Is there anything more romantic than a summer holiday in Paris? Think of the breathtaking views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, the romantic Seine River… The long, sunny days in Paris are perfect to take a stroll around Montmartre or to share a baguette au fromage on the Camp du Mars at sunset. But Paris is not only about love, art, culture and great food: in Summer 2024, sports will take all the spotlight in the city, since Paris will be host of the 2024 Olympics.
According to the Associated Press, the Paris area is expected to be visited by 15.9 million people during the July-September period, when the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held. Many events are already sold out, and bookings for flights and accommodations are well underway. If you are thinking of going to the Olympics, you should start making plans now. And that’s where we might come in handy: we have consulted NH Hotels, one of the largest and most important hotel companies in the world, to prepare this complete guide to learn everything you need to know about Paris before traveling to the city.
There are two international airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle and Orly, but Charles de Gaulle, located northeast of the city, is the largest and receives the majority of international flights, connecting Paris to cities around the world. Americans can fly to Paris from several cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Ángeles or Miami.
Direct flights from those airports take around 7 to 11 hours, depending on the point of departure. Once at Charles de Gaulle airport, travelers can opt for a variety of public transportation options such as the RER train, buses, cabs or private car services, to reach their final destination in Paris.
In terms of entry requirements, U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to enter France or the Schengen area. However, it is essential to have a valid passport whose expiration date is at least three months after the intended date of departure from Paris -or any other Schengen country, if you plan to extend your trip to other European countries after visiting Paris.
During the 2024 Olympic Games, it is crucial to choose a location that provides both comfort and easy access to the Olympic venues, and also to the city's many cultural attractions. Fortunately, the NH Hotel Group has recently opened three new hotels in Paris that meet these requirements.
The NH Paris Opéra Faubourg, which is located in a centric area full of theaters, stores and restaurants, is perfect for those looking to embrace the majestic culture and vibrant nightlife of the city. The NH Paris Champs Elysées, on the other hand, is perfect for those who love luxury and glamour. Finally, the NH Paris Gare de l'Est is strategically located near a major railway station, providing easy access to other parts of France and neighboring countries.
All three hotels stand out for their comfort and modern design, but also for their proximity to the main tourist attractions of the city, ensuring a memorable experience for all who will be visiting during the Olympic Games.
In Paris, visitors can take advantage of several travel passes designed to facilitate access to an extensive public transportation network, including the metro, buses and RER trains. The most popular is the Paris Visite Travel Pass, a ticket that offers unlimited travel within certain areas of the city and is available for periods ranging from 1 to 5 days. This travel pass is not only convenient for getting around the city, but it also offers discounts at some tourist attractions.
Paris is a huge city full of historical landmarks, breathtaking architecture and world-class museums. Taking a free walking tour around Paris is a good way to get an overview of what the city has to offer, and afterwards you can decide what to visit more carefully depending on what has sparked your curiosity. Whatever you choose, you shouldn’t miss the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars; the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Sainte Chapelle; the Luxembourg Gardens and Montmartre quartier; and the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum.
Last, but not least, food recommendations. Talking about food places in Paris would take an entire article, but let’s try and sum up what our experts have recommended for you. If you want to have a fancy, romantic dinner near the Seine river, you need to go to Chez Julien. However, if you travel with family, the best option is the Au Pied du Cochon brasserie, for a more kids-friendly (but still very French) meal.
Traditional cuisine will easily be found in Boullion Chartier, a charming restaurant that still has the same 20th century decorations; and also in Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris. If you are into wine, you will enjoy Pain Vin Fromages, which delivers precisely what the name promises: delicious french bread, cheese and wine. Finally, you can’t leave Paris without trying a good crêpe, and the best place to do so is Crêperie Beaubourg.
