Paris is expecting a deluge of visitors throughout the games but there will still be ways to ... [+]
There is no good way to tell visitors to Paris that the queue at the Louvre never gets any smaller and the trip itself can turn into a day spent in line. The good news is that there are plenty of other spots to visit that will let you experience the real Paris, the one known to its residents, even during the Olympic Games—many of which are centred around the city's historic bridges, terraces and waterways.
Walk 'La Petite Ceinture' Through A Green, Calm Paris
The High Line is New York's inventive way of experiencing the city from the air, but Paris has its own version, using the 19th century La Petite Ceinture (literally, the little belt), a railway line which carried people around Paris on a steam train from 1852 to 1934. Today, it is lovely green path that navigates the city, at ground level and across historical bridges, having been restored since its decline at the beginning of the 20th century.
There are playgrounds and picnic spots along the tracks but in some places, particularly through the old train tunnels, it can get overgrown—take torches and provisions to easily explore. Easy access is at the Villa du Bel Air near Porte de Vincennes.
The old tracks of La Petite Ceinture railway line in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, now a calm, ... [+]
Lounge On One Of Paris' Summer Terraces—Open Until Midnight
Whether you love a rooftop or garden terrace, one with a DJ or one for calm lounging, everyone loves people watching on a Parisian terrace, particularly ones where the food is divine—think brunch at the Café A near the very cool Canal Saint Martin.
During the Olympics, terraces are allowed to stay open two hours longer than usual and will close at midnight. Great news if you're visiting one of the 13,500 establishments in Paris with a terrace attached.
Paris' outside terraces are an institution and will be open until midnight during the Olympic Games
Sample The Bakeries Along Canal Saint Martin
It can be delightful to walk along the Canal Saint Martin but particularly more so with a pastry in hand, watching the barges slowly navigate the locks. AFAR recommends either a choux pastry from Mamiche or a seasonal-flavored pinwheel from Du Pain et Des Idées.
It can be fun to watch the barges navigate the locks along Canal Saint-Martin in Paris.
Visit One Of The Famous Grand Houses
There are so many castles and grand homes accessible in under an hour from Paris' center, like Louis XIV's Versailles which has a staggering 2,300 rooms but also Napoleon's favorite, Fontainebleau—today a UNESCO Heritage site housing Renaissance frescoes and the most priceless paintings and porcelain of any French castle.
The Palace of Fontainebleau is one of the largest French royal castles and accessible in under an ... [+]
Swim In The Seine Or Discover Paris' Other River
La Bièvre is a mostly underground waterway that runs for 36 kilometers (22 miles) through Paris' suburbs before it runs into the Seine near the Austerlitz train station, south east of the city. It was canalized and then covered up by Baron Haussmann, Napoleon III's architect, who created the stylish grand boulevards that Paris is known for. Slowly, though, it's being uncovered and following its meandering path offers another alternative to discovering a different side of Paris and its industrial history.
And just as participants are hoping to swim in events taking place in the Seine (if e-coli levels can be managed before the Games begin in just over 100 days), visitors can take to one of several outdoor pools around Paris to manage the heat. There are several to choose from but a firm favorite is the 25-metre Josephine Baker, a floating pool that sits on a pontoon with a retractable roof that offers stunning views over the Seine. It is moored at Quai François-Mauriac in the 13th arrondissement and reservations are essential.
It can be fun to swim in the outdoor pools, particularly on the side of the river Seine.
If you have a bigger budget, head to the granddaddy of open-air Parisian pools, the completely renovated and breathtaking Molitor (now a deluxe hotel and spa), built in the 1920s and opened by Olympic medallist Johnny Weissmuller, who was also a lifeguard there in 1929.
