Paris Is Having Its Biggest Tourism Summer Since the 2024 Games
Two years after the Olympics, Paris is welcoming record visitor numbers. Here is why and where they are going.
<p>Paris tourism officials say summer 2026 is the biggest visitor season the city has ever recorded. The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games left behind upgraded venues, cleaner Seine bathing sites and a global marketing halo that keeps paying off.</p>
<h2>The numbers</h2>
<p>The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau reports hotel occupancy above 90% for July, a record for the month. International arrivals are up double digits from summer 2025.</p>
<h2>Where visitors are going</h2>
<p>Beyond the classics, the biggest gains are at former Olympic venues: the newly-public Grand Palais Ephemere park, the Chateau de Versailles equestrian park, and the Seine bathing sites at Bras Marie and Bras de Grenelle.</p>
<h2>Impact on locals</h2>
<p>Not everyone is happy. Rents in the 11th and 20th arrondissements are up sharply as short-term rentals surge. The city has introduced tighter Airbnb-style rules for 2026.</p>
<h2>Getting around</h2>
<p>The Metro's Line 14 extension to Orly airport, opened for the Games, has become the smoothest airport transfer option. Bike lanes added for the Games are now permanent.</p>
