To celebrate the Paris Olympics, we have pulled together the ultimate guide for sports fans with help from travel agency eShores.
With more than 15 million tourists expected to visit the French capital, this summer is sure to evoke Olympic spirit!
1. Jardins du Trocadéro
The Trocadéro gardens opposite the Eiffel Tower offers parades of the previous days’ medal winners, as well as meet and greets. Live events will be projected on big screens, too.
The Warsaw fountains in the centre feature 20 water cannons. Each summer its water display is illuminated, offering plenty of Instagrammable moments.
2. Montmatre Stairways
Montmatre, a neighbourhood in North Paris, is renowned for its 38 staircases and winding, cobbled streets. Visitors can challenge themselves by racing up and down 300 steps, which are painted in vibrant hues for the sporting occasion.
The steps lead to the Sacre Coeur Basilica, a Roman-Byzantine style church at Montmartre’s highest point — ideal for savouring a bird’s eye view of the city below.
3. The Louvre
On the evening of August 10, an official 10km run will take place. The race, which is open to the public, runs along the Seine. Iconic monuments such as the Lourve and Eiffel Tower will be front and centre.
The iconic art museum’s collection is estimated to amount to 35,000 pieces. Guests can marvel at ‘The Big Three’ including the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo.
Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower offers striking panoramic views of Paris. Did you know there’s a penthouse apartment at the top?
4. The Seine
Travellers can join Olympic supporters on the banks of the Seine. This scenic spot will offer front row seats to the mixed triathlon on August 5, marathon swimming from August 8-9 and Para-triathlon on August 28.
France’s third-longest river has been the muse of many impressionist painters. Take a boat ride down the middle of Paris, stop by the love locks on the Seine’s bridges or have a riverside picnic.
5. Paris Pastry Street
Rue du Bac is known locally by its moniker ‘Paris Pastry Street’ due to its vast stretch of top patisseries and chocolatiers. This year’s triathletes will traverse the famous street in the 7th arrondissement during a 40km bike ride back to the Seine.
This charming street houses venues opened by some of the city’s most renowned pastry chefs, from Philippe Conticini to Claire Damon. Foodies can grab the mille-feuille, the French equivalent of a vanilla slice, before showing their support.
