We travel for so many reasons. To experience different cultures, see iconic landmarks, eat at world-class restaurants and drink at tiny dive bars. But so many of us also travel for sport. Perhaps you've traversed the globe to see your favourite football team compete on the world stage, taken a day trip to London to watch a match at Wimbledon, or followed cyclists along the Tour de France route. Sport brings communities from all corners of the planet together to share an experience that's unique every time.
This summer, as the Olympic and Paralympic Games go to Paris, all eyes are on the French capital. We've spoken to the people planning the Games on what the future of the event looks like, asked Parisian tastemakers for their top tips when visiting the city, and compiled a neighbourhood guide for the Stade de France, where many of the events are taking place. It's official: summer 2024 is all about sport.
The ultimate guide to the Olympic Games
“Change or be changed”: Is the Olympics adapting quickly enough to the future of travel?
Each new Olympic Games means new obstacles, social trends and cultural moments. So how will Paris 2024 embrace the future of the competition and influence the lasting impact of the Games on host destinations?
8 Parisian tastemakers on their favourite things in Paris ahead of the Olympics and Paralympics
Just as the city is breaking new ground with sport, so too does it have more to offer than the Eiffel Tower and escargots – as our eight local insiders reveal. Handpicked from the world of sport, they each represent a different field of expertise, from climbing to surfing, with many training for this year’s Olympics. Dancer Salif Gueye reveals where to go clubbing on a Monday night; surf skater Hortense Boudet shares the top spot to watch her sport; and paracyclist Marie Patouillet spotlights a queer cabaret in the 18th arrondissement.
Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: everything you need to know
Whether you're heading to the City of Light or just want to watch from home, consider this your ultimate guide
Paris Olympics area guide: what to do, where to eat and where to drink in Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen
Rugby 7s, athletics, and several Paralympic events are all happening at the Stade de France, but what should you do when you’re not watching the sport? Most importantly, where should you grab a beer?
Where the chefs eat in Paris
What to do in Paris this summer
- 47 best things to do in Paris right now
- How to spend a day in Montmartre, Paris, according to a local
- The best exhibitions in Paris for July
- How to spend 3 days in Paris
Where to eat and drink in Paris this summer
- The 41 best restaurants in Paris right now
- The best bars in Paris right now
- The top 12 prettiest rooftop bars in Paris
- The 17 best pâtisseries in Paris
- The best places to buy croissants in Paris
Is sports tourism the ultimate way to immerse yourself in a new culture? These fans think so
It's not just the Olympic Games bringing out our sporty sides this summer. Beyond the bright lights of Paris, sports tourism – from Indian cricket fans partying in New York to mother-daughter Grand Prix trips; from surfing's scrappy little sister sport making a comeback to the very British obsession with all-American sports – is changing rapidly. During a summer of sport, this is the ultimate way to discover new destinations with people who share your passions.
How sports became the biggest reason to travel in 2024
Cricket in NYC, the Euros in Germany, the Paris Olympics… 2024 has been a great year for sports tourism. According to the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, sports is one of the travel industry’s fastest-growing sectors – stadium-gazing is as hot a trend as gig-tripping.
Is bellyboarding the sport of the summer?
This summer, the World Belly Board Championships will return to Cornwall on Saturday 14 September, after a five-year hiatus. But what is bellyboarding? And how does one get involved?
How Britain fell in love with American football
The NFL's annual autumn appearance in London is fast-becoming a “can't miss” event in the capital's schedule. But why are Brits so obsessed with the most all-American sport of them all?
How to ace tenniscore travel
From film to fashion, tenniscore is the trend of the summer. It’s thriving in the travel industry too – here’s where to go and what to pack if you’re in need of a Grand Slam getaway