May 8th 2024.
Planning a trip to the City of Love this summer? Well, you might want to take a closer look at your budget. That's because the cost of traveling around Paris is about to skyrocket. The city's public transport authority has announced a significant increase in the prices of Metro and bus tickets. From July 20th, a single journey on the Metro will cost €4, while a bus ticket will double in price to €5. This change will remain in effect until September 8th, coinciding with the end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the French capital.
The timing of this price hike has caused some concern, as it comes into effect just six days before the start of the Games. City officials have reassured regular commuters that they will not be affected, as they already have transport passes in place. However, for tourists planning to hop on and off the Metro, it's important to note that three busy stations - Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau, Concorde, and Tuileries - will be closed before and during the Games, reopening in September.
To save money on transportation, the best option is to purchase a weekly travel pass. Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange, recommends this as a great way to save some cash. These passes are valid on all forms of public transport in the Île-de-France region, including Metro, RER, bus, tram, and train (excluding a few reserved lines). There are two types of passes available - an 'all zones' pass for unlimited travel across all zones, and a '2-zone' pass for those who only need to travel outside their two zones.
If you're visiting Paris specifically for the Olympics and Paralympics, there is also a special Paris Pass available. This pass, which works like a season ticket, can be used for up to seven days and starts at €16. It's a convenient option for those looking to save money on transportation during their stay.
If you're wondering when the best time to convert your pounds to euros is, Laura advises not to leave it until the last minute. The exchange rate between these currencies tends to fluctuate only slightly, but it can quickly add up, especially when exchanging larger amounts. It's always best to avoid buying euros at the airport or Eurostar train station, as the rates tend to be lower. Monday through Thursday is also the best time to make the exchange, as these are the least busy days for transfers.
You can purchase transportation passes at any ticket desk or kiosk at stations around the city. It's important to consider which pass will suit your needs best, based on your accommodation location and daily travel plans.
The Olympics have not only affected transportation prices but also hotel costs. According to a report by French consumer group UFC-Que Choisir, on the night of the opening ceremony, a double room in a three or four-star hotel will cost an average of €1,033, compared to €317 on a regular night. Half of the hotels surveyed reported being fully booked, and 30% have introduced a minimum two-night stay requirement for bookings. While there are still some available properties on booking websites, many four-star hotels have limited rooms left, with prices around £800 for a room with a 'very good' rating.
If you're looking for a unique accommodation experience, Airbnb has announced its new 'Icons' category, which includes extraordinary destinations for travelers to book. Among these, you'll find the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, which will be available for a limited time as an Airbnb rental. However, there's a catch - there will be a lottery system in place, and the bedroom will only be available for one night - the day of the Opening Ceremony on July 26th. Booking for this unique experience will open on May 21st, 2024, on the Airbnb app. The lucky guests selected will have the opportunity to stay in the museum for free.
So, if you're planning a trip to Paris for the Olympics, make sure to plan your transportation and accommodation in advance to save some money and avoid any last-minute surprises. Bon voyage!
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