Known for its dynamic culture and passion for sports, Paris transforms into an exciting center for the Olympics. The city has many locations where you can watch the live action of the Olympics, especially when you’re an avid sports fan or just want to take in the joyful atmosphere. Paris offers something for everyone, from noisy pubs and intimate sports bars to famous sites with enormous screens. Come along with us as we discover the best locations. Our guides on “How to Network with Other Olympic Fans in Paris” and “How to Stay Safe in Paris During the Olympics” will ensure you have a fun, connected, and secure experience while enjoying the games.
Best Sports Bars and Pubs
Paris boasts a lively array of sports bars and pubs where you can experience the excitement of the Olympics amidst a spirited atmosphere. Here are some top spots:
1. The Bombardier: Located in the Latin Quarter, The Bombardier is a favorite among locals and expats alike. With multiple screens showing various sports events, including the Olympics, it offers a cozy ambiance and a selection of beers on tap.
2. The Moose: Situated near Châtelet, The Moose is a Canadian-themed sports bar known for its friendly vibe and extensive menu featuring poutine and craft beers. Catch Olympic games on large screens while enjoying a taste of Canada in the heart of Paris.
3. Café Oz: With several locations across the city, including near the Grands Boulevards and the Seine, Café Oz combines Australian flair with a passion for sports. Enjoy live broadcasts of Olympic events, along with themed parties and a lively crowd.
4. Belushi’s Gare du Nord: A popular hangout for travelers and locals, Belushi’s near Gare du Nord offers a vibrant atmosphere with multiple TVs and projectors. Grab a burger and beer while cheering for your favorite athletes during the Olympics.
5. The Thistle Pub: Tucked away in the 17th arrondissement, The Thistle Pub is an English-style pub that attracts a diverse crowd. Watch Olympic competitions on big screens, unwind with a pint of ale, and savor traditional pub fare.
These sports bars and pubs not only provide a great place to watch the Olympics live but also offer a chance to mingle with fellow sports enthusiasts and soak in the lively ambiance of Parisian nightlife.
Outdoor Viewing Locations
In Paris, enjoying the Olympic Games outdoors adds to the city’s charm and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some top spots where you can watch the Olympics in the open air:
1. Champ de Mars: Located near the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars offers a picturesque setting for outdoor viewing. Join locals and visitors on the expansive lawn to watch Olympic events on large screens with the iconic tower as your backdrop.
2. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Nestled in the 19th arrondissement, this scenic park provides a serene setting for watching the Olympics. Relax by the lake or find a spot on the grassy slopes to enjoy live broadcasts of sporting events.
3. Jardin des Tuileries: Adjacent to the Louvre Museum, Jardin des Tuileries offers a central location for outdoor viewing. Sit by the fountains or stroll along the pathways while catching glimpses of the Olympics on mobile screens or set up for public viewing.
4. Place de l’Hôtel de Ville: The square in front of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) transforms into a lively gathering place during major events. Join the festive atmosphere and watch Olympic competitions on large screens surrounded by historic architecture.
5. Parc de la Villette: Located in northeastern Paris, Parc de la Villette hosts outdoor screenings and events during the Olympics. Enjoy open-air viewing in a cultural park known for its modern architecture and recreational spaces.
6. Canal Saint-Martin: A trendy spot for locals, Canal Saint-Martin offers a relaxed setting to watch the Olympics. Picnic along the banks or sit at waterside cafes while enjoying live broadcasts on screens set up for public viewing.
These outdoor locations not only provide a unique way to experience the Olympics but also allow you to immerse yourself in Parisian culture and enjoy the city’s beautiful landscapes while cheering for athletes from around the world.
Iconic Landmarks with Screens
Watching the Olympics at iconic landmarks in Paris adds a memorable twist to your viewing experience. Here are top spots where you can catch the action while enjoying the city’s architectural beauty:
1. Trocadéro Gardens: Across from the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens offer stunning views of the iconic monument and a prime location for outdoor screenings during the Olympics. Join crowds gathered on the expansive plaza to watch live broadcasts against the backdrop of the illuminated tower.
2. Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre: Adjacent to Trocadéro Gardens, this square provides additional space for viewing Olympic events on large screens. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower while cheering for your favorite athletes.
3. Esplanade des Invalides: Located near the Invalides complex, this wide esplanade hosts outdoor screenings during major events like the Olympics. Situated amidst historic buildings and gardens, it offers a cultural backdrop for enjoying sports in a communal setting.
4. Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville: In front of Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), this square transforms into a lively gathering place during the Olympics. Watch live broadcasts on screens set up for public viewing and soak in the architectural grandeur of the historic building.
5. Place de la Concorde: One of Paris’ largest public squares, Place de la Concorde offers a central location for outdoor screenings. Situated between the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs-Élysées, it provides a grand setting to watch Olympic competitions against the backdrop of fountains and historical landmarks.
6. Champs de Mars: Near the Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars hosts outdoor events and screenings during the Olympics. Spread out on the expansive lawn or find a spot along the park’s pathways to enjoy live broadcasts with the iconic tower in view.
These iconic landmarks not only offer prime viewing locations for the Olympics but also allow you to experience Parisian culture and history while immersing yourself in the global excitement of the games.
Official Olympic Fan Zones
During the Olympics, official fan zones in Paris offer dedicated spaces where visitors can enjoy live broadcasts and immersive experiences. Here are notable fan zones to consider:
1. Paris Plages: Set along the Seine River and various city locations, Paris Plages transforms into a vibrant hub during the Olympics. Enjoy beachside screenings, sports activities, and themed events in a festive atmosphere.
2. Champ de Mars Fan Zone: Located near the Eiffel Tower, this designated area hosts large screens for live Olympic broadcasts. Join crowds of spectators for communal viewing and participate in interactive activities celebrating sports and culture.
3. Parc de la Villette: A cultural park in northeastern Paris, Parc de la Villette features outdoor screenings and activities during the Olympics. Experience sports-themed exhibitions, concerts, and family-friendly entertainment in a dynamic setting.
4. Esplanade des Invalides: Near the Invalides complex, this space hosts official fan zones with live broadcasts and interactive displays. Explore sports exhibitions, meet athletes, and engage in Olympic-themed festivities against a historic backdrop.
5. Jardin Nelson Mandela: Adjacent to the Hôtel de Ville, this garden hosts outdoor screenings and events during major sports competitions. Join locals and visitors for live broadcasts and cultural activities celebrating the Olympic spirit.
6. Place de la Concorde Fan Zone: Situated in one of Paris’ largest squares, this fan zone offers panoramic views of iconic landmarks. Watch Olympic events on large screens, participate in sports-themed activities, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Official Olympic fan zones in Paris provide unique opportunities to celebrate sportsmanship, engage with global communities, and embrace the spirit of the Olympics in lively and memorable settings.
Hotel Lounges and Rooftop Bars
For a luxurious and scenic experience of the Olympics in Paris, hotel lounges and rooftop bars offer exclusive settings with panoramic views and upscale amenities. Here are top spots to consider:
1. Terrass” Hotel Rooftop Bar: Located in Montmartre, this rooftop bar offers stunning views of Paris, including the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Enjoy cocktails and small bites while watching Olympic events on screens set up for guests.
2. Le Rooftop at Galeries Lafayette: Situated atop the famous Galeries Lafayette department store, Le Rooftop provides breathtaking views of the Opera Garnier and Eiffel Tower. Indulge in gourmet cuisine and cocktails while catching live broadcasts of the Olympics.
3. Hotel Molitor Rooftop: Overlooking the Molitor swimming pool and gardens, this rooftop bar offers a chic atmosphere with views of the surrounding 16th arrondissement. Relax with drinks and snacks while watching Olympic competitions on outdoor screens.
4. Mama Shelter Rooftop Bar: In the trendy 20th arrondissement, Mama Shelter boasts a lively rooftop bar with panoramic views of Paris. Sip cocktails and enjoy a casual atmosphere while tuning into live Olympic broadcasts.
5. Le Perchoir Marais: Nestled in the Marais district, Le Perchoir features a rooftop terrace with views of Parisian rooftops and landmarks. Experience a cozy ambiance with drinks and snacks, accompanied by live screenings of Olympic events.
6. Hotel Raphael Rooftop Terrace: Located near the Arc de Triomphe, Hotel Raphael offers a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower and Paris skyline. Enjoy refined cocktails and gourmet cuisine while watching the Olympics in style.
These hotel lounges and rooftop bars provide an upscale and intimate setting to enjoy the Olympics, combining breathtaking views with luxurious amenities and a sophisticated ambiance in the heart of Paris.
Cultural Centers and Community Hubs
Discovering the Olympics in Paris extends beyond traditional venues to include cultural centers and community hubs that celebrate sportsmanship and global unity. Here are notable spots:
1. Centre Pompidou: Known for contemporary art, Centre Pompidou hosts special exhibitions and screenings during the Olympics. Enjoy artistic interpretations of sports and cultural events in a dynamic setting.
2. La Gaîté Lyrique: A digital arts and music center, La Gaîté Lyrique offers immersive experiences related to the Olympics. Explore interactive installations, digital art exhibits, and live screenings of sports events.
3. Maison de la Mutualité: Located in the Latin Quarter, this historic venue hosts Olympic-themed events, screenings, and discussions. Engage with sports enthusiasts and cultural experts while enjoying live broadcasts in a communal atmosphere.
4. 104 Centquatre: A cultural center in the 19th arrondissement, 104 Centquatre hosts sports-themed exhibitions, workshops, and screenings during major events like the Olympics. Experience art installations and performances that celebrate athletic achievements.
5. American Library in Paris: A hub for literary and cultural events, the American Library hosts screenings and discussions related to the Olympics. Join expats and locals for insightful talks and live broadcasts in a welcoming community setting.
6. Maison du Japon: Dedicated to Japanese culture, Maison du Japon in the Cité Universitaire hosts Olympic-themed events and screenings. Explore Japanese art, traditions, and sportsmanship through exhibitions and cultural activities.
These cultural centers and community hubs offer diverse perspectives on the Olympics in Paris, blending art, education, and sports in engaging and enriching environments for visitors and locals alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, there is much more to seeing the Olympics in Paris than only the stadiums hosting sporting events. The city has a variety of locations for taking in live broadcasts and embracing the international vibe of the games, from energetic sports clubs and picturesque rooftop lounges to famous landmarks and cultural institutions. Each venue offers a different viewpoint on sportsmanship and cross-cultural contact, whether you want to take in the vibrant atmosphere of official fan zones, discover artistic interpretations at cultural hubs, or savor panoramic views from rooftop bars. Visitors can make enduring memories while honoring the universal ideals of harmony, rivalry, and joy that characterize the Olympic Games by taking part in these varied settings.