between the 26th July and 11th August 2024.

Travelling to Paris

Airport –  Charles de Gaulle is the second largest airport in Europe and has flights to many international destinations. Located 30km north of the city, the airport has easy access to central Paris via the RER B train network (€10.30), with a travel time of about 35 minutes.

Orly Airport is the smaller airport but is still the second busiest in France. The airport largely serves domestic destinations and budget airlines. The free Orlyval metro service connects the airport with RER B train network at Antony station.

Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here .

Bus/Coach – Ouibus and Eurolines have coaches to and from Paris from a number of different French and European cities.

Booked through National Express, the Ouibus to Bercy Station in Paris departs from London Victoria. Having done the reverse journey in September 2018, I can confirm that the coach itself was clean and comfortable and although the driver didn’t speak much English, the journey was quite straightforward. Leaving at 09:00, with a couple of breaks en route to Calais, the Calais-Dover ferry and then the journey from Dover to London Victoria, we arrived a little later than the scheduled 17:30 and were there for 18:20. If you’ve got spare time and are on a budget, the coach is a pretty good option.

Train –  Paris has six major train stations:

• Gare d’Austerlitz has trains to/from Spain and Portugal, the Loire Valley and southwestern France.
• Gare de l’Est has trains to Luxembourg, Switzerland (Basel, Lucerne, Zurich), Germany (Frankfurt and Munch) and regular services to eastern France (Champagne, Alsace, Lorraine).
• Gare de Lyon has trains to Switzerland (Berg, Geneva, Lausanne), Italy and southeast France (Dijon, Lyon, Provence, Côte d’Azur and the Alps).
• Gare Montparnasse has trains to Brittany, Chartres, Angers, Nantes, Tours and Bordeaux.
• Gare du Nord has the high-speed Thalys trains to Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne and Geneva, as well as the Eurostar to London.
• Gare St-Lazare has trains to Normandy.

Search and book your journey through the Trainline here.

Getting around Paris

Metro/Train – The excellent and cheap Metro service (€1.90 per journey) has 14 different lines, whilst the RER subarban train line has 5 lines, so between them will get you close to most of Paris’ main destinations.

Hotels in Paris

I can recommend several different hotels and hostels to stay in across Paris, having visited the city several times in the last few years:

• Hotel Lumières Montmartre (visited in May 2017 for the French Open) – a clean and modern hotel located in the 18th district of Paris and just a 15 minute walk from the Sacré Cœur. There is a nearby Lidl supermarket and the Jules Joffrin metro station is just under a 10 minute walk away.
• Hôtel Home Moderne (visited in August 2014 on a city break) – located in the 15th district of Paris, I remember booking this hotel based on its cheap price (I wasn’t long out of University) and good reviews – its pleasing to see it is still one of the best ranked on TripAdvisor ! Convention metro station is a 15 minute walk away.
• Hôtel l’Élysée Val d’Europe (visited in February 2015 on a trip to Disneyland Paris) – perhaps you’re considering a trip to Disneyland whilst in Paris, or you’ve accidentally stumbled across this blog whilst researching a trip to Disneyland? Although not located in the park, this is the best nearby hotel you’ll find, being just a 10 minute free bus shuttle away. With the RER station and a shopping centre just across the road, this is the ideal stop for those on a budget when experiencing the magic of Disney.

Read other traveller’s reviews and book your stay on TripAdvisor by clicking on the links above, or search for other Paris accommodation by clicking here.

What to do in Paris

Paris has some of the famous sights in the world, the most famous of which is probably the Eiffel Tower , the iconic 320 metre tower originally built as a temporary exhibition in 1889.

The glamorous avenue of the Champs-Elysées is 1.2 miles long and culminates in the Arc de Triomphe , the iconic monument built in 1836 honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum and is home to world famous artwork, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo . The  Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sacré-Cœur basilica are other icons of Paris, with the nearby Palace of Versailles just a short trip away from the city.

Upcoming Sport Events in Paris

2023 Rugby World Cup

2024 Six Nations

2024 French Open

2024 Summer Olympics

Last Updated on July 5, 2023 by Sports Tourist

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Sports events in Paris

There is no shortage of important sporting events in Paris.

A whole program has been set up for the pleasure of sports lovers of all kinds. Whether it is to attend the Paris Marathon, or as spectators in the stands of the famous Rolland Garros stadium.

• 1. Paris Marathon
• 2. Roland Garros
• 3. The Tour de France
• 4. Ocean Game
• 5. NBA Paris Game
• 6. Martial Arts Festival
• 7. The Color Run Paris
• 8. Body fitness Paris
• 9. Hermes Jump
• 10. Vertical of the Eiffel Tower
• 11. Harlem Globetrotters
• 12. Diamond League

All sports are highlighted. All you have to do is choose which one to include in your agenda. Let’s take a look at the sports events you can’t miss. Maybe one of the events will make you want to practice one of the sports you will discover.

Paris Marathon

Whether you are an amateur or a professional, this is the running event not to be missed but for which a physical preparation is necessary.

The Paris Marathon is organized every year since 1976 and attracts more than sixty thousand runners. The race is organized and run by the Paris Athletics Competition Club Marathon. For its 44th edition the streets of the capital are invaded on 42,195 km. The departure is made at the avenue des champs Elysées until the Porte Dauphine.

Roland Garros

The Roland Garros stadium was built in 1927. It hosts the French Open tennis tournament every year. The name was given in honor of the aviation pioneer Roland Garros.

The 17 courts are there to make you throb with emotion to the rhythm of the players’ balls and swings. A must-see event of the clay court season which takes place over a little more than two weeks.

The Tour de France

It is an exceptional memory to attend the arrival and departure of the Tour de France.

A real competition of cyclists that crosses France. This year it is the 107th edition that is celebrated for a departure from Nice. Three weeks during which the fans will be able to encourage their favorite cyclist all this in a euphoric and sportive atmosphere.

If you are a fan of water sports, this is the event not to be missed. The event takes place at the Jean Bouin Stadium for the greatest pleasure of the spectators. The Parisian stadium located in the 16th district of Paris is transformed into a water sports base for our pleasure and promises us a unique show.

It is the occasion to vibrate in front of the superb demonstrations of Kit surfing, Wind surfing, surfing… The biggest names of the world surfing will make their appearances.

NBA Paris Game

It is an exceptional event in the world of basketball, because the capital will host at the AccorHotels Arena of Paris a unique NBA game. Basketball fans, this is a moment not to be missed. Two famous teams will face each other: the Charlotte Hornets, whose famous French player Tony Parker will participate against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Martial Arts Festival

Come from all over the world to offer you a unique and exceptional show. Masters in martial arts as well as champions in Karate, Krav Maga, Capoeira and many others will assure you a show of more than three hours at the Accorhotels Arena.

The Color Run Paris

It is a unique race of colors of 5 kilometers in the streets of Paris. It is for the runner, the opportunity to run a race in a total pleasure.

Each kilometer is defined by a color to which, volunteers throw a colored and natural powder. At the end of the race it is a collective throw of colors and joy that are captured. An atmosphere is provided for the rest of the day by Djs.

Body fitness Paris

It is at the Porte de Versailles that takes place for the thirty-third edition the Body Fitness. Great sportsmen, athletes and fitness professionals animate during three days this sporting event. Advice will be given to you and maybe it will give you the desire to register in one of the gyms and practice one of these activities.

Hermes Jump

The Saut Hermès is an equestrian show jumping competition organized by the House of Hermès since 2009. The event takes place in the Nave of the Grand Palais. The most jumping horses will make you blush with admiration. Nine events are offered during the days.

The main and long awaited event is the most arduous and technically demanding, the Grand Prix Hermès which takes place on the last day. In the evening, at the end of the competition, an equestrian show is offered to the spectators.

Vertical of the Eiffel Tower

If there is a sporting event in its own right, it is this one. Climbing the steps of the famous iron lady.

An exceptional race against the clock in which you have to climb the 1665 steps of the monument up to the third floor where the finish line is located. Each participant is handpicked and begins his or her race individually.

One hundred and thirty candidates compete in this race and the trophy is awarded at 10:15 pm.

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters represent an emblematic figure of Basketball and it is in Paris Bercy that they will come to make their show. Originally from the United States, they perform all over the world in a show worthy of the name. Unlimited dribbles, precision shots will make you get up from your seat. This is an event to do with your family.

Diamond League

The Diamond League is a track and field competition that consists of twelve events for men and women. The program includes javelin throw, pole vault, high jump and much more for the pleasure of the spectators…

An annual event since 2010 which is organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations. There is no lack of dates to spend a pleasant sporting moment with family or friends. Discoveries of some sports will perhaps open you a new horizon.

The sharing and the euphoric atmosphere will be present and this whatever the event which will arouse your curiosity.

Travel Paris

Travel.paris is an online guide about tourism, travel and stays in Paris. The monuments to visit, the good plans accommodation (hotels, apartments...) and the best restaurants.

Airbnb Concierge in Paris

Festivals in paris, you may also like, pubs and bars in paris, where to go out in paris at night, our 10 favorite attractions in paris, the best evjf activities in paris, parisian cabarets, a shopping trip in paris.

Sports in Paris. Sporting events 2024

Sporting events 2024 in Paris include Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament, Paris Marathon 2024 and the Olympics 2024. The city has five major sport stadiums and arenas: Stade de France, the Olympic Stadium, Parc des Princes, the PSG soccer team stadium, Accor Arena, La Défense Arena and Adidas Arena. Sports in Paris. Trip to Paris .

Sporting events 2024 in Paris

Be ready for Paris Olympics 2024 a wonderful occasion to come to Paris.

The top annual sporting events in the city are Roland-Garros Tennis Tournament in June, an ATP tennis competition, and the traditional final circuit of the last stage of Tour de France in Champs-Elysées end of July.

The Paris Marathon in April is one of the most scenic urban marathons in the world. Register early as it is fully booked in advance. The semi-marathon and the 20km race are also very popular. Check Paris Marathon page.

The Paris Masters , also called Rolex Paris Masters, are a top ATP competition taking place in Accor Arena.

There are two world class racecourses, Longchamp and Auteuil, in Bois de Boulogne, where some of the most prestigious races including Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane, Grand Steeple Chase de Paris, are run. Information on France Galop web site.

Full calendar of sporting events

Paris apartment and hotel map

Sport stadiums and arenas.

There are five world class sport stadiums and arenas in the city.

The Stade de France is the venue for mots international rugby and soccer competitions involving the French national teams. The stadium hosted France 98 Soccer World Cup final, the Rugby 2007 World Cup final and the Rugby world cup 2023. It will host the 2024 Olympics.

The Parc des Princes Stadium is the stadium of Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe's best soccer teams.

Accor Arena hosts the Paris Masters tennis tournament, basketball and handball competitions. Paris La Défense Arena is the venue of Racing 92 rugby games. Adidas Arena hosts the Paris Basketball Club.

All five are Paris Olympics venues.

Practice sports in Paris

It is always possible to practice sports in the city: swimming pools ( list ), tennis courts ( list ), sports and fitness centers are widely available. Aquaboulevard Water Park has waves, slides, the only beach in the city, a sport and fitness center.

Many people jog in parks and gardens. It is possible to rent Velib bicycles anywhere anytime in the city, combining sports and sightseeing. Information .

Enjoy sport in the City of Lights.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Europe’s richest and most prestigious horse race, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, takes place over the first weekend of October each year in the city.

The race attracts the very best thoroughbreds and the top international jockeys from around the world. It takes place at the Longchamp racecourse in Bois de Boulogne .

Practice basketball in Paris

Played in free access courts, basketball is very popular.

In the shade of the aerial passage of the metro line 6, the playground Glacière, located under the Glacière metro station , line 6, recalls the atmosphere of New York grounds.

Created by the clothing brand Pigalle and Nike, the basketball court, 17 rue Duperré in Pigalle, near Montmartre, got a makeover in early 2020. The new design was imagined by creation Ill-Studio, in collaboration with Nike and Stéphane Ashpool, creator of the Pigalle Basketball brand. A few steps away is the Pigalle Basketball brand store created by Stéphane Ashpool, stylist and basketball coach. In 2007, Stéphane Ashpool worked with the city hall of the 9th arrondissement of Paris to transform the parking lot on rue Duperré into a basketball court. Open daily 12pm to 6pm.

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Sport in the city: a guide to staying fit in Paris

Liberté, égalité, activité: here’s where to run, cycle, play tennis — and more — in the French capital

With plans in place for a post-car city, cyclists are reclaiming the streets of the French capital. Our FT columnist shares his top tips on how and where to cycle in Paris, in the first of a new FT Globetrotter cycling series

The City of Light is well served for tennis courts — from the municipal to the pricey and private. Here is our guide to cracking le système

Breeze past the City of Light’s iconic sights by following bureau chief Victor Mallet’s favourite running routes

On two wheels or two feet, with nutritious food breaks, here’s where FT readers keep fit in the city

Pass by the patisseries and discover some of the city’s best options for keeping in shape

A very 21st-century retreat in a seaside town that has been an escape for Parisians for more than 100 years

International Edition

• Expat guide
• Sports activities in Paris

Sports in Paris

Paris offers an array of activities for sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle. The city is home to some of the best soccer and rugby teams in the world, and with France winning the 2018 Soccer World Cup and Paris preparing to host the Olympic Games in 2024, the city's sports activities are gaining momentum.

Running in Paris

Unsurprisingly, running is one of the most popular sports activities in Paris given the splendid backdrop provided by the city's architecture. Despite the busy urban environment, the city has several places where you can breathe in the fresh air and run in peace. You'll find parks and stone paths in many parts of the city, as well as special provisions for runners (and walkers). For example, the banks of the Seine River are now closed to vehicles, providing a running track on a beautiful riverside setting, especially during the hot summer months. There is no shortage of race tracks in the west of the city, the one in the Bois de Boulogne covers more than 8.6km² and the Parc Javel André Citroën more than 2.6km². But nothing beats a run around the Louvre and the Place de La Concorde in the early morning hours as the first light of day illuminates Paris. The Jardin des Tuileries (which covers 15km²) or the Parc Monceau (which covers more than 3.8km²) have charming trails with calm lakes and green surroundings.

In the heart of the city, the Luxembourg Gardens are also a wonderful place to run and relax. In the south, the slightly undulating terrain is home to the Parc de Bercy and the Parc Montsouris which covers 1.6km². The Buttes de Chaumont park in the east of the city offers breathtaking views of Paris, as well as spectacular trails and challenging paths. And finally, the Parc de la Villette offers 400-meter circuits.

Read also Things to see and to do in Paris

Swimming pools

There are swimming pools , from Olympic-sized to smaller neighborhood pools. Your options include the Olympic-sized pool at Les Halles shopping center, the Chateau-Landon pool - built in 1884 - the elegant 1924 Butte aux Cailles pool with its outdoor pools, the Pontoise pool a few steps from Boulevard Saint Germain, and the very popular Josephine Baker pool in the summer - housed on a boat. The latter offers a perfect option for the summer months. If you are a professional swimmer, take advantage of the discounted prices when you buy 10 entries at once. For family outings, Aquaboulevard is a huge water park with 10 slides and several large pools, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

Playing tennis in Paris

You'll also find many tennis courts throughout Paris, most of which are located in beautiful parks like the Luxembourg Gardens. Reserve a court by registering on the official Paris Tennis service website, and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to reserve a court in Paris up to seven days in advance. An indoor court can cost up to 17 euros per hour, while an outdoor court only costs 9 euros per hour. Those under 26 can take advantage of reduced rates.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is an activity that is becoming increasingly popular in Paris. If you're looking for options in the heart of Paris, check out Escalad'Indoor or Arkose Nation or head out of town to find great climbing walls such as Murmur in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Hardblock in the southeast of the city, Block'Out in Saint-Ouen, and Blocbuster in Courbevoie. The price range is usually between 15 and 30 euros per session, and can also include rental equipment if necessary.

Read also Reuniting with nature in Paris

Sports and fitness centers in Paris

Fitness enthusiasts and professionals will not be disappointed. Indeed, there are hundreds of gyms to choose from in the whole capital. You will be able to find all the classic practices such as group fitness classes, pilates, spinning, or crossfit. You can be followed by professionals if you want expert advice and nutritional help too. Subscriptions vary according to the gym and the area of Paris, but a month costs between 15 and 25 euros.

Other sports to practice in Paris

Being a big city and capital, Paris offers many other sports for all enthusiasts. To name just a few, you can find yoga schools where you can practice, equestrian centers where you can ride horses and take part in rides in the countryside of the region or even Padel lessons, this new fashionable sport. Search the internet to find out where you can practice your sport.

Good to know :

Distance learning and videoconferencing courses are becoming more and more common for some disciplines since the sanitary crisis, so don't hesitate to ask if the teacher offers it in case you can't move or if the center or school is far from your home.

Useful links:

Air quality index What to do in Paris Paris Marathon Paris half marathon Official website of Paris - Swimming pools Official website of Paris - Tennis Climbing walls in Paris Molitor swimming pool French Mountain and Climbing Federation - FFME My gym

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Reading time: 0 min Published on 20 October 2023, updated on 15 April 2024

The best in world sport. The finest France. Paris 2024 will be the biggest event ever to be hosted by France, and the whole world is invited. Twenty-eight Olympic sports, 206 nations, and an incredible 304 events. Paris 2024 is all set to host an unbridled celebration for the whole of France – and the world. In the towns and cities, across TV screens and on the internet, everywhere will be swept up in the celebrations.

Paris’ iconic monuments in the spotlight

The games are poised to be an inclusive celebration of art, architecture, gastronomy, culture, fashion and music . Moreover, spectators will see sport’s finest, showcased in locations not normally seen. All kinds of sporting prowess will be set against picturesque backdrops – among them celebrated Parisian monuments, others to be feted for the first time.

Triathlon and open water swimming will be set against the iconic [Eiffel Tower] (/en/paris/article/eiffel-tower "The Eiffel Tower"). Beach volleyball, judo and wrestling will be set against the Champ de Mars. The historic site, exhibition hall and museum complex The Grand Palais will set the scene for fencing and Taekwondo . The familiar sight of picnickers and sunbathing at the Esplanade des Invalides will be replaced by feats of archery . The equestrian world’s sporting royalty and pentathlon competitions will be honoured at the Chateau de Versailles ").

Where in the world …

Place de la Concorde in Paris is set to become a spectacular multi-sport venue, showcasing heritage and bringing exceptional images to viewers worldwide.

Bordering 10 arrondissements, the iconic Seine river , which joins Paris’ historic heart to the Seine-Saint-Denis department, will become a focal point of festivities for outdoor lovers and sport fans. For centuries, its banks have attracted poets, architects and artists; now, travellers will be drawn by shows, concerts and live entertainment.

The Seine may not be renowned for its surf, but [Teahupo’o in Tahiti] (/en/tahiti-french-polynesia/moodboard/thrills-and-spills-in-tahiti "Thrills and spills in Tahiti!"), home to one of the world’s iconic and dangerous waves certainly is! Olympic surfing events will be held in this overseas collective. Add an over-water bungalow stay into the mix while you’re there. Consider a visit to The Three Waterfalls (Les Trois Cascades) in north east Tahiti. Or, get up close and personal with marine life in The Huahine Natural Aquarium .

Olympic water events will be held at The Paris 2024 Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis . While you’re there, stop by the [Basilica of Saint-Denis] (/en/paris/article/9-undiscovered-experiences-paris-0 "9 undiscovered and offbeat museums and visits experiences ideas in Paris"), a medieval abbey church completed in 1144. For stunning views of Saint-Denis, visit the nearby Parc du Colorado .

Regions in focus

From major cities to far-flung villages, the Olympic Games will offer a burst of energy that will ricochet across France. Eight different cities will host football matches. Marseille’s Roucas Blanc Marina will proudly host all sailing events.

Some 500 towns and cities throughout France have been awarded the ‘Terre de Jeux 2024’ label – many of which will be Games Preparation Centres: bases for national delegations, and home to fan zones, uniting people in celebration of countless sporting achievements and of course harnessing the energy of the people that celebrate the Olympic Torch Relay .

Further Information Paris Olympics 2024 www.paris2024.org/en/

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• Three Cheers for Sports in Paris Region!
• Inspiration
• Themed guides

The love affair between the Paris Region and sport is not new: as early as the 12th century, Paris was known for its palm courts, and then in the 19th century, for its racecourses of European fame! And it’s not going to stop any time soon, with major sporting events coming up such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024.

With numerous sports facilities and a host of sporting activities, there is something for all ages, all budgets and all desires. Whether you’re a one-off, a passionate amateur or just a spectator, discover Paris and its region while practising your favourite sport.

"In Paris, on a bike, you overtake the cars," sang Joe Dassin. Non-polluting, healthy and fast, cycling is a magnificent way to discover the capital. Rent a Velib' and go for a ride! If you prefer to follow a guide, there are plenty of options, from the pioneering Paris Bike Tour ; Fat Tire Tours Paris with its English-speaking guides , or Paris Charms & Secrets , that offer alternative tours around Paris on electric bikes .

Gallop or trot

In the Paris region, horseracing enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy year round with prestigious races in the magnificent racecourses of Auteuil , Longchamp , Vincennes or Saint-Cloud . And for those who want to go riding, the company Horse Holidays offers rides for all levels in the Maisons-Laffitte park .

A temple to soccer

The 1998 World Cup final still resonates in the hearts of all French soccer fans! To relive these magical moments, a visit to the Stade de France is essential. Go behind the scenes of this immense steel and concrete structure, its lodges, cloakrooms, and, of course, the mythic playing field.

Don’t miss a visit to the Parc des Princes , a major stadium dedicated to football and inseparable from the famous Paris Saint-Germain team, and enjoy a unique experience .

Paris at a trot

Are you planning to compete in the Paris Marathon ? Well, you better start training! And just like a true Parisian, you can start by jogging past all the historical monuments on the Seine’s riverbanks , now dedicated to pedestrians. If you're looking for fun with the family, head for the banks below the Musée d’Orsay or around the Daumesnil lake in the Bois de Vincennes . Good news: all these activities are free! And to reconcile sport and culture? Register for the Paris Running Tour which organises the city's first ever tours at a faster pace!

For tee lovers

Counting more than 70 golf courses, greater Paris is a paradise for golfers of all levels. The most experienced will play at the Golf National in Guyancourt where the Open de France is contested and where the Ryder Cup took place in 2018. The Disneyland Paris Golf Course where the Ryder Cup Junior 2018 was held, offers rounds adapted to all levels. Designed in 1909, the Golf de Fontainebleau remains, between rocky outcrops and heather, one of France's most beautiful golf courses.

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• Copyright image: CRT Paris Île-de-France

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14 Most Popular Sports in France

• Post category: Living in France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

There is no doubt that France is quite a diverse country when it comes to the arts and culture, but the French are also a powerhouse when it comes to sports.

After all, the father of the modern Olympic movement was a Frenchman named Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who proposed the idea in 1894 . France usually fields one of the largest teams in the Summer and Winter Olympics and regularly does will in World Cups and other international competitions.

And it all starts with the young. With a strong emphasis in French schools for moving and being active, schools in France offer Wednesdays off for children to participate sports and cultural activities.

But it is not all the same sports that you might find, in the US or UK, as examples. No baseball or cricket here in France. Some sports are internationally popular, while most are locally popular. So let’s find out the most popular sports in France, shall we? Allons-y!

1. Football

As two-time World Cup champions in 1998 and 2018, you can be sure that French football (soccer) is one of the top sports that are played and followed in France.

The French national team has also been European Champions (Euros) in 1984 and 2000. With French football stars like Kylian Mbappé and Paul Pogba, the team has been attracting young fans far and wide, and should be favorites for years to come.

While France’s Ligue 1 is not at the same level as the English Premier League or Spain’s La Liga in terms of a fanbase and money from global TV rights, it is one of the top 6 leagues in Europe (along with Germany, Italy, and Portugal).

With a large fanbase and active rivalry between two of the top clubs Paris St. Germain and Olympique de Marseille, there are plenty of budding stars in the wings, ready to follow in the footsteps of their heros.

The French women’s national team has not had as much success as the men’s team, but the women’s league has many supporters, especially in the city of Lyon which has won 14 titles since 1974.

Being the host of 1 of the Grand Slams, the French Open, tennis is one of the top popular sports in France. The tournament is known in France as Roland Garros after the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris where it is held every year for 2 weeks in June .

The sport of tennis has a long history in France. The ancestor of all racket sports, the Jeu de Paume was first officialized by French King François I in 1527.

Jeu de Paume literally translates to “game of palm” because in the earliest versions of the game, the players hit the ball with their hands. All racket sports such as badminton, tennis, squash, etc. evolved from jeu de paume .

These days there are tennis clubs all over France catering to amateurs and professionals, and one of the sports most pursued by French children.

With the Tour de France being the crème de la crème of international cycling events, you know that cycling is big here in France. Held every july, the route traverses the country, visiting new towns and villages all over before finishing on the Champs Elysées in Paris .

Travel around the French countryside on a weekend and you will see cyclists of all ages around.

And with large cities like Paris , Marseille , and Nice trying to make their streets more bike friendly with special bike lanes and less cars, the cycling is only becoming more and more popular in France.

With the Alps only about 3 hours away from major cities in France by high-speed TGV train, skiing is one of the top winter sports in France.

Along with tennis, skiing has become one of the things to do for the French bourgeois . One colleague described it, to a certain extent, as a “ marqueur sociale ” (a social marker), those who can afford it, and those who cannot.

During the February school holidays , French families who can afford it, pack up the kids in the car and head to the mountains for some exercise and fresh air.

With the top resorts nearby in the French Alps , kids as young as 3 are encouraged to learn to ski. In addition, schools offer ski-trips, employers offer discounts, and the government does everything it can to encourage the ski tourist industry.

5. Swimming

Another sport that France excels at is swimming. Fielding one of the top ten Olympic swim teams in the world, the country always expects to win several medals at international swim competitions.

And it is a sport that French children start young . As early as 3 years old, pre-schools in France start around 10 weeks of swim lessons. The idea is to get young kids comfortable in the water and learn water safety, with trained lifeguards.

6. Pétanque

Curling may be an Olympic event, but in France we have pétanque . A sport that originated in Marseille in Provence, it is a a variation of lawn bowls and the Italian game of bocce.

Pétanque has become so popular, there are leagues of players and competitions are carried live on sports tv channels. Today, it is as well-loved as bowling in the U.S. or curling in Canada.

The goal of the game is to get as many balls as possible next to a marker to score points. Players on each team alternate, with each opposing team trying to get as close to the cochonnet (marker) as possible, until every player has played their balls.

So the next time you are in France, head out to a nearby park with pastis in hand and a bunch of pétanque balls and find yourself a game. You can read more about pétanque and its rules here.

As a regular in the Six Nations Championships , the annual competition between France, England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, is gaining in popularity in the country, especially in the south.

There is also a rugby league, with 10 professional teams across the country, and many amateur teams in lower divisions.

While rugby doesn’t get as much press in France as its fans think it deserves, the sailing event Vendée Globe receives extensive coverage every 4 years. It is a solo non-stop round the world yacht race.

The race was founded by Frenchman Philippe Jeantot in 1989, and departs from the Vendée department in the Loire region, on the west coast of France.

In addition to the Vendée Globe, there are dozens of small sail and boating clubs all along France’s extensive coastline.

9. Basketball

Basketball is not regularly featured on French tv. But thanks to several French basketball superstars in the NBA like Tony Parker, Rudy Gobert, and Joakim Noah (himself the son of French tennis star Yannick Noah), it is definitely a sport that is on the radar of French sport fans young and old.

Because of this star power, France is a top 10 mainstay in the  FIBA World Rankings , and is especially popular among women’s sports .

10. Judo and Ju-jitsu

One of the sports that you might not expect is a favorite in France is judo. There have been many French judo champions. France is the second nation on the Olympic list with 51 medals, 2nd only to the Japanese who invented the sport.

In recent years, a large portion of the sport’s popularity is due to one man, superstar French judoka named Teddy Riner. Riner has won 10 World Championships gold medals to date, the first and only judoka (male or female) to do so, as well as two Olympic gold medals.

The sport is so well-regarded, it is the fourth sport in France in number of licensees.

11. Horse-riding

Keeping with the tradition of the olden days, horse riding is quite a prominent sport in France. Even in the Parisian suburbs, in towns like Maison-Lafitte are well known for their stables and horse-riding facilities.

Along with horse racing, dressage is also practised. The haute école (“high school”) is an advanced component of classical dressage, that is a highly refined set of skills. One of the world’s leading classical dressage programs include is the Cadre Noir in Saumur, France.

In addition, the Salon du Cheval de Paris (Paris Horse Show) is an annual event dedicated to horses and riding with over 450 exhibitors and 2,000 horses. The event occurs each November , gathering around 150,000 visitors over ten days.

A sport that doesn’t have any Olympic competitions associated with, but that is still widely practised in France is randonée (meaning hiking). There is an official Fédération Française de Randonnée , along with small hiking clubs and competitions .

With many hiking trails, protected areas like the Gorges du Verdon have become popular hiking destinations for a bit of fresh air and exercise.

13. Canoe and Kayaking

Two sports that are combined in the French vernacular are canoeing and kayaking. Called canoë-kayak , it brings together several sports or leisure activities carried out not only with a canoe or kayak, but as well boats propelled by paddles and inflatable rafts.

Since France has many waterways, rivers, and canals across the country , there are small canoe and kayak clubs all across the country.

The history of golf in France dates back to 1856 and the creation of the first golf course in Pau, near the Spanish border. The Open de France which was inaugurated in 1906, is the oldest national open in Continental Europe.

These days over 400k licensees practise the sport, not counting all the amateurs, making it one of the top sports in France.

If you enjoyed that post, you may want to read more facts about France . A bientôt!

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Sport in France in 2024: major events and sporting highlights

France is getting ready for a bumper year of tourism and sport in 2024 with a number of new and exciting openings, exhibitions, sustainable tourism initiatives, and major anniversaries on the calendar. The country is also in the final preparation stages of hosting its biggest ever event, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here we take a look at the sporting highlights in France in 2024. 

SPOT24: new urban sport and culture hub with Olympic exhibition 

Paris, Île-de-France: until 31 December 2024 Paris je t’aime (the Paris Tourist Office) has set up a new hybrid venue showcasing urban sport, culture and Olympism. Serving as a tourist information point, Olympics ticket office and official shop, alongside a café dedicated to Parisian products, SPOT24 also comprises an immersive Olympic exhibition. Co-presented by the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, it highlights the six newest Olympic disciplines: skateboarding, sport climbing, BMX freestyle, surfing, 3X3 basketball and breaking. A full programme of cultural activities and introductory sports sessions accompanies the exhibition, running throughout 2024.

Paris 2024 Olympic Flame to arrive in Marseille

Marseille, Région Sud: 8 May 2024 The Olympic Flame will first be lit in Olympia on 16 April 2024, in accordance with ancient tradition. After a 12-day relay through Greece and a crossing of the Mediterranean aboard the famous three-masted ship, the Belem, it will officially arrive into the port of Marseille on 8 May, heralding the return of the Games to France after a 100-year wait. In Marseille, the Flame will pass through two emblematic sites: the new Roucas Blanc’s Marina – starting point for the solo dinghies, windsurfers and formula kites – and the Vélodrome Stadium.

2024 French Open, Roland Garros

Paris, Île-de-France: 20 May-9 June The 2024 French Open , the second tennis grand slam of the year, will take place from 20 May to 9 June 2024 at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, France. Played on Roland Garros’s iconic clay courts, the world’s best tennis players will feature including defending champions Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek.

Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games  

Paris, Île-de-France: 26 July-11 August and 28 August-8 September  Set to take place exactly 100 years after France ’s last summer games, Paris 2024 will be the largest event ever organised in the country and unlike any other games in history in its eco-conscious approach, encouraging energy conservation, innovation and creativity. The event will use 100% renewable energy, track its carbon footprint and make use of 95% of existing venues, such as Versailles for equestrian events and the Champ de Mars (beneath the Eiffel Tower) for beach volleyball. It promises to be an inclusive, interactive and sustainable celebration of sport: the first fully gender-balanced and carbon-neutral Games.

50th Paris Judo Grand Slam

Paris, Île-de-France: 2-4 February 2024  The Paris Grand Slam is the most important international tournament for professional judokas, who fight it out on the tatami mats of Paris’ Accor Arena in front of more than 24,000 spectators. Held just a few months before the Paris 2024 Games, this 50th edition of the tournament will be an opportunity for the judokas to score the final points in their bids to secure a place in the Games.

4th ‘Nature is Bike’: Gravel and Adventure Cycling Festival

Angers, Pays de la Loire: 16-18 June 2024  France’s first nature-focused gravel bike festival returns to Angers in 2024 for its fourth year. Nature is Bike was born from the desire to promote the practice of gravel biking around a festival dedicated to the outdoors and living well. The next event will see new routes and rides, a Bike Show featuring leading brands and hottest cycling destinations, and a gravel forum. Enjoy food and drink, live music and activities in and around Angers, which sits at the crossroads of three major cycle routes that are enjoyed by 200,000 cyclists and cycle tourists every year.

A new finish for the Tour De France

Nice, Région Sud: 21 July 2024  For the first time in Le Tour’s history, the Grand Boucle will finish outside of Paris in order to avoid the preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games a week later. After a race through Burgundy, the Massif Central, the Pyrenees and the Alps, a mountainous course from Nice to Col de la Couillole has been designed for the 20th stage (20 July). The 21st and final stage will be contested in a 35km time trial on 21 July between Monaco and Place Masséna in Nice.

Ironman Women’s World Championship

Nice, Région Sud: 18-24 September 2024  In autumn 2024, the global stage will be set for the pinnacle of women’s professional and age group triathlon racing. Elite athletes from around the world will be united for a 140.6-mile journey that spans an ocean swim, a technical hinterland bike course and a vibrant coastal run in Nice. Entry is by qualification only – and athletes will have France’s most iconic triathlon community fuelling their spirits towards the Championship finish line.

10th Vendée Globe Solo Sailing Race

Les Sables-d’Olonne, Pays de la Loire: 10 November 2024  Nicknamed the “Everest of the Seas”, the Vendée Globe is the toughest solo sailing race in the world – a 24,000- mile circumnavigation of the world, without stops or assistance. It takes place every four years – the 2020 race was won by Frenchman Yannick Bestaven. Five British skippers are campaigning to be on the 2024 start line on 10 November, with the fleet expected to return to Les Sables-d’Olonne in January 2025. The new Hotel Vertime will be opening in Les Sables in 2024, in time to accommodate race-going visitors.

Sporting events and highlights in France in 2024

• 13-25 January 2024: 20th Grande Odyssée Vvf Dog Sled Competition; Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• 2-4 February 2024: Paris Grand Slam Judo 2024; Paris, Île-De-France
• Spring 2024: Opening of La Régalante Cycle Route; Pays De La Loire, Brittany and Normandy
• 20 May-9 June 2024: French Open Roland Garros; Paris, Île-de-France:
• 16-18 June 2024: 4th ‘Nature Is Bike’: Gravel and Adventure Cycling Festival;  Angers, Pays De La Loire
• 21 July 2024: A new finish for the Tour De France in 2024; Nice, Région Sud
• Summer 2024: Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games; Paris, Île-De-France and Marseille, Région Sud
• 18-24 September 2024: Ironman Women’s World Championship; Nice, Région Sud
• 10 November 2024: 10th Vendée Globe Solo Sailing Race; Les Sables-d’Olonne, Pays de la Loire

Image: Atout France

SPORTS EVENTS CALENDAR

2024 ​​iagto european convention, malaga, 2024 finkstonball baseball and softball festival, austria, tennis grand slam: 2024 french open roland garros, rugby union: 2024 epcr heineken champions cup and challenge cup finals , 2024 uefa europa conference league final, athens, privacy overview.

The Paris Olympics: How Airlines Support Sports Tourism in 2024

This post is sponsored or contains references to products from our advertisers. We may receive a commission when these links are visited. To learn more about advertising with AeroXplorer, please contact us .

Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing areas of the travel industry. UN Tourism, a United Nations agency focused on tourism, estimates that the global sports tourism market will expand by 17.5% between 2023 and 2030. An increasing number of travelers are making trips based entirely on attending sports events, including international competitions and away games for their hometown teams.

The Growth of Sports Tourism

Multiple reports highlight the increasing importance that travelers are placing on sports. For example, American Express (Amex) Travel recently released its  2024 Global Travel Trends Report , which explains how and why people travel. The report found that sports tourism, "once-in-a-lifetime" trips, solo travel, and last-minute trips are trending among travelers. 

Amex Travel surveyed over 8,000 people from seven countries who travel at least once annually before the report was released on March 12. Most respondents are at least somewhat into sports, with 71% considering themselves a casual or passionate sports fan. Their interest in sports goes beyond simply watching matches on TV: many people would like to see their favorite athlete or team at an in-person event.

The report found the following about people's interest in sports-related travel:

• 75% of respondents planning to travel to sports events will spend at least three hours getting there
• 67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents are interested in sports tourism
• 58% of respondents traveling for sports will attend soccer, basketball, or Formula 1 events

The increasing globalization of the sports industry means fans are willing to travel long distances to attend sports events. Many sports leagues that historically had games in only one region, such as the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB), are now playing more international games. Meanwhile, many countries outside North America and Europe are raising their international standing by investing in sports. These two factors mean that sports fans now follow their teams to international destinations, especially cities they may have never visited otherwise.

Offering Special Flights for Passengers to Attend Sports Events

Airlines benefit from sports tourism by offering nonstop flights to destinations hosting a passenger's desired sports event. A report by GlobalData found that airlines prefer accommodating sports tourism over other travel sub-sectors due to their long-term benefit. Although film and music tourism are also trending among travelers, with  airlines themselves benefiting from the popularity of Taylor Swift concerts , carriers view sports tourism as more profitable.

Airlines like offering flights to sports events since they attract people passionate about a specific team or player over the long term. Music and film tourism are based more on "what's trending," with a prominent example being the popularity of Dubrovnik when  Game of Thrones  aired between 2011 and 2019. Although Croatia is still a major tourist destination, the average traveler is now more likely to visit for other reasons. 

Airlines especially love major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympics, that occur only once every few years. The large time gap between such events means fans worldwide are extremely excited to attend when they do happen. 2024 is expected to be an eventful year for sports tourism partially because of the upcoming Olympics in Paris from July 26 to August 11. The Amex Travel report found that passengers are most excited to visit New York , Miami, London, Las Vegas , and Paris this year.

Air France and the Paris Olympics

Air France is the official airline of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The carrier will add more flights to accommodate the high demand for travel to Paris this summer. Although Paris is always busy in the summer, this year will be even busier because of the Olympics. These games will be the first opportunity in six years for many people to visit the Olympics because Japan and China had travel restrictions during the Summer and Winter Olympics in 2021 and 2022, respectively. 

Air France made these changes to its North American schedule for this summer:

• Resuming service to Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) with one daily flight on May 13
• Launching a new nonstop service to Phoenix (PHX) that will operate three times weekly with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Expanding the number of weekly flights to Raleigh/Durham (RDU) from three to seven flights

Air France will operate over 210 weekly flights to 17 U.S. destinations and nearly 60 weekly flights to five Canadian destinations this summer. All flights will operate from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Sports fans outside Europe and North America will also receive more opportunities to attend the Olympics through additional flights. The carrier will add frequencies on routes serving the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Benin, Madagascar, Cameroon, and Tanzania.

Air France will update the cabins on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircraft used for long-haul flights. The refreshed cabins will appear in business class, premium economy, and economy class over the summer. Passengers flying from these North American destinations will have a new travel experience:

• Boston (BOS)
• Chicago-O'Hare (ORD)
• Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Newark (EWR)
• New York (JFK)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
• Vancouver (YVR)
• Washington-Dulles (IAD)

Air France will offer short and medium-haul flights from 45 destinations across France and the rest of Europe this summer. Most of these routes will fly to Charles de Gaulle. The carrier's low-cost subsidiary, Transavia France, will offer flights to Paris-Orly (ORY) from multiple European destinations.

Showcasing Their Brand by Sponsoring Sports Teams

Airlines also see the rise in sports tourism as an opportunity to showcase their brands and attract new passengers. Another report published by GlobalData in July 2023 found that airlines have spent approximately $990 million on sponsorship agreements with sports teams. The report revealed that soccer represents over 53% of airline-related sports deals, with motorsports and basketball also seeing high spending. Of the 96 airlines analyzed, the report showed that Middle Eastern carriers represent 53.5% of sports-related investments by airlines.

Middle Eastern Carriers and European Football Teams

Middle Eastern carriers sponsoring soccer teams is the most well-known example of the relationship between airlines and sports teams.  These sponsorship agreements include airline names on team jerseys and entire stadiums named after airlines. These are the most notable partnerships between airlines and football teams:  

• Qatar Airways and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG):  Qatar Airways has been the official airline of PSG since 2020. The carrier's name has appeared on the front of PSG jerseys since the 2022-23 season. The airline later added PSG livery on a Boeing 777-300ER that flies to various international destinations.
• Etihad Airways and Manchester City:  Etihad Airways has sponsored Manchester City since 2009. The partnership includes the airline appearing on the front of team jerseys and the stadium being named Etihad Stadium.  Etihad also has a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with Manchester City livery used mostly for passenger flights.
• Emirates, Arsenal, and Real Madrid:  Emirates has been the official airline of Arsenal since 2004  and Real Madrid since 2011. Both agreements include  Fly Emirates  or  Emirates Fly Better  appearing on team jerseys. The Arsenal deal also consists of the team's home stadium being named Emirates Stadium. Emirates previously had Airbus A380 aircraft with Real Madrid and Arsenal liveries.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways are also the official airlines of teams and leagues across many other sports.  These airlines view sports as an effective way to help their home countries attract tourists as these nations aim to diversify their economies. For similar reasons,  Turkish Airlines , Saudia, and  Riyadh Air  are also involved in sports. 

Other Airlines and Non-Football Sports Teams

Airlines based outside the Middle East generally keep a lower profile when establishing sponsorship agreements with sports teams. Outside of examples like airline logos appearing in baseball stadiums, most fans are unlikely to know their team's official airline by simply attending a game or buying merchandise. Many teams worldwide have official airlines, especially in North America. 

These are some examples of partnerships between non-Middle Eastern carriers and sports teams:

• Avianca and the Miami Dolphins:   Avianca signed a three-year partnership agreement with the Miami Dolphins in May 2023.  The airline already has Miami International Airport (MIA) as a focus city.
• EVA Air and three MLB teams:  EVA Air is the official airline of the  San Francisco Giants , the Oakland Athletics, and the  Los Angeles Angels . The carrier serves Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) with direct flights, among other U.S. destinations.
• Starlux Airlines and the Los Angeles Dodgers:  Starlux Airlines signed a partnership agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers in April 2023 , which was later renewed in January 2024. LAX was the four-year-old carrier's only U.S. destination until the introduction of flights to SFO in December 2023.

Multiple U.S. and Canadian carriers work with sports teams in various ways, including by operating charter flights for teams to away games. The most "public" examples of this relationship are the stadiums named after carriers, including American Airlines Center in Dallas, United Center in Chicago, and  Delta Center in Salt Lake City . North American carriers are generally more focused on  handling behind-the-scenes activities for sports teams  than large-scale efforts to grow their international profiles. 

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The Olympic Exhibition Sport and Urban Cultures

Exhibitions

03 April - 31 December 2024

Information on the exhibition

101 quai Jacques Chirac

Paris 15th arrondissement (access via Bir-Hakeim metro station)

Nowadays, sports disciplines rooted in urban culture are practised all across the world. Incorporating these into the Olympic and Paralympic Games marks the dawn of a new era: an encounter and dialogue between two worlds and a shared history that is just waiting to be written.

This exhibition draws its inspiration from Riding the Olympic Wave, which was on display at the Olympic Museum in 2022-23 and created under François Gautret's artistic direction. With a view to presenting Paris as a welcoming place for urban cultures and sports, visitors can enjoy an immersive and interactive exhibition, with artwork and images from the Olympic Museum collection as well as original creations by French and international artists.

Through a combination of iconic objects, archives and special programming, it offers visitors a detailed map of the new Olympic disciplines and the urban cultures to which they are inextricably linked, thus feeding our collective consciousness. This exhibition helps to strengthen the already close link between the City of Paris and these cultures.

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Number of international tourist arrivals in France from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourism spending in France 2019-2022

International tourism expenditure in France in 2019 and 2022 (in billion euros)

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Direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Paris, France from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2022 (in billion euros)

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Direct contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Paris, France from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2022

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Paris 2019-2021, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Paris, France in 2019 and 2021, by type

Passenger traffic at Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport 2011-2022

Number of passengers at Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport from 2011 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of inbound tourist arrivals in selected European destinations 2019-2022

Number of international tourist arrivals in selected cities and destinations in Europe from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Leading European city tourism destinations 2019-2022, by number of bed nights

Leading city tourism destinations in Europe from 2019 to 2022, by number of bed nights (in millions)

Inbound and domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of tourist arrivals to Paris and the Île-de-France region 2019-2023, by type
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• Premium Statistic Leading domestic tourism markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region 2022
• Basic Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Paris 2019-2022

Number of tourist arrivals to Paris and the Île-de-France region in France from 2019 to 2023, by type (in millions)

Inbound tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris 2011-2023

Number of international tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris, France from 2011 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound tourism markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region 2022

Leading international tourism markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region in France 2022, by share of arrivals

International tourism expenditure in Paris, France from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast for 2022 (in billion euros)

Domestic tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris 2011-2023

Number of domestic tourist arrivals in hotels in Paris, France from 2011 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Leading domestic tourism markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region 2022

Leading domestic tourism markets in Paris and the Île-de-France region in France 2022, by share of arrivals

Domestic tourism expenditure in Paris, France from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2022 (in billion euros)

Accommodation

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Number of hotel rooms in Paris, France from 2019 to 2023, by hotel rating

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Number of Airbnb listings in Paris, France as of December 2023, by room type

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Most visited museums and cultural attractions in Paris 2019-2022

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Number of visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris, France from 2007 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower in Paris 2011-2023

Number of visitors to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France from 2011 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of visitors to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris 2007-2022

Number of visitors to the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France from 2007 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of visitors to the Centre Pompidou in Paris 2000-2022

Number of visitors to the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of visitors to Disneyland Paris theme park in France 2009-2022

Number of visitors to Disneyland Paris theme park in France from 2009 to 2022 (in million)

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The Olympics are nearly here. For a weary world, they can't come soon enough.

Start the countdown clock. In exactly 100 days, more than 10,000 athletes and tens of thousands of spectators will converge on Paris for the start of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games , a 16-day extravaganza that marks the first time the City of Lights has hosted the world’s pre-eminent sports festival in a century.

In keeping with the slogan for this year’s Olympics, “Games Wide Open,” the opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium setting for the first time. The plans are ambitious: a 3.5-mile boat parade along the Seine before as many as 325,000 onlookers on the river’s banks. The hundreds of athletic events — hosted by dozens of venues across Paris and other cities in metropolitan France — will likewise be open to large crowds.

In many respects, the Paris Games promise to be one of the most elaborate cultural rituals since Covid swept across the world beginning in late 2019. Health restrictions forced the organizers of Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 to sharply limit the scale of the festivities, with events largely closed to the public. Paris 2024, powered in part by pent-up demand for communal experiences, symbolizes an international post-pandemic vibe shift.

More Olympics coverage

• Power move : Break-dancing busts into the Olympics for the first time
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• Photos : See how Paris has evolved from the 1924 Summer Olympics to today
• Quiz : Swimming. Cycling. Plunge for distance? Test your knowledge of Olympic sports

But with that spirit of openness comes all-too-familiar challenges. The festivities in Europe’s most densely populated city are shadowed by security concerns . The International Olympic Committee and French officials have insisted that they are putting strict security measures in place. Yet the recent history of violence in France — including the 2015 terror attack in Paris that left 138 people dead and at least 416 injured — stalks public consciousness there.

The geopolitical backdrop for the Paris Games is no less troubling. The war between Israel and Hamas recently crossed the six-month mark, raising fears of a protracted conflict and wider regional instability. The devastation in the Gaza Strip has provoked international outrage, isolating Israel on the global stage. Meanwhile, Russia continues to gain ground in its military offensive against Ukraine as some Western nations worry about the rise of authoritarianism.

These international crises could come into play during the Games in the form of protests and other political demonstrations.

“It is certain that the international context is particularly tense today,” Tony Estanguet, president of the Games’ organizing committee, recently told Radio France . “I believe in this universal event. It’s up to us to preserve, to talk about sport and not to politicize the subject too much.”

Nevertheless, Olympics organizers are determined to put on a show that stuns the throngs assembled on the boulevards of Paris, not to mention the millions of people expected to watch the Games unfold on their televisions and mobile devices. If the surge of enthusiasm for the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift, March Madness and the solar eclipse is any guide, then audiences are craving spectacle — and the Paris Games could be just the ticket.

Going for the gold

The scale of the Paris Games is immense: nearly 40 sports and more than 300 events hosted in at least 35 venues in Paris and other cities across metropolitan France. Following two Games that were hampered by Covid protocols and other tight restrictions, Paris could resemble a colossal international party, heralded by five Olympic rings (fashioned from recycled French steel) that will be displayed on the south side of the Eiffel Tower.

“The last two Olympics certainly didn’t have the look and feel of what we expect from the Games,” said Jeremy Fuchs, a sports writer and the author of a 2021 book about the history of the Olympics. “I would expect Paris to go all out. … With fans back in the stands, we should expect one of the more raucous Games in recent memory.”

The iconic landmarks will be immediately recognizable to worldwide TV viewers. Beach volleyball players will show off their jump serves at a temporary outdoor arena at the Champ de Mars, a large public park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Equestrian and modern pentathlon competitions will take place at the Palace of Versailles , one of the emblems of French royal history. The 124-year-old Grand Palais will host fencing and taekwondo.

At least one venue that hosted events during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris will be put to use again: Stade Yves-du-Manoir, the home of the opening ceremony 100 years ago. (The stadium also hosted some of the races depicted in the Oscar-winning film “Chariots of Fire.”) This time around, the 117-year-old arena will stage field hockey competitions.

The sports themselves are sure to draw wide attention, from basketball and boxing to sailing and swimming. Breaking (also known as break dancing) is set to make its Olympics debut, and three recently introduced competitions — sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing — will be integrated into the Paris Games, too. (Karate, softball and baseball won’t be part of the lineup.)

The vast majority of events are set to unfold across France, though there is one exception. The surfing competition will take place in a village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti. Paris organizers chose to hold the surfing events on the French Polynesian island because it “offers an opportunity to engage French overseas territories and their communities in the Olympic Games — for the first time in history — while showcasing France’s rich and diverse heritage.”

Paris organizers have signaled that they are attempting to reach younger audiences by featuring sports that are “closely associated with youth and reward creativity and athletic performance.” But given that relatively few people in their teens and 20s watch traditional linear television, the IOC faces a steep climb in convincing viewers in that age bracket to tune in, according to David Goldblatt, the author of “The Games: A Global History of the Olympics.”

This year’s Games will be more widely accessible to at-home viewers thanks in part to streaming. Peacock, the streaming platform owned by NBCUniversal, plans to invest heavily in live coverage of the festivities, including a “multiview” feature that allows subscribers to watch up to four competitions at the same time.

Superstar personalities could help make the case for the Games as must-see TV. Simone Biles, the seven-time Olympic medal-winning gymnast, hopes to compete in Paris. The list of U.S. athletes who could make waves also includes swimmer Katie Ledecky as well as track-and-field sprinters Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson.

David Wallechinsky, a former president of the International Society of Olympic Historians and the author of “The Complete Book of the Olympics,” said he was most excited about the track-and-field competitions because he believes the sport has the most universal appeal — unlike, say, “swimming the 400-meter medley or participating in equestrian dressage.”

In total, more than 200 countries — known in IOC parlance as national olympic committees, or NOCs — plan to send their most elite athletes to Paris, where most will check into the Olympic Village on the banks of the Seine. Russia and Belarus were banned from the Olympics after Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022 — four days after the conclusion of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.

The final stretch

In recent months, preparations for the Games have arguably been overshadowed by the grinding realities of war and humanitarian disaster. Paris 2024 is just the latest in a long line of Olympic Games that have taken place against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, according to Wallechinsky, who pointed to several key examples.

The 1936 Summer Olympics were hosted by Berlin and opened by Adolf Hitler three years before the outbreak of World War II. Twenty-nine countries boycotted the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal to protest the fact that New Zealand’s rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa. The massacre of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches by Palestinian members of the Black September terrorist organization cast a pall over the 1972 Summer Games in Munich and underscored the violent tensions that are often inseparable from the athletic competitions at the heart of the Olympics.

In the Cold War era, the U.S. led a boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and the former Soviet Union sat out the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

In the lead-up to the Paris Games, France announced it would deploy 45,000 police, military officers and army troops across the country. The country has requested reinforcements from 46 foreign partners — a “classic approach adopted by host countries when organizing major international events,” the Interior Ministry has said. Everyone involved in the Games — security officials, building workers, volunteers — will be put through background checks, too.

French government officials also decided to cap the number of people allowed to watch the opening ceremony at 325,000. Two years ago, organizers had proposed making the July 26 opening festivities accessible to as many as 600,000 people, a grand gathering that would span 6 kilometers (roughly 3.7 miles), stretching from the east of Paris to the Trocadéro.

In response to a request for comment on the security fears, an IOC spokesperson said French authorities had informed the committee that “they have been working for a couple of years under the assumption that the highest security measures will be required.” The spokesperson said that, per usual practices, “there is also very close international cooperation.”

“Based on this and the regular reports the IOC receives from them, we have full confidence in the French authorities and their strong collaboration with their international partners,” the spokesperson added.

In the run-up to the opening ceremony, organizers are also confronting markedly less existential issues — including high levels of “pollution of fecal origin” and other bacteria in the Seine , an environmental headache that might force officials to nix the triathlon swimming section.

“We are working hard on it. You know it’s one of the bigger challenges,” Estanguet told reporters this month.

In the end, though, spectators around the world will likely be focused on the pageantry and competition, savoring the first full-fledged Olympic Games in more than half a decade.

Disclosure: NBC News parent company NBCUniversal owns NBC Sports and NBC Olympics. NBC Olympics is the U.S. broadcast rights holder to all Summer and Winter Games through 2032.

Daniel Arkin is a national reporter at NBC News.

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The Development Trend of the Sports Industry in France

• Overview of changes in the lives of French people in the post-epidemic era
• An overview of the impact of the post-epidemic era on the French sports goods market
• Sports goods popular in France in the post-epidemic era
• Opportunities and transformation suggestions for Taiwan's sports goods industry in the post-epidemic era

As the COVID-19 epidemic spread around the world, the e-commerce penetration rate during the closure of France in 2020 rose from 86.1% to 88.7%, a record high. Online sports teaching courses are popular, and people are turning to buying dumbbells, yoga mats or stretch bands, etc., to exercise at home. In addition, to avoid close contact by taking public transportation, the number of people who switched to using bicycles, electric bicycles, or scooters as transportation also increased. The Paris government has also planned many bicycle lanes to cope with the growing number of bicycle users. It can be expected that the demand for buying bicycles or bicycle repairs will continue to increase.

Overview of changes in the lives of French people in the post-epidemic era:

• France has a population of 67 million, and about 30 million exercise regularly at least once a week. Among them are 14.5 million women whose favorite sports are hiking, cycling, swimming, bodybuilding, track and field, and yoga.
• After the implementation of the first wave of city closures, people in France were not allowed to go out. Family members stayed at home longer, so parents and children had a lot of time together and began to play various puzzle games, and exercise together.

An overview of the impact of the post-epidemic era on the French sports goods market:

• After the implementation of the first wave of the epidemic, the French government announced the "Bicycle Project", encouraging French people to use bicycles as a means of transportation. In May 2020, the plan was expanded to triple the use of bicycles and increase the number of bicycle users. 70,000 old bicycles were repaired in France within 20 days, with each repair cost being about 60 Euros. The French government hopes to train 500 bicycle mechanics every year and award certificates.
• Another important plan of the French government is to designate temporary bicycle lanes. Technical support will be provided by the "Risk, Environment, Mobile and Renewal Design Center" (CEREMA) to provide technical specifications and encourage provincial and county governments and their subordinates to allocate funds to this program. Total investment in this green project is expected to be as high as 1 billion euros.

Sports goods popular in France in the post-epidemic era:

• Bicycle: In 2020, the value of bicycle sales increased by 10%, reaching 2.329 billion euros, and the sales volume reached 2.65 million. Examining the evolution of sales in the past 3 years, the trend is to reduce sales by 2%, but the overall sales value of bicycles continues to grow. In the bicycle sales market, not only did urban bicycles fell by 5%, and cross-country bicycles declined by 10%, but road racing bicycles increased by 9%, and electric bicycles became a hot-selling product with a substantial increase of 12% (388,000 units sold, accounting for 15% of bicycle sales, total sales of 677 million euros, a growth rate of 23%). The average selling price of electric bicycles is 1,749 Euros, which is the main product in the current bicycle market, accounting for 45% of the market rate. The electric bicycle market has only developed in recent years. Most people only use it as a tool for daily movement, but now it has slowly entered the world of sports bicycles, and the market has begun to grow. With the greater the efficiency, lighter weight, and longer endurance of bicycle motors, electric bicycles have attracted countless off-road bike enthusiasts. French people have also changed their buying mentality. They have begun to focus on quality and sustainability. The average selling price of bicycles has also increased due to the improvement of bicycle quality, rising from 364 Euros in 2018 to 566 Euros in 2019. Sales channels have not changed much. Chain retail stores account for 55% of sales, sports goods stores 33%, and e-commerce website sales 9%. At the beginning of 2020, bicycle sales in France increased significantly by 20% due to a transportation strike. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 suddenly cut off the momentum of development and 2,400 bicycle shops fell into the abyss overnight. The French Sports and Cycling Association made a preliminary assessment of the public crisis in the first half of the year. Later France lifted the closures on the city and implemented social distancing safety regulations. Municipal governments have designated special bicycle lanes and the central government has offered subsidies for electric bicycles to promote the bicycle market.
• Golf: Many large-scale sports events in France have been canceled due to the epidemic. Members of the French Golf Association are operating about 700 golf clubs in all regions of the country, and about 100 small courses in city centers remain open. It is one of the few sports allowed under COVID -19 restrictions. After nearly three months of lockdown, nearly all golfers were eager to return to the courses and breathe fresh air. Although golf courses have benefited from the lifting of the ban and the return of customers and new members, the golf industry is still inevitably suffering economic losses.
• Road running supplies: Hiking is the sports activity of walking or running in nature. Running and walking are some of the most important activities for French people. 40% of French people enjoy ocassional running or hiking. In the past 5 years, 35% of French people have been hiking, because the vast majority of French people like to exercise in nature. Hiking activities do not require special equipment and can be done individually. Combined with the rich natural resources all over France, there are many world-renowned walking and hiking routes, which promote the development of hiking, tourism, and sports in France.

Opportunities and transformation suggestions for Taiwan's sports goods industry in the post-epidemic era:

• In response to the epidemic, the French government adopted the closure of public places such as gymnasiums and indoor sports buildings to prevent the epidemic from spreading. This increased the popularity of online sports teaching courses. People started buying dumbbells, yoga mats or elastic exercise straps, etc. More and more people join online sports courses. Some gyms have moved the outdoors, and promoted individual classes such as boxing, which have led to an increase in the sales of various home sports products.
• To avoid close contact while taking public transportation, the number of people who use bicycles, electric bicycles, or scooters as transportation methods has also increased. The Paris city government has also temporarily planned many bicycle lanes in recent days to cope with the continuous growth. It is expected that the demand for buying bicycles or bicycle repairs will continue to increase.
• The Paris Bicycle Professional Exhibition (Pro day) was held in September 2020 to provide bicycle professionals the opportunity to display and purchase. The 2020 exhibition period was from September 20 to 22. Although it was affected by the epidemic, there were still 130 exhibitors exhibiting 400 brands. More than 1,800 bicycles were exhibited, and 3,200 professional buyers visited.
• The French Maritime Ship Show is the largest indoor ship exhibition in France. It showcases various sailing boats and jet skis, water sports, navigation equipment, the latest technology, boat rental services, tourism, and fishing. The 9-day exhibition in 2019 attracted a total of 150,000 professionals and more than 800 exhibitors from 25 countries.
• Sports & Equipment
• Home Fitness
• Electric Bicycle (ebike)
• The COVID-19

Further reading

• Worldwide Bicycle and Electric Bicycle Market Overview
• Global Market of Electric Bicycle
• What are the Core Devices and Market Challenges of Electric Bicycles?
• Precautions for Electric Bicycles
• 4.2 Trillion Dollars of Sports Business Opportunities Broke Out After The Epidemic
• What are the Business Opportunities for "Home" Sports Under the Epidemic?
• The Global Industrial Supply Chain is Being Restructured
• The Future Development Trend of the Bicycle Industry
• What is the Future of the Bicycle Industry?
• Trends of the Fitness Equipment Industry for the Next Decades
• The Rising Popularity of Cargo Bikes
• Future Trends and Strategies of the Medical Equipment Industry

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9 Places to See the Summer Olympics Without Setting Foot in Paris

You may have trouble finding accommodations or tickets to events in Paris, but other destinations around France are hosting sports like soccer, sailing, basketball and surfing.

By Sophie Stuber

For sports fans, Paris will be the center of the universe this summer — and with 15 million Olympic and Paralympic visitors expected, it will feel like it, with crowds and high prices. But Paris isn’t the only Olympic site in France: Nine destinations outside the metro region are also hosting events, giving travelers a way to catch some action without getting caught up in the crush.

In places like Bordeaux, Marseille and even Tahiti, you can watch top athletes compete in soccer, basketball, sailing and surfing. (Tickets have been added in batches, so if the ones you want aren’t available, keep checking the ticketing site, tickets.Paris2024.org . If all else fails, the official resale platform opens on May 15 .)

And when you’re not watching sports, you can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and fresh food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant.

Here are some ideas for planning your own alternative Olympic trip.

Basketball: July 27 to Aug. 4; tickets from 50 euros ($54).

Handball: Aug. 6 to 11, tickets from €45.

Start with a stroll around Vieux-Lille and a coffee in the Grande Place, taking in the colorful facades of this city near the Belgian border. Head over to the St.-Sauveur area to see the Art Deco belfry and exhibitions at Gare St.-Sauveur , a former train station. On Sundays, at the rambling Wazemmes market , about 400 vendors offer produce, fish, plants, fabrics, textiles and leather goods. Head out to Parc du Héron , east of the city, to see the LaM museum (€7), with works by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani and Joan Miró. Lille is better known for beer than for wine, and the Brasserie Gobrecht offers brewery tours every Saturday (reservations recommended).

Where to stay: Hotel de la Paix (€354 per night); Hotel Carlton (€406).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 2; tickets from €24.

Capital of a region best known for its wine, this small southwestern city sells local wine-walk maps at its tourist office. Stop by the Marché des Capucins , a local indoor market that also houses Bistro Poulette , a slightly chaotic and very delicious spot serving moules-frites, or mussels with fries. In the afternoon, check out the Bassins des Lumières (€15), the largest digital art center in the world, and the Cité du Vin (€21), which offers wine-tasting experiences. To wind down in a quiet wine bar, try Yarra , or for a cocktail, Symbiose . If you have time for side trips, spend a day in St.-Emilion, about 27 miles away, where you can sample great wines. Or check out the nearly 340-foot-high Dune du Pilat , the tallest sand dune in Europe — about 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux, near the beach town of Arcachon.

To stay: Les Chambres de Marie (€170); La Maison Galiène (€259); Yndo Hotel (€355); Le Palais Gallien Hôtel & Spa (€419).

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

The street signs in Nantes are in both Breton and French, reflecting the city’s historical ties to Brittany. Start at Talensac Market for picnic supplies, especially radishes, local cheeses and strawberries. Pick up local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais (almond poundcake) and Far Breton (flan with Armanac-soaked prunes). Take your picnic lunch to the courtyard of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne , a medieval castle and museum (courtyard is free; museum is €9). On the Île de Nantes, a former shipyard has been transformed into a wild mechanical theme park. The Machines de l’Île mixes Jules Verne’s stories with Leonardo da Vinci’s designs in the form of a ridable mechanical elephant and sea creatures (€9.50 for the elephant ride or gallery visit). The Mémorial de l’Abolition de l’Esclavage (free) covers Nantes’s history as the most active slave-trading port in 18th-century France. The artists behind the glass-and-concrete memorial, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Julian Bonder , aimed to create “a metaphorical and emotional reminder of the primarily historical, but also very current, struggle for the abolition of slavery.”

To stay: Hotel Voltaire Opéra (€103); Hotel de la Cité (€120).

Châteauroux

Shooting: July 27 to Aug. 5; tickets from €24.

The small city not far from the Loire Valley is named for Château Raoul , the 10th-century castle that’s now part of a local official’s private residence. The best view of the château is from the Gütersloh Bridge. Follow the “coulée verte” — or green corridor — along the banks of the Indre River, stopping by Parc de Belle-Isle , which has a lake for swimming, with kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to rent, as well as a beach, playgrounds and camping. The Franciscan Cordeliers Convent (free), which dates to the 13th century, today offers contemporary art exhibits and miles of gardens, and the Bertrand Museum (free), a former 18th-century townhouse, showcases diverse collections in each of its 26 rooms, including the plaster original of the Camille Claudel sculpture “Sakuntala.”

To stay: Au Lys Blanc (€138); Les Rives du Château (€210 for a two-bedroom apartment).

Lyon and St.-Étienne

Soccer: Lyon, July 24 to Aug. 9; tickets from €24. St.-Étienne, July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

It will be easy to catch soccer matches in either Lyon or St.-Étienne, only an hour apart by train or car in east-central France. In Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, visit the majestic Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica , then savor an ice cream at La Fabrique Givrée . Explore the city’s network of covered passageways, called traboules — originally for workers to transport textiles and later used during World War II by the French Resistance for clandestine meetings. Then climb up to the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse neighborhood, with its tiny streets, shops and views of Lyon below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc. The Lugdunum museum (€7) and the nearby Roman theater (€4) take visitors back to 43 B.C., when Lyon was known as Lugdunum, and La Maison des Canuts (€9.50), covers the city’s history as a capital of silk.

Between Lyon and St.-Étienne, Pilat Regional Natural Park offers more than 900 miles of rocky terrain for hiking and biking, culminating at the summit of 4,700-foot Crêt de la Perdrix , with views of the Alps and Massif Central range.

St.-Étienne, about 40 miles southwest of Lyon, is transforming its historical industrial identity into one of design and innovation. At the heart is the Cité du Design (€4.50), the former site of a weapons factory, which has served as a center for art and research since 2010. The complex, now a key economic force in the city, is open to the public year-round and hosts art and design exhibitions.

To stay in Lyon: Fourvière Hotel (€189); Hôtel du Théâtre (€323).

To stay in St.-Étienne: Le Parc 42 (€113); Le Golf Sauna (€269).

Sailing (including windsurfing, kitesurfing and more): July 28 to Aug. 8; tickets from €24.

Soccer: July 24 to Aug. 6; tickets from €24.

This Mediterranean port city mixes urban grit and natural beauty. Start by visiting Le Panier, the village-like oldest part of the city. Try navettes , a traditional orange flower biscuit, and sample some sardines or panisses , traditional chickpea fries, on a sunny terrace. Detour through the touristy but pleasant Old Port on the way to Mucem (€11), the first major museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilization and cultures. Have a pick-me-up at Deep Coffee Roasters , a specialty roaster tucked away between touristy shops. At sunset, climb up to Cours Julien , a hip neighborhood with beautiful views for your apéro. Don’t miss the Cité Radieuse , a UNESCO-listed apartment complex that shows off the architect Le Corbusier’s Modernist mastery (you can stay at the hotel in it). And just southeast of the city, the Calanques , a series of small, narrow coves , offer miles of oceanside trails and rocky scrambles along turquoise water.

To stay: Hotel Le Corbusier (€229); Maison Juste (€300).

Soccer: July 24 to 31; tickets from €24.

Summer is peak season in Nice, the queen city of the French Riviera, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. Run, bike or in-line skate along the Promenade des Anglais , a four-mile seaside path. Then climb up to the Colline du Château , a rocky hill east of the promenade with views of Nice and even as far as the Alps. For a longer walk, follow the trails from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice along the coves. Then head to Cours Saleya , a pedestrian section of the Old Town, with flower stands, antiques and local food like the socca , a chickpea pancake. The Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata (€5), constructed on top of an excavation site, reveals what Nice was like up to 400,000 years ago. Or just enjoy one of Nice’s pebbled beaches in a lounge chair.

To stay: Hôtel Rossetti (€186); Yelo Mozart (€238).

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Surfing: July 27 to 31 ( events could shift through Aug. 4, depending on surf conditions); fan zones free.

For surfing’s second Olympics since its debut in Tokyo, the competition takes place far from mainland France in Tahiti, part of French Polynesia. Since the wave is offshore, there will be two ticket-free fan zones — Taharu’u Beach and Paofai Gardens — to watch the events on large screens. A third fan zone at PK0 beach in Teahupo’o will have free tickets but limited access. Tahiti offers white sands and turquoise lagoons in addition to near-perfect waves. For snorkeling, try the lagoon near Maui Beach , five miles from Teahupo’o. For black volcanic sands, head to Taharu’u Beach, about 20 miles northwest of Teahupo’o. About 45 miles from Teahupo’o, Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 26,000, offers a variety of local delicacies like poisson cru: raw fish with lime juice and coconut milk, served with rice. Sample local fare, including steak frites and skewered veal heart, from food trucks, called roulettes, at Place Vai’ete, on the waterfront, near the Papeete Market.

To stay: Kia Ora Lodge (€265, seven miles from Teahupo’o); Punatea Village (€73, six miles from Teahupo’o).

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .