I was looking into adding three days onto my Spain trip to visit Paris. However I’ve seen there is a lot of construction and major sites closed due to the Olympics next summer. Does anyone know if the construction and sites are going to be opened by then? Beginning of April. It would be a pain to change our flights and everything if we wouldn’t be able to do all the major Parisian sites. Thank you!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
I don't know of any "major Parisian sites" that are closed due to Olympic construction. Which ones do you think are closed?
The Place de la Concorde has I think been partially closed for the Rugby fan zone and will probably have some construction but going around that would not be a deal breaker on visiting Paris. The major museums are open. Notre Dame is still closed due to the 2019 fire. The other major and interesting churches are open. The parks and gardens are open. The market streets are open.
editing to add: Here is a map of the Olympic venues. I'd forgotten the Grand Palais is closed but honestly I've never been in there in perhaps 10-12 visits to Paris as it is mainly an exhibition hall.
Here is a link to the official Eiffel Tower Website. In looking at the venues it looks like there might be some disruption along the Champ du Mars but the official website doesn't say anything about the ET having closures. They do have an active FB page so you might ask on that.
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
What do you consider to be "all the major Parisian sites"? Maybe what Rick Steves lists for Paris?
This is the link to Explore Europe...France...Paris: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/paris
Click on At a Glance to see that list. It's a long list and 3 days isn't nearly enough time to see all of them. You will have to pick and choose what to see and do. Depending on the days you will actually be there, some may not be open based on their normal hours of operation.
This Rick Steves article on prioritizing your time could help with the planning:
Planning Your Time in Paris: Paris in One to Seven Days
https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/paris-itinerary
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
As a point to ponder, I was in Pasadena CA yesterday. They are already starting construction of grandstands for the Rose Parade.
I have friends in Vegas who said that construction for the grand prix race next weekend started many months ago. So there will be stuff going on in Paris, so you might have to walk around it.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
I agree with Pam. I cannot think of a single site closed for Olympic construction, other than maybe le Grand Palais. There is a new swimming pool being built in the 18th or 19th arrondissement, just across from le Stade, but again, zero impact on tourism.
There is a lot of facade renewal going on at various locations but this would have no impact on tourism. The city is requiring that all construction end well in advance of the Olympics. I don´t think you´ll see much construction anywhere by next April. However, Notre Dame will not be completed before December 2024.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
oh really ...
I don´t think you´ll see much construction anywhere by next April
Posted by
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
319 posts
It really depends on what is important for you to see in Paris. I was in Paris end of July and the Jardins de Trocédero (the park across the river from the Eiffel Tower) were completely under construction for the Olympics but the esplanade was open (where everyone takes their pictures), as were sidewalks from Trocédero to the river. And, Notre Dame, of course is still closed. We happened to be there for the Tour de France finale (unplanned) and roads and some access around the Louvre/l'Arc de Triomphe/Champs-Élysées were closed but that was for the TdF, not Olympic planning, and will definitely not affect you in April. Most likely you will have 2 days to spend in Paris considering traveling to/from the city and, in my opinion, you should be able to see some of the highlights without worry regarding the Olympics. The strikes, however... you should keep tabs on those as many times I've had to rearrange my day due to striking workers.
Posted by
New Orleans
93 posts
Paris has a lot of renovation projects but almost everything is open. I visited already 3 times this year! Depends where. Its the 2nd largest city in Europe after London so you need to figure out what you want to do and what kind of area you prefer. Bastille and North are more vibrant but also hectic, west and south more quiet...all depends...just like any large city.
Posted by
283 posts
I have been in Paris for two weeks. I will be here for another two weeks.I was here in April as well. there is construction, renovation, scaffolding, jackhammering, every type of construction known to man is going on now. The crowds are overwhelming. I was not surprised at the large number of tourists that I encountered in April but this is November! I'm not sure that there's going to be any good time between now and after the Olympics to come to Paris just my opinion.