How to Get Around Paris During the 2024 Olympics

The first thing you need to know is whether you need a Pass Jeux or not, so we’ll start with that! And in case you’re wondering, a Pass Jeux is a special digital pass in the form of a QR code that allows you to enter specific Olympic games areas.

Do You Need a Pass Jeux to Navigate The City During the Paris 2024 Olympics

Depending on which places you’re visiting or where your hotel is located, and when you’re in Paris, you may or may not need a Pass Jeux. I’ll explain how to get this pass later in the article.

It’s a little bit complicated, so bear with me as I explain everything.

First, you need to understand the different security perimeters. There are grey, blue, black, and red perimeters, but as a pedestrian, the only area that concerns you is the grey perimeter! Now let’s look at all of them in detail.

The grey perimeter: This is where the Olympic games will take place.

It is restricted to Paris 2024-accredited vehicles and pedestrians with event tickets. Pedestrians without tickets cannot enter this area, except the areas where the Opening Ceremony will take place! (If this part is confusing, please continue reading as it will make more sense later in the article). Bicycles are also not allowed inside the grey perimeter.

The black perimeter (protective perimeter, also known as “SILT”): This is a security perimeter around the grey area and can only be accessed by authorities, organizers, and authorized vehicles. Pedestrians can only access this area if they have a ticket to an Olympic game.

map showing Olympics perimeters — *Source: Prefecture de Police*

The red perimeter: This perimeter is designed to facilitate the flow of people entering or leaving competition sites by restricting motorized traffic.

Pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to move freely in this area without needing any authorization or a Pass Jeux. Motor traffic is not allowed in this area unless authorized, and proof of identity and purpose of entry may be required at entry points.

The blue perimeter: This one surrounds the red perimeter to further reduce motorized traffic and ensure safety.

Like the red perimeter, pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to move freely without needing a Pass Jeux while motorized traffic is subject to random checks but no documentation is needed.

Please note: As a tourist, I highly recommend not driving a car during this time as figuring out all this is going to be super complicated because some roads will be closed at certain times and later reopened depending on when a specific Olympic game is.

So just walk or use public transportation, and if you need to call a taxi, an Uber, or any other service, that would be on the driver to figure out the way and whether s/he needs a pass for his/her car or not to enter the different color-coded perimeters.

So, Do I Need A Pass Jeux?

If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist over 13 years old and visiting Paris between July 18 to 26 July 26 until 1 p.m., and want to access the grey area around the opening ceremony then yes, you need a Pass Jeux.

Please note that on July 26 (the Opening Day Ceremony), from 1 p.m. onwards, only spectators with tickets, residents, or professionals with a Pass Jeux will be allowed in the grey perimeter around the Seine. (i.e. the area where the opening ceremony will take place.)

As I mentioned earlier, you can access the Red and Blue areas without a pass and if you visit Paris outside July 18 to 26 July 26, the Pass Jeux won’t be necessary.

How to Get a Pass Jeux

To get a Pass Jeux, you have to have a reason and proof for accessing this area. This could be a reservation for a restaurant, a doctor’s appointment, a booking to a museum, a hotel booking, etc.

To get your Pass Jeux, simply go to Pass Jeux website and apply for it by selecting “Request a Game Pass” and then ” I would like to apply for a Pass in the grey zone of the opening ceremony”. Then follow the steps and select why you need a pass.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of identity and a photo ID.
Proof of your reason for entering the area (e.g., work, residence, or booking for a show or restaurant).

After applying, an administrative check will be done, and then you’ll receive your pass via email.

You can show it on your phone as a QR code or print it out. You should note that the pass is free, personal, and non-transferable.

Other Ways to Get Around

Besides walking, the best way to get around is by using the metro. I have articles detailing how to use the Paris metro and the different metro passes and tickets, so you can check them out later.

Some metro stations close to Olympic sites will be closed, so make sure you use apps like City Mapper, RATP Bonjour, and IDF Mobilités to know your way around.

There are also many bus lines so getting around with public transportation shouldn’t be hard.

Metro Price Changes During the Paris 2024 Olympics

Starting from July 20 until September 8, there will be an increase in metro ticket prices. A single ride t+ ticket will increase from €2.15 to €4, and a bundle of 10 tickets will go up from €17.35 to €32.

But don’t worry! There will be a special Paris 2024 Pass available, costing €16 for a day or €70 for a week.

This pass will cover travel within the Paris region and anywhere the Olympic games are held and it includes travel to both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports.

You can buy this pass online and it will be delivered to your home, or you can pick it up at various collection points or even buy directly from the Paris 2024 Public Transport app or Île-de-France Mobilités app (IDF App).

Please note that during this time, the Navigo Découverte Travel Card and the One-Day Navigo Pass will not be available for purchase.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Around During the Paris 2024 Olympics

In summary, you’ll only need the Pass jeux if you’re visiting Paris between July 18 to July 26 until 1 p.m. and if you want to access the Opening ceremony area. After 1 p.m. you’ll need to have the event ticket to access it.

So if your trip to Paris is outside these dates, you’re not concerned with the Pass Jeux.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

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