Experience the Olympics Outside of Paris: Nine Alternative Destinations in France
Paris may be the center of the universe for sports fans this summer, but there are plenty of other Olympic sites in France worth exploring. With nine destinations outside the metro region hosting events, travelers have the opportunity to catch some action without getting caught up in the crowds and high prices.
From Bordeaux to Marseille to Tahiti, top athletes will be competing in a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, sailing, and surfing. Tickets are available in batches, so if you don’t see the ones you want, keep checking the ticketing site or wait for the official resale platform to open on May 15.
In addition to watching sports, visitors can take advantage of museums, parks, design centers, and delicious food and wine options. In Nantes, you can even ride a mechanical elephant for a unique experience.
For those looking to plan their own alternative Olympic trip, here are some ideas:
– Lille: Catch basketball and handball events while exploring the colorful facades of Vieux-Lille and enjoying a coffee in the Grande Place.
– Bordeaux: Experience soccer matches while sampling local wines and exploring the Bassins des Lumières and Cité du Vin.
– Nantes: Watch soccer matches and explore the historical ties to Brittany while enjoying local delicacies like Gâteau Nantais.
– Châteauroux: Attend shooting events and explore the city’s historical sites like Château Raoul and the Franciscan Cordeliers Convent.
– Lyon and St.-Étienne: Enjoy soccer matches in Lyon or St.-Étienne and explore the gastronomic capital of France or the city’s design and innovation scene.
– Marseille: Watch sailing and soccer events while exploring the mix of urban grit and natural beauty in this Mediterranean port city.
– Nice: Experience soccer matches in the queen city of the French Riviera and enjoy the seaside path along the Promenade des Anglais.
– Teahupo’o, Tahiti: Witness surfing events in the stunning backdrop of Tahiti’s white sands and turquoise lagoons.
With so many options for sports and exploration, France offers a unique and diverse Olympic experience for travelers this summer.