Now that Paris 2024 is officially well and truly underway, and 300,000 thousand people turned up in the pouring rain to watch the magnificently odd opening ceremony, you might be wondering how to get in on the action.
Not everyone has managed to snag tickets to the events over the coming fortnight, but don’t fret – though the last ticket prices for many events were on the eye-watering side, there are plenty of events that you can attend for free. Here’s a roundup of all the stuff going on where you don’t need to pay a cent.
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Road Cycling
Just a week after the Tour de France wrapped up (minus its traditional Champs-Elysées finish), the cycling is returning to Paris. Four events will take place, featuring time trials and road races for both men and women. Although the finishes at Trocadéro require a ticket, the rest of the route is freely accessible, winding through the Chevreuse Valley and within city limits. Our top tip would be to position yourself on the climb up Montmartre for a spectacular view.
Saturday, August 3
- Men’s Road Cycling, Road Race – from 11am
Sunday, August 4
- Women’s Road Cycling, Road Race – from 11am
Marathon
One of the most iconic Olympic events, the Paris marathon will be even more special as it’s the first open to amateur runners. For the official races, including the women’s race which will close the Games, spectators can watch for free along the route connecting City Hall to Les Invalides, with a scenic loop through Versailles. As with cycling, you’ll need a ticket for the stadium finish. Heads up, it starts at 8am.
Saturday, August 10
- Men’s Marathon – from 8am
Sunday, August 11
- Women’s Marathon – from 8am
Swimming Marathon
We’re sticking with marathons, but taking a dive with this one. If you miss the opening ceremony, catch the swimming marathon in the Seine with a10 km loop around the Pont Alexandre III. Again, tickets are needed for the start and finish area and the grandstand on the Champs bridge. Don’t forget, it kicks off at 7.30am.
Thursday, August 8
- Women’s Swimming Marathon – from 7.30am
Friday, August 9
- Men’'s Swimming Marathon – from 7.30am
Triathlon
The triathlon offers even more chances to watch the athletes competing for free. Starting and finishing on the Pont Alexandre III (ticket required), participants will swim 1.5km in the Seine, bike 40km and run 10km, covering the Champs-Elysées, Boulevard Saint-Germain, and the Seine quays. Find a good spot along the way to catch the action.
Tuesday, July 30
- Men’s Triathlon – from 8am
Wednesday, July 31
- Women;s Triathlon – from 8am
Monday, August 5
- Mixed Relay Triathlon – from 8am
Bonus
If you’re in Marseille over the next couple of weeks (like half of Paris), you can watch the sailing regatta for free from the beach. And if you’re in Tahiti, the Teahupo’o fan zone offers free access (with registration) to the surfing events.
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