Are you planning an Olympic getaway for Paris 2024? Whether you’re all booked in or a bit lastminute.com (best of luck finding somewhere to stay!), you’ll want a complete list of things to do near Versailles. From getting there to dining out, we’ve done the hard work for you with our essential guide.
The Château de Versailles, where the Olympic equestrian events will be held between 27 July and 6 August (3-7 September for the Paralympics), is 35km from the Olympic and Paralympic Village in the Saint-Denis area of Paris. It began as a hunting lodge in the 17th Century but soon grew into the grand palace and estate that stands today. A former royal residence, the château is wonderfully preserved and protected as a keystone of French history. The vast estate of 800 hectares is open to the public and will remain so throughout the Games.
If you’re heading to the French capital from the UK, your options are:
If you’re yet to book your accommodation in Paris, may the odds be in your favour. Securing a last-minute deal in a prime location might be a tough one, especially if you’re looking for something affordable, but a quick search of Château de Versailles on Booking.com shows there are still some options out there.
Versailles is readily accessible by the UNCL train routes, and there are other options too. So, if you’re keen to stay more centrally in the capital, areas to consider for your stay include…
It is important to note that some of the above areas and attractions may be affected restricted access zones during the Games. You may require a Games Pass to access your reservations.
Visitors to Paris this summer will require a free digital Games Pass in order to enter specific areas in the city. The majority of Paris will be unaffected, but if you need to enter the grey zones on this interactive map between 18–26 July to access an attraction such as a museum, restaurant or hotel reservation, you will require a Games Pass to show to officials.
When showing your Games Pass, be prepared to show supporting photo ID documents and submit to a bag search.
If you are travelling to Versailles from central Paris, check on the map to see if your hotel and transport links are situated in restricted zones.
There are different zones with restrictions applicable to pedestrians and motorised traffic. Take a look at this handy explainer for more detailed information, but in general pedestrians are free to access the red zones.
If you need one, apply for your Games Pass here.
There will be a free bus for spectators from Versailles Château Rive Gauche to the Olympic venue.
Bear in mind that public transport will be extremely busy throughout the duration of the Games. Plan some contingency time into your travel so that you don’t get caught out.
You’re never more than a few feet from a Parisian eatery (or so it seems). Here are our top picks for…
One thing to note is that advice varies on tipping culture in Paris. However, tips don’t appear to be expected in the same way they might be UK or certainly US restaurants. At a café or restaurant, a 15% charge appears on bills listed as service compris – this is a service charge. Nevertheless, leaving a small tip for good service is commonplace, though not mandatory.
You might round up to the nearest euro for a drink in a bar, or leave a couple of euros per person after a meal. If it’s an especially upmarket place, leave €5-10.
Relatively few establishments are equipped for you to leave a tip on their card machine. Therefore, try to have some loose coins and a few notes to hand if you plan to eat out.
You may also be interested in…
How to watch all the equestrian sports at the Paris Olympics live from around the world
Paris Olympics showjumping
Paris Olympics dressage
Paris Olympics eventing
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