At long last, the games of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad have begun. While many people have decided to go to Paris to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event in person, many more have decided to sit this one out and admire the proceedings from afar.
If you're in the second category, that doesn't mean that you can't get a little bit of the feel of the French capital right here in North America. While I can't promise you'll be greeted with an international flotilla and a strutting torch-bearer, all of the following destinations have traces of Paris or the Olympics in their character and make for a fine getaway during the Olympics or any time of year.
Paris, Texas
You'll want to brush up on your "bonjour, ya'll" before heading to this city in northeastern Texas, which lays claim to the title of "second biggest Paris in the world". Here, you can pose behind a replica of the Eiffel Tower (naturally topped by a bright red cowboy hat) and admire the historic facades on The Plaza.
New Orleans' French Quarter. (photo via New Orleans & Company)
New Orleans, Louisiana
No discussion of American destinations with French flair would be complete without the Big Easy, home to the famous French Quarter and an unofficial ethos of laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll). While much of the architecture of The Quarter is a result of the city's time spent under Spanish rule, the flavor of Paris can be found in the boutiques on Royal Street, the courtyard of the Napoleon House bar and local delicacies like beignets and po' boy sandwiches. But there's no better place to taste the French-Creole flavors of New Orleans than at one of its most revered dining establishments: Antoine’s Restaurant.
Exterior of Union Station in St. Louis. (Photo Credit: Explore St. Louis)
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis was founded by French fur traders and named after Louis IX, a legendary French king turned saint. But while that's all in the past, the St. Louis of today still features echoes of its French founding. Take a stroll around Lafayette Square (named after Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette who played a major role in the American Revolution) to see some of the finest Victorian architecture in the nation before heading next door to the Soulard neighborhood, which is the city's oldest and home to the annual Mardi Gras celebration. No trip here is complete without a stop at Union Station—modeled after the French citadel city of Carcassonne—or a trip up the famous Gateway "Arc", erm Arch.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Located in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is known as "Olympic City, USA" and a visit here is sure to get you into the spirit of competition. The city is home to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Training Center, a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the awe-inspiring stories of America’s most acclaimed Olympic athletes. The only one of its kind in the nation, the museum will give you a new appreciation for the athletes who represent us every two years at the Olympic Games.
And if a trip to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum and Training Center gets you in the mood for an active pursuit or two, the area is full of places to test your stamina and strength, with hiking, climbing and rafting being just a few options available.
PHOTO: Paris Las Vegas. (photo via Caesars Entertainment Corporation)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Not only does the Paris Las Vegas resort feature a faithful half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower, but you will also spot architectural nods to the Arc de Triomphe and Louvre. To say nothing of the Parisian-inspired dining options and the iconic hotel towers that evoke the glamourous Hotel de Ville. Who knows, maybe you leave a winner with enough cash to splash out on a European vacation.
France Pavilion Expansion area (Photo via Brooke Geiger McDonald)
Orlando, Florida
Famed for its ability to transport guests to another side of the globe, the World Showcase at EPCOT might be the best way to "leave" the USA without a passport, and the France Pavilion offers one of the attraction's finest experiences. In addition to an authentic-feeling Parisian street complete with authentic French shops, the pavilion is home to the exciting Remy's Ratatouille Adventure ride. You will also be able to indulge in plenty of French food & drink at the pavilion, with options ranging from tasty crepes to multi-course fine dining.
Louisville, Kentucky
The 'Ville is also named after a French King, this time Louis XVI, who famously supported the USA during the American Revolution, and the fleur-de-lis is one of its symbols. So yes, it has some serious French street cred', and when it comes to the spirit of Kentucky that you will find being poured all over town, bourbon takes its name from the House of Bourbon, a former French Royal Family.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Mircea Costina)
Montreal, Quebec
Okay, this one may be over the border, but Montreal is just a short hop of tens of millions of Americans. This buzzing metropolis is in the mostly French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec, and here you can experience a food scene that is second to none and arts & entertainment that can compete with any European counterpart. Climb Mount Royal (the hill that gave the city its name) to take in views of the city before exploring the local neighborhoods, all with far fewer crowds than Paris.
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