Essential Travel Tips for Indian Visitors to the Olympics 2024

Paris Olympics 2024 has made France the most popular summer destination in Europe, enticing tourists to spend their vacation there. From July 26 to August 11, 2024, the City of Lights will be packed with athletes and tourists, making summer in Paris a hectic event. However, before flying to Paris this summer, you should be aware of certain important things that will help your trip to this area of Europe go smoothly.

While you may expect more people during this time, Paris is a city full of arts, culture, history, natural beauty, and world-class shopping. From the renowned Champs-Élysées to the romantic Eiffel Tower and exquisite French cuisine, Paris offers activities and sites that should be at the top of your to-do list. This article covers all of the key measures that any Indian visitor should take before travelling to France.

Essential Travel Tips for Indian Visitors to the Olympics 2024

Image Source: Twitter

VISA Rules

According to the instructions, Indian citizens must apply for a transit visa to France if they are travelling through the international zone of a French airport to a location outside of a Schengen region.

Indian citizens must get an ATV (Airport Transit Visa) before entering France. This visa allows you to visit the France International Airport.

COVID-19 Restrictions

Travellers to France can obtain a list of Covid laws that apply to them on the official website of the French Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories. These regulations are subject to change, so please check the page frequently.

Temporary shutdown of tourist attractions in Paris

Several prominent landmarks in Paris are being transformed into sports venues for the games. If you visit the Olympics in 2024, you will be able to view these attractions, but not in their full grandeur. Tourists should review the list below and take note of which Parisian attractions will be temporarily closed to the public.

Esplanade des Invalides: This popular sunbathing lawn along the Seine will be designated for archery.

Pont Alexandre III: This stunning bridge, connecting the Eiffel Tower to the Champs-Élysées, will be the finish line for individual cycling time trials, the swimming marathon, triathlon, and Para triathlon.

Champ de Mars: The splendid lawns in front of the Eiffel Tower will be transformed into the Eiffel Tower Stadium, hosting beach volleyball and blind football events.

Grand Palais: The historic exhibition hall will host Olympic events such as fencing and taekwondo.

Place de la Concorde: This renowned and expansive public square will be the venue for BMX freestyle, skateboarding, breaking, and 3X3 basketball.

Palace of Versailles: The former home of numerous illustrious French monarchs will serve as the location for equestrian and modern pentathlon events.

Hotel de Ville de Paris: The French City Hall will mark the starting point of the marathon.

Trocadéro Square: This picturesque garden, famous for its views of the Eiffel Tower, will be closed.

Public transport strikes, shutdowns and delays in Paris

Image Source: Twitter

During the summer, road closures and strikes are expected in Paris and other regions of Europe, making it difficult to move about the city.

Unions that represent the people who work on Paris' public transport systems, including the Métro, trams, and buses, have threatened to go on strike during the Olympics and have already gone on many strikes. They are asking for additional compensation and assistance on the labour they will be performing on the games.

In addition, a few tram stops and metro stations will close to oversee the Paris Olympics. There will be obstacles and difficulties getting around the city as a result of the closure of several bridges that span the lovely Seine River. Riverboat excursions will go on for a further seven days before the grand opening.

Metro stations in Paris scheduled for temporary closure include:

Concorde

Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau

Tuileries

Tramways that will be out of service for a period are:

Colette Besson

Porte de Versailles

Porte d’Ivry

Bridges in Paris facing temporary closures are:

Pont Neuf

Pont de l’Alma

Pont Alexandre III

Pont des Arts

Pont au Change

Part of Pont d’Iéna

Pont de la Concorde

Pont Royal

Pont d’Arcole

Carrousel Bridge

Pont de la Tournelle

Pont d’Austerlitz

Debilly Footbridge

Beware of pickpockets and scams

The city is notorious for con artists and pickpockets. These individuals exploit visitors' ignorance to get them out of money or steal their phones or wallets. A common scam involves someone putting a bracelet on your wrist and pressuring you to pay a hefty price for the item, pressuring travellers to make an unplanned purchase. Check out our article on the most common European scams for a preview of what to expect when visiting Paris for the Summer Olympics.

Simple phrases in French for communication

Knowing a few key expressions in the language of the nation you are visiting is helpful. Even if many Parisians speak English, it's possible that the person you are attempting to speak with doesn't. So, during the Summer Olympics, prepare a few French words to assist you get to the city more easily.

Here are some common French phrases to know:

Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?

Oui: Yes

Bonjour: Hello

Je suis désolé: I am sorry.

Non: No

Je suis perdu: I am lost.

Au revoir: Goodbye

Je ne parle pas français: I don’t speak French.

Merci: Thank you.

De rien: You’re welcome.

S’il vous plaît (formal)/s’il te plaît (informal): Please

Get these applications to navigate the city more easily

Image Source: Twitter

Here are some apps you might want to download:

CityMapper: A mapping service providing detailed information about the Metro, trams, and buses in the city.

Dott: Rent from a selection of over 8,000 e-bikes through this app.

Bonjour RATP: The official app for Paris public transport, where you can buy tickets and check routes.

Google Translate: Translates French signs and boards into English for you.

Whatizis: An offline app that provides guided tours of monuments and tourist sites.

Airvat: Use this app to claim a 20 per cent tax refund on your shopping in Paris.

Also Read: 10 Must Visit Places for Indian Tourists in the Olympic Host City