Paralympics 2024

Your Ultimate Guide to the Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games 2024 is a world-class event that will be taking part in France from August 28 to September 8. Both athletes and spectators will be treated to highly competitive events that showcase skills and dedication to sports. It's also a great opportunity to promote inclusivity when it comes to sports and disability.

Where it used to be that the Paralympic games didn't always attract the same attention as the Olympic games, times have changed and these events have grown more popular. The National Paralympic committees have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are the most successful yet.

The competition schedule has been released and is jam-packed with medals awarded daily. This helps add to the overall excitement for both the athletes and those in attendance.

Olympic Games 2024 Tips and Event Guide

Paralympic sports are incredibly exciting and competitive, and for that reason, spectators often end up getting tickets for multiple events. If you're planning a holiday during the Paralympic games, there is some important information to be aware of to ensure your vacation is a success.

Here are a few quick stats regarding the summer Paralympic games.

• 20 competition venues
• 23 sports (no new sports)
• The newest sport is badminton, as it made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo
• 10 days of para-track
• 10 days of para-swimming
• 549 events on the world stage
• 4,400 athletes will be competing in medal events
• 3.4 million spectators expected
• Daily medal award ceremonies
• A spectacular opening ceremony

The Buzz Is Already Happening Around the Opening Ceremony in France

The opening ceremony is always a big part of the games and an event all in itself. The Paralympic committee is thinking big, which means you can expect some eye-popping spectacles. The ceremonies are set to happen at the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées on August 28, 2024.

Extending Your Stay Could Be Smart During the Paralympic Games

Finding the perfect balance between watching the athletes compete in your favorite Olympic sports and sightseeing can be tricky, but it will be worth the effort. Whether you tack on a few extra days before the Paris 2024 Paralympic games or after, you'll be glad you did so.

Tips for First-Time Paralympic Games Spectators

If it's your first time visiting Paris it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what to do and see outside of the games themselves. Creating an itinerary or calendar of events for yourself will help to keep you organized.

One expert travel tip is to prioritize your "must-do" and "must-see" lists. Chances are you won't get to everything, so prioritizing what you want to see and do means you won't go home disappointed.

With it being an Olympic and Paralympic year, you can also expect much larger than normal crowds. This will affect where you stay and what you plan to do and see outside of the games themselves. Lineups that may move quickly during other times of the year won't be the case during the Paris 2024 events. Even making reservations can be difficult with para-athletes, various contingencies, and spectators in the city.

Here we've broken down a few top things to do and see while Paris plays host to the Paralympic games.

Eiffel Tower

Sure it may seem a bit cliche, but one cannot visit Paris without a trip to the Eiffel Tower. It is a famed landmark for a reason, and it happens to be one of the most visited paid attractions in all of Europe.

Arc de Triomphe

This landmark is arguably almost as well known as the Eiffel Tower is, and once again should not be missed. It was built to honor all the soldiers who fought and perished throughout the entirety of the Napoleonic wars and the French Revolution.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Even if you aren't able to go inside the Cathedral, the exterior is still a spectacular sight.

Museums

It's not just one, rather it's many museums that are located in Paris. The top ones to visit include the Louvre Museum, Petit Palais, Musée Picasso Paris, Musée de l'Orangerie, and Musée d'Orsay.

If you plan on visiting multiple museums, the Paris Museum Pass is a great purchase. You can choose a two, four, or six-day museum pass and it is valid at more than 50 museums and monuments throughout Paris and the surrounding regions. Be mindful that some museums will have mandatory reservations required.

Shopping

We also recommend you leave yourself time and money in your budget for some shopping in the host city. Paris is home to several high-end fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, and Hermès. These can all be found in "The Golden Triangle", which is in the 8th arrondissement.

Other shopping districts in Paris include:

• Haussmann-Opéra- Saint-Lazare, which is the historic shopping district
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Sèvres Babylone / Rue de Rennes, ideal for clothing/fashion and food options
• Martyrs–Pigalle, perfect for Bohemian fashion finds

Dining

Paris has quite the reputation and history where food is concerned. And while there are tons of restaurants to choose from, again the crowds will be large during the Paralympic games. Travel-savvy tourists may want to designate lunch as their main meal of the day so they can avoid the traditional dinner rush.

One key tip is to give yourself some flexibility. Paris is a big city packed full of exciting things, stunning architecture, and a deep history. It's impossible to do and see it all, so don't put those expectations on yourself. This is especially true for first-time visitors to Paris. Let it be your introduction, you can always return for another holiday.

What's the Best Way to Get Around During the Paralympic Games?

With such large crowds expected for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, public transportation will be the best way to get around. The city will be increasing service throughout the summer to accommodate the crowds. Worth noting, public transportation costs will increase during the Olympics and Paralympics. This is to allow for extra service during the entirety of the Olympics programme.

Paris is a highly walkable city, so be sure to study the map and choose attractions nearby each other. This will save you travel time, allowing you to pack more into your itinerary.

Another way to explore during the Paris 2024 games is by renting a city bike. You'll find rental stations located throughout the city. As long as the weather is agreeable, which it usually is during summer, biking can be a more relaxing way to explore.

An expert travel tip is to also do as much as possible early in the day while the crowds are a little thinner and the lines are shorter.

Bag Policy During the Paralympic Games - How Bounce Can Help

If you've got tickets for one or more events during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games then there is another important consideration you need to be aware of. Chances are you'll want to bring a bag, knapsack, or some other piece of luggage along with you during the day. Each venue during the summer Paralympics will have bag policies and regulations.

A simple solution is needed, and there is one available to you.

Bounce Offers a Simple Solution During the Summer Paralympics

Bounce can be perfect for spectators who want a short-term luggage solution while attending the games and even exploring the city. Bounce has paired up with storage partners in more than 2,000 cities around the world, with Paris being one of them. Bounce has partnered with local boutique hotels, businesses, restaurants, shops, and more to ensure you've got a convenient and secure luggage storage option.

All you need to do is download the Bounce app and you'll have instant access to storage partners in the city of Paris. You can take advantage of a 24-hour flat rate and book it directly through the app. Your bags or luggage will then be stored in a secure area within that partner's business. It's always kept away from customers since it is a separate area.

If you're trying to pick a location near events you will be attending, here are some of the various Paralympic games venues:

Summer Paralympics Venues - Paris and Ile de France

• North Paris Arena - sitting volleyball
• Clichy-sous-Bois - para-cycling
• Vaires-sur-MarneNautical Stadium - para-rowing, para-canoe
• La Courneuve - para track and athletics
• Stade de France - para track athletics
• Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre - para-swimming
• Château de Versailles - para-equestrian
• Eiffel Tower Stadium - blind football
• Roland-Garros Stadium - Phillippe Chatrier - wheelchair tennis
• Roland-Garros Stadium - Suzanne Lenglen - wheelchair tennis
• Champ-de-Mars Arena - wheelchair rugby

Paralympic Games Venues - Chateau roux

• The CNTS shooting range in Châteauroux - para shooting

There are officially 20 Paralympic Games venues located in the city of Paris. You can view the complete rundown and schedule on the official Paralympic Games website.

City Guides for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

While there is no shortage of sights and activities in Paris, there are also surrounding towns and cities that may interest you. They feature their list of attractions that shouldn't be missed.

Here's a closer look at some of the nearby cities to explore while Paris is hosting the games.

Les Yvelines

For those unfamiliar with Yvelines, it is a city that can be found in Ile-de-France. What makes it so special is the number of attractions found there and the history.

Some of the most popular attractions in Yvelines include the Hall of Mirrors, the Palace of Versailles, and the surrounding Gardens of Versailles. This is the kind of destination you want to be sure you've got a camera handy.

Hauts de Seine

Also located in Ile-de-France is Hauts-de-Seine. The area is packed full of sightseeing, arts and culture, dining, shops, and entertainment.

Because it is such a bustling area, you may want to book a full-day or half-day tour. This is a great way to ensure you see all the top highlights. Walking and biking tours are especially popular. These tours also tend to be themed such as a foodie theme, art history, architecture, hidden gems, and so forth.

Seine-et-Marne

What makes Seine-et-Marne so special is the feeling you get when exploring the area. Tourists often call it "quaint", "picturesque", and "magical", yet it's also a hot and bustling area.

The list of attractions is long, but topping that list is often Disneyland Paris. Yes, if you're a Disney fan or just a fan of amusement parks in general, this is your chance to experience Disneyland Paris. It's also home to châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, Vallée Village Outlet Mall packed full of great bargains and deals, guided tours, self-guided tours, and much more.

Saint-Denis

Finally but certainly not least on our list of must-see hot spots while visiting during the Paris 2014 Paralympic Games is Saint-Denis. There's no shortage of French charm and history here, but there are also some unique features.

If you appreciate a good flea market, be sure to visit the Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market which is well knonw. There is also the Basilica of Saint-Denis, Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Saint-Denis, Marques Avenue L'Île Saint-Denis, and more.

Come Out and Be Part of Olympic History During the Paralympic Games

The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 are shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. With the skyline and architecture acting as the backdrop to the summer Paralympics, and a city that is promising to be booming with activity and recording breaking events, you don't want to miss out.

In terms of world championships, nothing compares to the energy, excitement, and pride that the Paris Olympics and Paralympics will offer no matter which teams you're rooting for. These athletes have overcome all hurdles to ensure they qualify for the events and make their dreams of winning a reality.