Game Time In Paris

As the City of Lights gears up for the largest sporting event in the world, we bring you a host of activities to enjoy in the French capital-your love for the Games notwithstanding

- SMITA TRIPATHI

While Paris is always special, this summer it's going to be particularly remarkable as it plays host to the XXXIII Olympic Games, 100 years after it last did so in 1924. More than 15 million visitors are expected to visit the city during the Games from July 26 to August 11, and then from August 28 to September 8 for the Paralympics. If you have tickets for some of the sporting events or if you are planning a trip to the French capital during the summer, here's our pick of activities for you to indulge in.

WATCH THE OPENING CEREMONY

The French love doing things differently, and with the world's eyes on them, what better way to make a statement than by hosting a groundbreaking opening ceremony on the Seine! For the first time in modern Olympic history, the ceremony won't take place in a stadium but on the Seine itself, with delegates parading on more than 80 boats. The ceremony will drift slowly from east to west, bridge to bridge, snaking 6 km from Pont d'Austerlitz to Pont d'Iéna. Not only will this be spectacular, but also make it more accessible to the general public (read you). Although the lower stands are exclusively for ticket holders, the upper stands are open to the general public. So, pack your picnic basket and go early to grab the best spot. And even if you don't get a seat, fear not; big screens will also be set up all along the river, so you won't miss any of the action.

HEAD TO THE FAN ZONES