The long anticipated Summer Olympics is returning to the French capital and the world is excited for it! Visiting Paris during the Summer Olympics promises an unforgettable experience filled with world-class athletics alongside indulging in Parisian cuisine, art, and culture. So grab your travel document pouch, your country's flag, and a collapsible water bottle to beat the summer heat in Paris... Or maybe not... Travel Backpackers should weigh some the potential challenges such as large crowds, higher costs, and possible protests before booking that backpacking stop in Paris.

Should Backpackers Go to the Paris Olympics?

Perhaps you crossed the pond from the US, Canada, or Australia and are backpacking Europe this summer. You see that the Olympics are in Europe and contemplate the rush of going. You know Paris is going to put on a good show but should you go? What should you expect at the Summer Olympics in Paris?

Surcharges

The Parisian Autonomous Transport Administration (RATP), which runs public transport around Paris, said it will hike the price on day-of ticket sales by almost DOUBLE beginning July 20th through September 8th.

A single fare on the Paris Metro, bus, central regional rail (RER) system, and certain tram lines, typically costs €2.15, and books of 10 single ride tickets is usually €17.35.

During the surge period, the single ticket fare will increase to €4.00 and the 10 ticket book will cost €32.00.

Besides for public transportation, even popular attractions like the Louve raised its entry fee from €17 to €22 during the Olympics and Notre Dame is not quite rebuilt (will reopen in December of this year).

Large Crowds

France is already the number one most visited country by international tourists and Paris is in the top five most visited cities in the world. Paris will be exceptionally crowded during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Although the city typically hosts up to 90 million tourists annually, with most visiting in the summer, the few weeks of the Olympics are expected to attract an ADDITIONAL 15 million visitors.

Many Olympic events will be held in the city center, ensuring substantial and unavoidable crowds. Even the less touristy areas, such as the surrounding suburbs, will face unusual congestion due to the location of the Olympic Village and several stadium events.

Expensive Accommodation

While hotels have seen more than a 300% price increase and Airbnb prices in the Paris region are expected to see an 85% increase, hostel dormitory beds are currently pretty fair at about a 25% increase.

Hostel prices on average usually cost €61 per night in Paris in the summer. During the Olympics, we are finding the average cost for a dormitory bed at a hostel at roughly €76 per night which isn't the worst. 

Safety Measures

The Paris Olympics will be conducted under high levels of security, with a force of 10,000 soldiers scheduled to be on duty throughout the Games. However Paris still ranks in the top 5 cities in the world for pickpocketing. So if you do decide to go, make sure to secure your belongings with one or two of the following safety travel accessories: money belt, crossbody bag, crossbody phone lanyard, RFID blocking wallet, or RFID blocking passport organiser.

Possible Protests

Price surcharges and crowds are the most obvious negative effects for visitors to the Summer Olympics. However the less obvious are more geopolitical. The French are known to be some of the most passionate protesters in the world. In 2024 there are a lot more reasons why the French are protesting and the Olympics could be the perfect time for demonstrators to demand what they want or bring attention to a cause.

Unfortunately protests often lead to traffic disruptions and public transport delays which could be a nightmare for Travel Backpackers during the Olympics.

There are a large range of issuing that have been causing protests in Paris this year. They include

• Cost of Living & Inflation
• Farming Subsidies
• Middle East Conflict
• Eastern Europe Conflict
• Retirement Reforms
• Recent Snap Elections & Hung Parlament
• Police Violence
• New Caledonia Unrest
• Climate Change
• The Olympics themselves are even controversial

With all this said, would you go to the Summer Olympics in Paris this year? Or would you postpone your backpacking stop in the City of Light?
 

Now check out our Ultimate Guide for Travel Backpacking! Collaborating with a select group of backpacking bloggers and industry professionals, we've compiled a diverse range of knowledge, essential hacks, and insider tips to meet you wherever you are on your backpacking journey.