On the traces of the 2024 Paris Olympics cycling itinerary
- Paris 2024
- Paris Region in the footsteps of athletes
- On the traces of the 2024 Paris Olympics cycling itinerary
A distance of 273 kilometres and an elevation gain of 2800 metres: this was what was awaited the future competitors in the road cycling event at the Olympic Games. Rest assured, for our version of the itinerary, your calf muscles won’t need to work as hard. Follow the road that the athletes took to discover the surrounding sites and monuments. And above all, take your time. As opposed to the cyclists, you won’t be timed.
3.2.1. Go !
It was on the place du Trocadéro that the cyclists began their race. And Trocadéro implies… the Eiffel tower. There is nothing better than a trip amongst the clouds to begin this itinerary. To get to the 2nd floor, you have to go via the 704 steps. A beautiful view like this one has to be earned.
After all that effort, sit back and relax! Madame Brasserie awaits you on the first floor. A (very) local, seasonal cuisine that typical of Parisian brasseries awaits you. Perfect for giving you some strength for the next part of the adventure.
Leave the clouds behind and head down 20,000 leagues under the seas. The Aquarium of Paris, located in the jardins du Trocadéro, provides an exotic interlude to your tour. The stopover is a must-see if you’re with family.
Let’s conclude the Trocadéro tour with a passionate dive into history. At the Musée de l’Homme - Museum of Mankind first of all, to discover the history of our species. Next, at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine - Architecture and Heritage City to immerse yourself in 1000 years of built heritage history. Two establishments sheltered in the breathtaking setting of the Palais de Chaillot.
Quicker than the Seine
From start to finish, the cyclists followed the banks of the Seine. They had just enough time to catch a glimpse of Notre-Dame before turning off onto the boulevard.
By following their itinerary, you’ll come across Rosa Bonheur. A famous name which takes the shape of a bar this time. Located on the port des Invalides, this festive spot is renowned for its guinguette-style summer evenings. To continue through the night, you can make the most of the clubbing atmosphere in the barge next door, invested by the Flow.
Feeling tired? No problem! While the cyclists have no other choice but to continue pedaling to following the Seine, you have several options. Electric scooter? Why not. On foot? If you have time. By boat? Now, we are on to something! The selection is vast, the themes as well. Commentated tour, lunch, dinner… You decide depending on what you fancy.
On boulevard Saint-Michel
Leave the Seine and head south. On the corner of Place Saint-André-des-Arts, you’ll find the beautiful Saint-Michel fountain. Take the time to admire its statues before continuing your journey towards the musée de Cluny. Recently renovated, this site retraces 1000 years of history, from Antiquity to the Renaissance. One of the biggest medieval collections in the world is hidden within its walls. Finally, further down the boulevard, you’ll come across the Petit Journal Saint-Michel. In this jazz club, swing to the rhythm of the piano and the brass instruments. Perfect for a romantic evening.
The Jardin du Luxembourg
When you leave the Latin Quarter, take a refreshing and cultural break in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Inside the park and in the surrounding area, several places are worth the detour.
Le Bon Marché
A few minutes from the garden, Le Bon Marché is an institution of Parisian fashion. One of the city’s oldest boutiques, it is still an avant-garde location and a meeting place for all those who want to stay on top of the trends.
Musée Zadkine
Ossip Zadkine’s final wish was to open a workspace for the general public. Today, his workshop serves as a museum. Enter the mind of this talented sculptor to understand all the polymorphous abundance of his work.
Musée du Luxembourg
The musée du Luxembourg was, for almost two centuries, the cultural center of gravity in Europe. Today, the museum still aims to be a place of influence, and a breeding ground for artistic discovery, all year round. To visit it, make sure you get your timing right. There isn’t a permanent exhibition but it regular proposes greatly appreciated event exhibitions.
Paris moves further away
Riding between the capital’s monuments is enough to make your head spin. For more of a challenge for our cyclists, head for the south of the Hauts-de-Seine. From Montrouge to Meudon, via Issy-les-Moulineaux, a variety of cultural, festive and sports venues await you in the département.
A break at the Château de Versailles
When you get to Versailles, the cyclists’ itinerary splited in two. The women have headed towards the Essonne border, while the men went back up to make a big loop in les Yvelines. Before following the women’s itinerary, a detour is required to go and greet Louis XIV.
Head for the Vallée de Chevreuse
The cyclists made a U-turn in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. For you, it’s time for a refreshing walk. This part of Yvelines is 90% covered with green spaces and trees. Other than its hiking trails — to be discovered on foot, by bike or on horseback — the vallée de Chevreuse has a cultural heritage that is worth the detour.
Back in Paris, the last few kilometres
The loop is almost complete, but there is still one last event for the men and women: the butte Montmartre. In these final kilometres, the cyclists sped through 8 different arrondissements. There’s no need to launch yourself into such a fiery sprint. Take your time, and allow several days to visit the different districts along the route.
