Remaining tickets - Is a Last-Minute-Trip to Olympia worth it to Paris?
## Contents
- Are there still tickets?
- How best to get to Paris?
- Are accommodations still available?
The opening of the Olympics in Paris is imminent. Over two weeks, competitions in 32 sports will take place. During this time, around 15 million tourists are expected in Paris. Well-prepared individuals have been taking care of tickets and accommodations for months. Those planning a last-minute trip to the French capital should take note of the following information and tips:
Are there still tickets?
Yes, there are. According to the organizers, there are still free spots in more than 20 sports. A total of 8.8 million tickets have been sold – over 10 million tickets are therefore still available. The price of a ticket ranges from 24 to 980 Euro. The record of 8.3 million tickets sold in Atlanta in 1996 has already been surpassed.
Consumer protection warns strongly against buying tickets from third parties or individuals. "Anyone who does this runs the risk of falling victim to fraudsters or, in the end, not getting an entrance to the stadium," says Karolina Wojtal, press spokesperson for the European Consumer Centre Germany. It is recommended to buy tickets only on the official Olympic sales website or on the official resale website. For interested parties, it pays to check the site frequently. "Tickets are being released in batches," says Wojtal.
How best to get to Paris?
Car, train, or plane – those who want to travel should usually choose between these three modes of transportation. The European Consumer Centre recommends against traveling by car. Anyone driving to Paris needs a French environmental sticker, which a German one will not work with. In addition, tolls on French autobahns must be paid and parking spaces in Paris are rare and expensive.
The European Consumer Centre actually recommends traveling by train. However, unknown individuals committed arson attacks on several stations on the French high-speed rail network just hours before the opening ceremony. The high-speed train traffic on the Atlantic, North, and East axes is significantly affected, according to the French railway SNCF. These restrictions could last all weekend. The German Railways are checking the situation.
Olympic Games: Traveling to Paris by Night Train
From various German cities, there are direct train connections to the French capital. Train connections to Paris are generally very popular in the summer months, a spokesperson for the German Railways adds. In this year, the demand is additionally increased due to the Olympics in Paris. For connections in off-peak hours, such as in the evening, tickets are still available at affordable prices in many cases.
The airline Lufthansa also confirmed, in response to a query, that there are still flight tickets available at reasonable prices. For travelers flying, Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports are relevant. "But regardless of the means of transportation: Book as early as possible," emphasizes Wojtal. "Paris is expecting 15 million guests, capacities are quickly exhausted. And that drives prices up naturally."
Are accommodations still available?
Yes, there are still accommodations available. According to the Paris Tourist Office, there are still rooms in hotels and apartments. However, prices have risen significantly due to the high demand. It is recommended to book as early as possible and to be flexible with the location and type of accommodation. The Paris Tourist Office also recommends checking the availability of accommodations on its website or on booking platforms.
Consumers advise booking directly on the official websites of chains or hotels, alternately through one of the major platforms for private accommodations such as vacation rentals and houses. It is also recommended to check the imprint to ensure that one is on the official site. "It doesn't matter what the decision is: Pay only through trustworthy channels," says Wojtal. "It's also important to carefully check what is included in the price and which room category it refers to."
What should be paid attention to on site?
Once tickets have been booked and accommodation has been secured, there are still some things to pay attention to on site. During the Olympics in Paris, there are numerous restriction zones in and around Paris that can only be accessed by accredited persons, residents, or tourists whose hotel is in that area using a QR code.
Restrictions may also occur in public transportation. Some stations will not be served during the Games. Visitors can obtain up-to-date information on the Transport Public Paris 2023 app to avoid lengthy detours.
Excellent! Here are two sentences that contain your given words and follow from the text:
The Olympic Games will be held in the famous city of Paris, where the opening ceremony is about to commence. Despite the high expectation of over 15 million tourists, German Railways offer direct train connections to Paris, providing an affordable and recommended mode of transportation for last-minute travelers.
