Paris Olympic Games: getting around the city by car
Paris is about to host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time in history. If you're coming to Paris during this time, you may wonder how to get around Paris during the Olympic Games. It's no secret that the streets of the French capital will be very busy. Whether you're coming to see an exhibition, attend Olympic events, cheer on the athletes, or shop at Westfield, don't worry! We have gathered all the important information you need to know about getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games.
Driving in Paris during the Olympic Games: areas closed to traffic
From July 26 to August 11, and then from August 28 to September 8, driving in Paris and the Paris region is likely to be complicated. The French city has set up blue and red security perimeters around the Olympic venues. In addition to the perimeters, some areas will be completely closed during the Olympics.
Roads and areas closed to traffic in Paris during the Olympic Games
Traffic will be banned around the event venues (red perimeter). This means that you won't be able to drive around during the competition. This measure will affect 13 locations in Paris. Within the French capital, the following areas will be part of the red perimeter:
- Arena Paris Sud (Porte de Versailles);
- Arena de la Chapelle;
- Arena Bercy;
- Concorde;
- Champs-de-Mars;
- Grand Palais;
- Invalides;
- Parc des Princes;
- Eiffel Tower;
- Pont Alexandre III;
- Roland Garros;
- Trocadéro.
Roads and areas closed to traffic in the Paris region during the Olympic Games
If you're planning to leave the French capital during your vacation, you need to know that the Paris region will be busy as well. So before you hit the road remember that the area around the city will also be affected by the road closures. Let's check which areas are affected:
- Colombes (Yves-du-Manoir stadium);
- Nanterre (Paris La Défense Arena);
- Le Bourget (climbing site);
- Saint-Denis (Stade de France and aquatic center);
- Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (BMX stadium, national golf course, velodrome, Colline d'Élancourt);
- Château de Versailles;
- Vaires-sur-Marine (nautical stadium);
- Villepinte (Arena Paris Nord).
Getting around Paris during the Olympic Games: be aware of changes around the city
Paris will be undergoing many changes in the run-up to the Olympic Games. Between the Olympic lanes, the new traffic signs, getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games won't be so easy if you're not familiar with the changes. Let's take a look at what's new on the streets of Paris.
The Olympic lanes reserved for event venues near Paris
In addition to the blue and red perimeters where traffic will be banned or restricted, several arteries will have a dedicated lane for official Olympic vehicles. In total, 185 km of roads will be affected! The affected roads in Paris are:
- Paris ring road;
- La Défense ring road;
- A1, between Paris and Villepinte;
- A4 between Paris and Torcy;
- A12 between Paris and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines;
- A13 between Paris and Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.
These dedicated lanes can be used by emergency services, as well as taxis and public transportation. The dedicated lanes will not disappear after the Olympics! The government supports car-sharing drivers. So, these Olympic lanes will become dedicated car-sharing lanes at peak times.
New traffic signs and speed cameras: getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games
To identify these Olympic lanes new traffic signs will indicate the meaning of these lanes and when they are in operation. Be careful not to make a mistake! Unauthorized use of these lanes could result in a fine of 135 euros!
And then there are the new speed cameras installed in Paris. They can read your license plate to check if you are authorized or not. They will also be able to check the number of passengers in the vehicle when these lanes become car-sharing lanes!
Mandatory formalities for getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games
Getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games and the Opening Ceremony won't be so easy. Even if you're not coming to Paris to cheer on the Olympic athletes, but rather to visit an exhibition or stroll around Westfield at les Halles, you need to be aware of the road restrictions. So, let's take a look at the mandatory formalities you'll need.
Getting around Paris by car during the Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will make history. For the first time, the ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Instead, the athletes will parade on the Seine River. On the day of the Opening Ceremony, on July 26, a red zone perimeter will be established along the entire length of the Seine River in Paris. As you now know, all motorized access will be prohibited. If you're one of the lucky ones with a ticket to the ceremony, we recommend parking far away from this area.
The QR code and app you need to get around Paris during the Olympics
Getting around Paris by car during the Olympics will require some mandatory formalities. For those who need to enter traffic-restricted, areas, the government has set up a QR code. Anyone who needs to enter one of these restricted areas, whether on foot, by bike or by car, will need to show their QR code.
Getting around Paris by car during the Olympic Games: rent a car
If you're coming to Paris this summer, why not rent a car for your vacation? Getaround offers an easy and safe car rental service. You can quickly find a car available near your studios, apartments, or residences. All you have to do is register on our website and upload your driver's license and passport. Once your profile has been verified by our team, you're ready to go!
If you're looking for more information on how to get around in Paris during the Olympics, check out our other article on the subject:
