Heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics? Here’s how to do it

If you’re heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics, you’re probably wondering how to get there, where to stay and what else you’re going to do in between watching the swimming, breakdancing or sailing.

How does one get to Paris? Flying is always an option, yet it can often be quicker, more convenient, and more enjoyable to take the Eurostar, which travels from London St Pancras to Gare du Nord, Paris in just two hours and 19 minutes. For those not residing in London – or those in London who simply wish to treat themselves – finding accommodation in the city may be desirable.

When people come to visit London, they often choose to stay in the centre. While there is much to see and do around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, a true feel for the city is rarely captured in its most touristy areas, which are crowded, expensive, and stressful. Staying in a location that boasts character and Olympic vibes, and is only seven minutes by train from St Pancras, might offer a more authentic experience.

Where to stay in London: Stratford

Once a derelict, largely forgotten former industrial hub with a lack of infrastructure and an abundance of contaminated soil, Stratford in East London was transformed in anticipation of the 2012 games. Upon exiting Stratford tube station, the first sight is Westfield shopping centre, an ideal location for exploring high street stores. However, if crowds become overwhelming, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offers a nearby escape to nature.

This large urban green space now offers local residents 560 acres of parkland in which to walk, run, cycle and be at one with nature, is home to the London Aquatic Centre (where it’s possible to swim in two 50-metre Olympic standard swimming pools). When visiting the park, it’s also a good idea to take a look at what’s on at the London Stadium (which hosts a range of music gigs and sporting events) or simply walk around the fields and watch bees pollinating poppies and lavender. Take a turn out of the park and you’ll end up in Hackney Wick with its trendy canal bars, thrift shops and elite vegan food.

For a skyline view of London from the UK’s tallest sculpture, visitors can ascend Anish Kapoor’s Orbit Tower in the centre of the park. Those daring enough might also enjoy sliding down. Additionally, fans of ABBA can visit the purpose-built arena in Pudding Mill to experience the iconic ABBA Voyage.

Which hotel to book

Stratford is home to The Gantry Hotel, conveniently located literally one minute away from Stratford International station. Opening in 2021 as part of the Hilton Curio collection, The Gantry offers 291 rooms across 18 floors, along with a variety of restaurants and bars. Among these, the Union Social allows for a remote work atmosphere while offering a menu that features an eclectic collection of foods from around the world, including exciting takes on classic East End cuisine.

The Gantry features a unique industrial chic design, and the attention to detail is impressive: the windows, for instance, cleverly echo the appearance of train tracks. The Coupe Bar, with its smoke-free coal fires, serves colourful cocktails adorned with flowers and fruits. Guests choosing to stay in a deluxe room on the 16^th floor are treated to expansive views stretching to the countryside through large rectangular windows. The beds are so comfortable it’s hard to leave and the industrial-style artwork (think cogs and clocks) seamlessly blend luxury with an appreciation for Stratford’s industrial past.

Where to stay in Paris: Montparnasse

All set for the London trip, but what about upon arriving in Paris? It’s a large city with many unique and exciting neighbourhoods to explore. Montparnasse, located in the south, is a leafy part of town where visitors can get away from the crowds and get a sense of what it’s like to live in the French capital. Montparnasse also has an artistic past – and it’s the one place where one can truly see Paris from above and below.

What to do in Montparnasse

Photos: Sophia Moss

Montparnasse is home to the Montparnasse Tower Panoramic Observation Deck, Paris’ only real skyscraper in the centre, which offers 360 degree views of the entire city, as well as a very instagrammable observation deck complete with a “I heart Paris” photo op and a glamorous restaurant where I’m sure many a person has been proposed to against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.

The catacombs are also close by, where an audio guide can be obtained before descending 131 stairs. From there, a journey through dimly lit tunnels leads to the empire of the dead. Rows of bones and skulls line the walls, some with holes, some covered in moss, some belonging to famous people and others to those long forgotten. The catacombs are not for the claustrophobic and it’s not the lightest of afternoons, but visiting them offers a deeper understanding of city’s history and fosters a greater appreciation for humanity. Indeed, we really are all the same under our skin.

Which hotel to book for the 2024 Olympics

After coming to terms with mortality in the catacombs, it’s time to find a place to rest and eat. Niepce Paris is a boutique hotel in the heart of Montparnasse. Named after the inventor of photography Nicéphore Niépce in keeping with the artistic roots of this district. The hotel features many black-and-white photos throughout the hallways and rooms which explore feminism and femininity. Some are by Janine Niépce, a candid photojournalist who documented the women’s liberation movement in the 70s.

La Verriere, the hotel’s restaurant, offers an elegant French dining experience with immaculate presentation and a fabulous collection of wines personally chosen by the manager. Niepce Paris also offers a complimentary breakfast, with everything from baguettes and probiotic yoghurts to vegetable rice and bacon to suit a range of appetites.

Sophia Moss

For further information about Eurostar services visit the website here. For the hotel stays, visit the Gantry’s website for London and Niepce’s website for Paris.