Paris 2024 Olympics travel checklist for families: step-by-step guide

Attending the Paris 2024 Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for families. This Paris 2024 Olympics travel checklist for families will help you organise every detail in advance, from ticket purchases to daily logistics in the city. Paris in summer (July-August 2026) will be packed with tourists, so planning ahead is crucial to avoid last-minute issues and make the most of the event.

The checklist covers essential aspects like accommodation, public transport, necessary documents, and practical tips for travelling with children. It also includes reminders about real deadlines (such as ticket activation or transport bookings) and local customs, like meal times or public transport rules.

What this checklist includes

Concrete tasks organised by stages: before the trip, during your stay, and upon return. Each step is designed to leave nothing to chance, from ticket management to packing. Use this list in Foco to assign tasks to family members, set reminders, and keep track of what’s pending.

• Check the validity of passports or ID cards for all family members (must be valid for at least 6 months in 2026)
• Purchase Olympic event tickets on the official website (paris2024.org) and activate them in the Paris 2024 app before travelling
• Book accommodation with flexible cancellation (recommended areas: near metro stations like La Défense, Bercy, or Saint-Denis)
• Buy the Paris 2024 Travel Pass (unlimited transport for 3, 5, or 7 days) or single metro/RER tickets via the Île-de-France Mobilités app
• Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for each family member if you’re EU residents
• Take out travel insurance covering cancellation, medical assistance, and lost luggage (mandatory for non-EU residents)
• Download essential apps: Paris 2024 (tickets and schedules), Île-de-France Mobilités (transport), Google Maps (offline), and Too Good To Go (affordable food)
• Prepare a list of restaurants and supermarkets near your accommodation (meal times: lunch 12:00-14:00, dinner 19:30-22:00)
• Buy type E plug adapters (2 round pins) if travelling from outside France
• Bring credit/debit cards with no foreign transaction fees (recommended: Revolut, N26, or Wise) and notify your bank of your trip
• Prepare an emergency kit: basic medicines, face masks, hand sanitiser, and snacks for children
• Print physical copies of tickets, accommodation bookings, and insurance (even if stored on your phone)
• Check airline and public transport luggage rules (max 1 suitcase + 1 backpack per person on metro/RER)
• Plan routes from your accommodation to Olympic venues (use RER for long distances and metro for short trips)
• Book tickets in advance for tourist attractions (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Disneyland Paris) if planning to visit
• Pack comfortable clothing and walking shoes (Paris in summer can exceed 30°C, but evenings are cooler)
• Prepare activities for children during travel (books, travel games, or tablets with downloaded movies)
• Set reminders in Foco for key dates: ticket activation, accommodation check-in, and event schedules
• Review Olympic venue security rules (prohibited items: large bags, glass bottles, and outside food)
• Prepare a backup plan for delays or cancellations (save emergency contacts: embassy, travel insurance, and accommodation)