Where To Stay & Eat At The Paris Olympics
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2 weeks ago
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Not since the new season of Emily in Paris have we been so transfixed with the City of Lights. But the countdown is officially on for the descent of the world’s finest athletes on the French capital. It may be the third time that Paris has hosted the Olympics, but Summer 2024 promises to be a spectacle like no other. If you’re one of the lucky 15 million spectators anticipated visitors to the city over the summer, we have compiled the ultimate Paris Olympics guide. Here are the winning places to stay and dine so you can focus on the games at hand.
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Where To Stay For The Paris Olympics
Swimming: Paris La Défense Arena
Stay: Renaissance Hotel La Défense
A mere 10 minutes walk from the Metro station and a seven minute walk to the arena, the Renaissance Hotel La Défense is as convenient as you could ask for. Paying homage to its urban roots, the décor reflects the neighbourhood through contemporary exhibitions by local street artists. With Palais des Congres and Place de Etoile Grande Arche a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of iconic landmarks to visit in between the games before relaxing in one of the 300 family-friendly rooms. Light and decorated in muted tones, the bedrooms provide the perfect antidote to the bustling streets below.
BOOK IT: Renaissance Paris La Defense Hotel (60 Cr Valmy, 92800 Puteaux, France). marriot.com
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Eat: L’Escargot 1903
Although there are plenty of options to refuel after a busy day of cheering, to mark the special occasion, you can’t beat L’Escargot 1903. Headed up by Chef Yannick Tranchant, the fine dining restaurant offers refined, seasonal cuisine at very reasonable prices with their tasting menu coming in at an edible €65. If the weather is in your favour, opt for terrace dining for relaxing atmosphere, and be sure to sample their extensive wine menu as their cave is well stocked with notable vino.
BOOK IT: L’Escargot 1903 (94 Rue Sadi Carnot, 92800 Puteaux, France). lescargot1903.com
Athletics: Stade De France
Stay: MOB HOTEL Paris les Puces
Sustainable city hotels don’t get much chicer than this. Using a calming neutral colour palette and natural materials aplenty, MOB hotel oozes urban charm with warehouse-style accents, vintage finds and boho accessories, paying homage to its location as home to one of the biggest flea markets in the city. Just a five minute walk to the metro station and 15 minutes away from the stadium, its unique position within a residential neighbourhood will make you feel like a local in no time.
BOOK IT: MOB HOTEL Paris les Puces (6 Rue Gambetta, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France). mobhotel.com
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Eat: MOB HOTEL Restaurant
Due to the suburban location, there are limited places to eat around the hotel, making their in-house restaurant the best choice. Serving a delectable selection of organic, seasonal dishes and sharing platters with an Italian twist you can expect to find pizzas, pasta and burrata which you can enjoy inside or on the sizeable terrace. With a buzzy atmosphere, it’s home to regulars, locals and guests alike providing the perfect ingredients for peak people-watching.
BOOK IT:MOB HOTEL Paris les Puces (6 Rue Gambetta, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France). mobhotel.com
Vélodrome: Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Vélodrome
Stay: Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château
A mere 15 minute drive from the Velodrome, the Le Louis Versailles Château Hotel possesses the laid-back glam you’d expect from a Parisian hotel with the down-to-earth allure of a boutique bolthole. Close to the Palace of Versailles and 20 minutes from the centre of Paris, its historic grandeur is felt in the high ceilings, chandelier fittings and rich colour scheme. Boasting sizeable rooms (a perk of being outside of the city centre) with stunning decorative features and sympathetic décor, the hotel is a a cosy oasis for spectators looking for the utmost comfort.
BOOK IT: Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château (2 Bis Av. de Paris, 78000 Versailles, France). accor.com
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Eat: Maison Pape
Just a ten minute taxi ride away from the hotel is Maison Pape – a must-visit for foodies who appreciate farm-fresh produce and sustainable practices. Known for their iconic rotisseries, the team also offer sardines, legumes and mussels for those looking for a lighter plate load.
BOOK IT: Maison Pape (58 Av. du Centre, 78180 Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France). maisonpape.fr
Gymnastics: Bercy Arena
Stay: Le Pavillon de la Reine
If you’re looking to lay your head somewhere a little more luxurious during your stay, the Hotel Pavillon de la Reine ticks all of the right boxes. It owes its name to Anne of Austria, Queen of France who, in the 17th century, lived in the wing separating the residence from today’s Place des Vosges in the Marais district of Paris. A subtle regal thread runs throughout the hotel with gold printed wallpaper, deep red curtains and manicured courtyards worthy of a palace. A quick 10 minute car ride away from the arena, the Hotel Pavillon de la Reine will certainly be one for the ages.
BOOK IT: Le Pavillon de la Reine (28 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris, France). pavillon-de-la-reine.com
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Eat: Anco
In contrast to the formality of the hotel, Anco is a cosy eaterie that’s slightly rough around the edges. Canteen chairs, styled bookcases and padded booths give a warm and homey feel but the food is the real star of the show. From Gnocchi with chorizo and pecorino to a hearty prawn risotto, there’s something for everyone – just make sure you leave room for dessert.
BOOK IT: Anco (108 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France). ancoparisbercy.fr
Equestrian: Château de Versailles
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Stay: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
Marrying old and new in perfect symmetry, the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace is a sight to behold. The epitome of luxury boasting pristine gardens, a vast Guerlain spa and architecture to take your breath away, guests have the choice of enjoying two sites in one – the Trianon Palace and the Pavillon du Trianon for variety. The rooms are surprisingly sedate, a pleasant change from the splendour of the rest of the hotel. Just a 20 minute walk or five minute car ride from the venue, it’s a little slice of luxury to round off a memorable trip.
BOOK IT: Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace (1 Bd de la Reine, 78000 Versailles, France). hilton.com
Eat: Ore – Ducasse au château de Versailles
You can’t possibly visit the capital of gastronomy and not sample the talent of celebrated chef, Alain Ducasse. Set within the Palace of Versailles to ensure spectacular views, Ore is a culinary event like no other offering a rich menu of marinated black mullet and the traditional vanilla millefeuille. If you’re not still full in the morning, take a stroll to Angelina’s for the best pastries, lemon pie and mont blanc for breakfast.
BOOK IT: Ore – Ducasse au château de Versailles (Château De Versailles, Pavillon Dufour, 78000 Versailles, France). ducasse-chateauversailles.com
Volleyball: Place de la Concorde
Stay: Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s Paris
If convenience and comfort is top of your agenda when seeking out a Parisian hotel, you can’t get more convenient or comfortable than Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet. With a customer base reading like the who’s who of the Walk of Fame, its nod to the stars can be found in the red velvet drapes, glamorous décor and deep mahogany accents. Perfectly situated on the Champs Elysee, it’s a one minute stroll from the Metro and a whisker away from some of the most luxurious fashion boutiques in the world. If a hard day spectating has taken it out of you, relax in the hotel’s luxurious spa (the full body massage is a must try) or cosy up in Le Joy restaurant amongst coffee table books and novels to watch the world go by before tucking in to a delectable menu of scallops, rack of lamb and tiramisu. With views over the city or the courtyard below, you can end the day back in your room by relaxing in a marble clad steam shower before climbing into bed. Surprisingly quiet for a central location, it’s a home away from home for weary visitors.
BOOK IT: Hotel Barriere Le Fouquet’s (46 Av. George V, 75008 Paris, France). lefouquets-paris.com
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Eat: Brasserie Fouquet’s Paris & Café Lapérouse Concorde
Located in the heart of Paris, your tastebuds will be spoilt for choice. Fouquet’s is a popular (and somewhat iconic) choice for both locals and visitors due to its elegant take on traditional French dishes such as duck foie gras and shrimp and avocado carpaccio. But if you’re looking to venture further afield, Café Lapérouse Concorde offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from its Concorde terrace where you can find plates of corn fed chicken with cream and morel mushrooms or goujonnettes fish and chips if you’re feeling homesick.
BOOK IT: Brasserie Fouquet’s Paris (99 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France). hotelsbarriere.com
Café Lapérouse Concorde (2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France). laperouse.com
Jessica travelled from London to Paris on a round trip on the Eurostar, with a carbon footprint of approximately 5.5kg of CO2e. ecollectivecarbon.com
