If you were already thinking about taking a French course in Paris this year, you are about to be able to do it in one of the most important moments for the city in this century: The XXXIII Olympic Games. For the city, it is a special moment, because it is been 100 years since the last time the city hosted the games, in 1924.
And for you, it could be an unforgettable moment because, in addition to attending the competitions, you will be immersed in a myriad of activities where you can practice French with people from all over the world.
Let’s dive into what the 2024 Olympics have in store for us and how you can make the most of your time in Paris. Read on to discover everything you need to know to learn French during the games.
Overview of the 2024 Olympic Games
The 2024 Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, will be held in Paris, France. This will mark the third time Paris has hosted the Summer Olympics, with the previous editions being in 1900 and 1924. The games are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and will feature a wide range of sports and activities for athletes and spectators alike.
Paris beat out Los Angeles to win the bid for the 2024 Olympics, promising a unique and sustainable approach to hosting the games. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, will provide a stunning backdrop for the competitions, creating a truly memorable experience for all involved.
With over 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries expected to participate, the 2024 Olympics in Paris will be a celebration of unity, diversity, and excellence in sports.
Participating countries
As one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world, the 2024 Olympic Games will see participation from a wide range of countries across the globe. Athletes from traditional powerhouses like the United States, China, and Germany will compete alongside representatives from smaller nations, showcasing the universal appeal of the Olympics. Russia and Belarus have been banned in 2023 due to the Ukraine war.
Each country will send its best athletes to compete in various sports, from track and field to swimming, gymnastics, and more. The games will not only be a platform for athletic competition but also a cultural exchange, as spectators and participants from different countries come together to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
For students attending a French language school in Paris during the 2024 Olympics, this presents a unique opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and learn about different cultures firsthand.
What’s new in this year’s games
The 2024 Olympics in Paris will introduce several new sports and events to the program, reflecting the changing landscape of sports and the interests of younger audiences. Skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breakdancing will make their Olympic debut, adding a fresh and dynamic element to the games.
In addition to these new sports, Paris 2024 will also focus on sustainability and innovation, with plans to create a carbon-neutral event that minimizes its environmental impact. From using eco-friendly materials for construction to promoting public transportation and renewable energy, the organizers are committed to making the 2024 Olympics a model for future sustainable sporting events.
For students attending a French course in Paris during the games, this emphasis on sustainability and innovation offers a valuable learning opportunity to see firsthand how a major international event can be organized in an eco-friendly and socially responsible manner.
Venues
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris will be spread across various iconic venues and locations in the city, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of the French capital. Some of the key competition venues include the Stade de France, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics and football events.
Other prominent locations for the games include the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for basketball, wrestling, and other indoor sports, the Château de Versailles for equestrian events, and the Seine River for open-water swimming and triathlon competitions. The diversity of venues reflects Paris’s commitment to offering athletes and spectators a truly unique and unforgettable Olympic experience.
For students taking a French course in Paris during the 2024 Olympics, attending competitions at these iconic venues will not only provide a glimpse into the world of sports but also allow them to explore different parts of the city and immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere.
Planning your stay
If you’re planning to attend the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris while also taking a French course, it’s recommended to stay in the city for at least two weeks. This duration will give you enough time to experience the excitement of the games, explore the city’s cultural attractions, and make significant progress in your French language studies.
During the first week, you can balance your time between attending classes at the French language school and exploring Paris’s museums, galleries, and landmarks. This dual focus will allow you to deepen your understanding of the language and culture while also enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Olympics.
In the second week, you can focus on attending Olympic events and immersing yourself in the sporting atmosphere. From cheering on your favorite athletes to witnessing historic moments on the field, the games will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.
Choosing your French course
You will be surprised by the progress in your French level that you will be able to achieve during your 2 or 3-week stay in Paris. During the first week, we recommend a 30-hour super intensive course, which will give you an excellent base to practice the language during the games.
In the following week, a standard 7:30h course will give you the time you need to attend your favorite competitions while learning. If you have some free time left over, you can supplement your classes with a thematic workshop on conversation, pronunciation, or writing/grammar.
The most interesting course during this period is a workshop: Paris walk & talk. With this option, you will be able to visit the most emblematic places of Paris and the venues of the games guided by a teacher who will tell you interesting things about each place from the point of view of an insider. The perfect combination of sightseeing and learning.
Complementary activities
While attending the 2024 Olympic Games and taking a French course in Paris, there are plenty of complementary activities that you can enjoy to make the most of your time in the city. You can explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, visit world-renowned museums like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, or take a stroll along the Seine River.
For a taste of French cuisine, you can indulge in delicious pastries at local bakeries, savor a gourmet meal at a traditional brasserie, or sample fresh produce at a bustling farmers’ market. Paris is a paradise for food lovers, with a wide range of culinary delights waiting to be discovered around every corner.
Additionally, you can participate in cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and theater performances, to enrich your experience and connect with the vibrant artistic scene in Paris. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a language learner, or a cultural explorer, the city has something for everyone to enjoy.
Tips and advice
When attending the 2024 Olympic Games and taking a French course in Paris, there are several tips to keep in mind to make your experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. First and foremost, plan your schedule to ensure that you can balance your time between attending classes, exploring the city, and watching Olympic events.
For transportation, consider using the efficient metro system to navigate Paris quickly and affordably. You can purchase a Navigo pass for unlimited travel on public transport, including buses, trams, and RER trains, to make your daily commute hassle-free.
In terms of accommodation, look for student-friendly options such as hostels or apartments near Lutece school to minimize commuting time and expenses. If you want to stay with a host family, we can arrange it for you for a small fee. The homestay costs will be probably lower than other accommodation options during this time. You can also explore budget-friendly dining options, such as street food markets and local cafes, to sample authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.
Accommodation
Paris offers accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, from student hostels with shared rooms to luxury hotels. The high demand due to the Olympic Games may cause prices to rise, as expected, and there will be less availability.
If you’re planning to study French with us, we can find you accommodation with a French host family. The prices for homestay are more affordable than other options such as hotels or private apartments, with the advantage that you will be able to experience real interactive communication in French every day. All our host families are carefully selected and are located less than 30 minutes from the school.
This is why we recommend that you make your reservation at least 3 weeks in advance so that we can find the perfect accommodation option for you, and that you can make the most of your French course and the Olympic Games.