The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are causing serious traffic problems in the capital and in all the venues hosting events. But Waze has a solution to bypass closed areas and avoid traffic jams.
This summer, getting around Paris will not be easy for residents of the Paris region, with the Olympic Games taking place. With more than two million tourists expected, mobility in and around the capital is becoming more complex, leading the Government and organizations to take special measures. For example, for security reasons, motorists and pedestrians cannot move freely in certain areas of the capital and in the Paris region; they will have to benefit from an exemption in the form of a QR code.
Some roads, particularly around iconic sites such as the Parc des Princes and Roland-Garros, will even be completely closed to traffic at certain times, in order to ensure the safety of athletes and spectators. All these measures are likely to complicate your travels.
Fortunately, you can count on the Waze app, which has an ingenious function to avoid these areas. Indeed, thanks to a special 2024 Olympic Games feature, the mapping service now informs you in real time of prohibited roads and offers you alternative routes. A way to avoid traffic jams and enjoy your summer in the capital in peace.
So, if you open Waze, you can find on the application all the roads that are closed to traffic in Paris. For each zone, the application indicates all the closed streets in detail. For example, on the Parc des Princes and Rolland Garros sites, where the football and tennis events are taking place, it is prohibited to drive until August 10 at 0:30. The service therefore indicates that Porte d’Auteuil, the exit of the ring road, rue des Pins, rue du Général Roques and many others are closed to motorized vehicles. This way you can plan your journey in advance and avoid these areas.
Waze also allows you to anticipate future closures. For example, for the road cycling events, several axes in Yvelines (78) and Essonne (91) will be closed this Saturday, August 2. By consulting the application, you can therefore also adjust your route, well before reaching the areas concerned.
To take advantage of this handy feature, make sure the app is updated on your smartphone. In the menu, you’ll find a block titled “Olympics: Road Closures, Alternative Routes, and More.” Tap on this section to access the details of the 2024 Olympics-specific road closures, where all past and future traffic bans can be found.
Be careful, pay close attention to the 185 km of Olympic lanes installed in Paris, which are reserved for accredited vehicles, with a few exceptions. If you use these lanes to save time, you risk a 4th class fine, or an amount of 135 euros. That would be a shame!