How to Escape the Olympics in Paris This Summer

Construction chaos, price hikes and now mandatory QR codes to walk some city streets: As the Olympics loom in Paris, many locals are already looking to escape the Games, and come July, will head to quieter parts of France.

The Olympic and Paralympic mascots might be another thing to escape this summer.Credit…Stephane De Sakutin/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

It’s likely that some of the 15 million visitors expected to roll into town might also want a break from the cheering crowds. Luckily, the greater Paris area and nearby regions offer plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in some French culture. Whether you’re looking to escape for an hour or for a day, here are some suggestions.

In Paris

Pompidou Center

The Pompidou Center is renowned worldwide for its contemporary art collection and exhibitions.Credit…Andy Soloman/Shutterstock

With its quirky inside-out architecture — a tangle of colorful tubes running across the facade — the Pompidou Center has been a flagship venue for contemporary art since the 1970s. For a culture break between athletic feats, stop by its “Comics on Every Floor” festival, a wide-ranging, international dive into the genre.