Are you a sports enthusiast heading to France this year? Join us as we explore Paris’s summer sports scene! Discover top sports venues, exciting activities, and everything you need to know about the upcoming Olympics.
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Popular Summer Sports in Paris
Paris is the French sport’s epicenter with a long sporting heritage. So it’s no surprise that their athletes have won numerous medals in world championships and global sports tournaments. The French passionate reputation and their competitive spirits make an unstoppable combination. This interesting mix allows them to shine brightest in these three sports.
Football: The Heartbeat of Parisian Sports
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Football runs deep in Parisian veins, it is like a national obsession. There are a lot of public parks where football playing is allowed. Some of them are Parc de la Villette, Parc André-Citroën, the Champs-de-Mars, and the esplanade at Les Invalides.
There are also several 'city states’ (city stadiums) dotted through Paris, which are perfect for an informal game. You’ll find them in every Paris district. Ones to try: the City Stade de Bercy at the Parc de Bercy, the City Stade du Jardin Anna-Marly, in a hanging garden built over the ring road, and the City Stade du Champ-de-Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
This is also a family-friendly and healthy sport to do in the summer. It promotes good cardiovascular health and is a great way to help families and children learn about the importance of teamwork.
Read More: 10 Things to Do in Paris in One Day
Tennis: From Roland Garros to Local Courts
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The passion for tennis dates back to the 1920s and 1930s in the Golden Era. We talk about Lacoste, Cochet, Brugnon, and Borotra, the famous “Musketeers”. They dominated the game during this period, with a spirit of elegance and competitive fire that continues to inspire generations of French players. In Paris, the Stade Roland Garros is one of the world’s most prestigious courts where French tennis players have left their legacies for the rest of history.
The French capital also has many courts, both public and private, in spectacular and unusual places. The Tennis de l’Atlantique above the railway lines at the Gare Montparnasse, or the Tennis Club de Saint-Louis, tucked away within the Hôpital Saint-Louis in the 10th arrondissement.
To play amid greenery, head to the tennis courts at the Jardin du Luxembourg or Le Fonds des Princes gym, a stone’s throw from the legendary Roland-Garros stadium. Or why not go back in time and discover the ancestor of modern tennis at the wonderful Club du Jeu de paume, where you can play a game of squash in stylish surroundings (booking required)
Cycling: Embrace the City on Two Wheels
It’s easy to cycle in Paris as the city is well-equipped for cyclists. Paris has introduced more and more cycle lanes, car-free districts, and bike-only routes in recent years to make it easy and fun to cycle around town.
We suggest four cycling routes to make your exploring summer adventure in Paris the best of your memories:
- Classic Paris, along the Seine: This cycling route is the perfect way to admire Paris landmarks.
- Parisians’ Paris, along the Canals: This pleasant route follows the canal’s meanders.
- The Left Bank from the Bois de Vincennes to the Bois de Boulogne: These are two huge parks on the fringes of Paris. This route guides you by bike from one to the other, across the section of the city known as the Rive Gauche.
- Off-the-beaten-track Paris, from Place de la Nation to Place de Clichy: This cycling route is an above-ground version of the metro Line 2 route through northern Paris.
Read more about cycling routes and tips for exploring Paris by bike.
Must-Visit Sports Venues
Stade de France: Iconic Arena for Major Events
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The Stade de France is the country’s largest and most revered stadium. It serves as the home to the French national football and rugby teams. With a storied history of hosting some of the world’s finest sporting occasions, including the FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it means excellence on the global stage.
This major sports complex may be visited when events are not taking place, meaning visitors can get an overview of the Stade’s history.
Parc des Princes: Home of Paris Saint-Germain
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The Parc des Princes was an Olympic site in 1900 and has hosted two World Cups and several European Cup finals. Open to both soccer and rugby, it has also hosted 54 Tour de France finishes as well as a great many other major sports events.
In recent times Parc des Princes has refocused on more medium-sized events as compared to the larger Stade de France. With seating for 48,000, the stadium is still a major monument in French sports and the third largest stadium in France. It has been home to the Paris-Saint-Germain Football Club since 1974.
Roland Garros: The Grand Stage for Tennis
Named in honor of French aviator Roland Garros, the stadium is synonymous with championship tennis. It hosts the French Open, one of the four annual Grand Slam events, and is undoubtedly one of the world’s most respected facilities. During the Olympics, the hallowed clay courts will showcase medal-seeking boxers and, of course, the tennis tournament.
Road to Paris 2024 Olympics: What to Expect
Pierre de Coubertin, the creator of the Olympic Games, said:
Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of a good example, social responsibility, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.
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This Summer in France, the heart of the city opens its doors for the Olympic Games, from 26 July to 11 August, and for the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September 2024.
The Stade de France is the country’s largest stadium and has hosted its biggest sporting events for three decades, including the Rugby World Cups and the World Athletics Championships. This stadium will rightfully transform into the Olympic Stadium this summer.
There will be 45 sporting events across 35 competition venues in Paris and its neighboring cities. Including Versailles, Le Bourget, and Nanterre. Vaires-sur-Marne, and Saint-Denis. Two new permanent sports venues, the Port de La Chapelle Area in the 18th arrondissement and the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, were built for the upcoming Summer Games. A total of 20 out of the 35 venues are in and around central Paris.
Key Dates and Events
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The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games will be bold, original and unique. On 26 July 2024, Paris 2024 will offer an Opening Ceremony that is certain to join the most memorable moments in Olympic history.
For the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games, the Opening Ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Taking on a new guise, the parade of athletes will be held on the Seine with boats for each national delegation.
This ceremony will also be open to all with no tickets to enter the upper quays. But those wishing to access the lower quays, from the Austerlitz Bridge to the Iéna Bridge, will need to buy tickets.
To attend the biggest sporting event in the world, Paris 2024 offers a range of services to match the event. Several turnkey solutions are available; from single tickets to hospitality and travel packages. Choose the offer that best suits your needs here.
Consult the Olympics Schedule here.
Getting Started with Summer Sports
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In the summer, everyone likes to enjoy outdoor activities. But, practicing sports in the heat can be dangerous without taking precautions. So to help you get the most out of your free time, we bring you some pieces of advice:
- Go out at the right time: Train in the morning or when the temperatures are mild to avoid heat-related illnesses.
- Always stay hydrated: Drink around 2L of water per day and after intense outdoor activity.
- Light clothes: Wear fresh clothes to easily evaporate sweat to regulate body temperature, and avoid dark colors.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Try with caps or hiking hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Drink and eat: Never practice sporting activities on an empty stomach. Your muscles will need carbohydrates and fat to give you the best possible energy.
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