The Paris Olympics are almost officially under way – but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plan a trip.
If you are kicking yourself for not bagging tickets when they first went on sale, all is not lost.
There are still ways you can get to Paris to see the Games.
Sky News talks to a travel expert to bring you all you need to know about securing your last-minute trip.
Can I still get tickets for the Olympics?
Yes, thousands of tickets are still available for the Games on the official ticketing website.
There were also more than a quarter of a million unwanted tickets on the official resale website three days out from Friday’s opening ceremony, according to analysis by the Financial Times.
The first sale involved a lottery and timeslots to buy packs of tickets for events, but in the final stretch of ticket sales, things are a lot simpler.
Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you can see the availability for different events in real time on the website.
While a lot of the final tickets on sale are pretty pricey, there is still the chance to bag a bargain – with some football tickets available for as little as €15.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are ticket and hospitality packages available that will set you back hundreds of euros.
The Olympics website also says tickets for events will go on sale daily until the end of the Games, so it’s worth checking back if your favourite sport was sold out previously.
What about the Paralympics?
The Paralympic Games will take place from 28 August to 8 September and there are still tickets available from €15.
The booking works the same as for the Olympics – first-come, first-served, with the remaining tickets now available on the website.
Avoid the scammers
Don’t get caught out by scammers – make sure you only buy tickets through the official Paris 2024 ticketing website.
Since March 2023, 338 fraudulent ticket sites have been identified by French police, 51 of which have been closed and 140 have been served with formal notices.
It’s not too late to book – but don’t wait
While the start of the Games is fast approaching, it’s not too late to plan a trip – but you should “get booking ASAP”, Jessica Dante, travel expert at Love and London, tells Sky News.
The Eurostar is not as “wildly priced” as you might expect, she says, with return fares available for the first week of the Games for under £200 – and the same is true of budget airlines.
Tips for booking accommodation
There is still “decent availability” for hotels, Ms Dante says – and even some popular spots still have rooms available.
When you’re thinking about location, take into account whether you’re willing to pay more for your room to avoid hiked up transport costs, she adds.
The price of metro tickets will almost double during the Games, from €2.10 (£1.80) to €4 (£3.40) and trains will be “very busy”.
“Alternatively, if you don’t want to be in the craziness, you could choose to stay in one of the outer arrondissements, as they will not be affected by the events for the most part.”
She advises using price comparison websites and considering flexible travel dates to find cheaper options.
“In addition, always read reviews and choose accommodations with high ratings.”
She has a final tip for deal-seekers: “Don’t forget that last minute changes to people’s plan do occur, so consider checking for any cancellations at the most popular hotels, as sometimes availability at a lower rate can land you a favourable deal.”
What about staying in another town?
Staying in another town entirely and travelling to Paris for events is one option.
But you should consider the pros and cons carefully, Ms Dante says.
While the accommodation may be cheaper, trains into Paris are likely to be crowded, Ms Dante says.
“You do have to kind of balance that and just be prepared that you might have some difficulty.”
Train strikes could be called during the Olympics. Pic: AP
Read more:
Paris 2024 Olympics: Everything you need to know
Things you’ll see for the first time at the Paris Olympics
Can you go to the Olympics and avoid Paris entirely?
The Games may be headlined as Paris 2024, but there are events taking place across the country – and the surfing is even in Tahiti.
The cities of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes and Marseille will host events.
The Olympic ticketing site allows you to filter available events by location, so if you are keen to give Paris a miss you can seek out what is happening in other places.
“They’re going to be a little bit less popular than stuff that’s right in the centre of Paris, so I think that’s a really good option,” Ms Dante says.
Consider the Paralympics
The Paralympics often gets overshadowed by the Olympics, but it’s a great option if you want to experience the Games, Ms Dante says.
“It’s going to be a little bit less crowded, the pricing will be better, probably a little bit more of a relaxed experience.”
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Is it worth going to Paris if you don’t have tickets to the Games?
Maybe there are no tickets left in your price range, or your favourite event is sold out – is it worth planning a trip to Paris anyway?
“Definitely,” according to Ms Dante. “This whole summer it’s going to be really buzzy there.”
A lot of locals will leave the city, she says. It’s French tradition in the summer, but the exodus is likely to be even bigger this year as Parisians flee the crowds – meaning some areas could end up being quieter than normal.
Attractions away from the main Olympic sites could also be quieter than normal, she says.
How to make the most of your trip
If you are keen to combine cultural activities with sporting ones, consider booking a guided tour to big attractions, Ms Dante advises.
That way, you have got your ticket secured and the tour guides will be up to speed on any road closures or access changes that could make your visit more tricky.
Also keep in mind that there will be a lot of security measures in place and getting around the city will take longer than normal.
