• And if against a "Parisian cocoon full of charm, close to the Canal de l'Ourcq", we could take the opportunity for three weeks to find a free villa in Australia, Indonesia or Polynesia? 20 Minutes tried the experiment.
  • In the midst of the more than 90% of automatic responses declining the offer of a "Parisian cocoon full of charm, close to the Canal de l'Ourcq", a few answers have raised hope.

Who says Olympics in Paris, says big gains for Parisian owners who offer their apartment at a golden price for the summer of 2024. On Airbnb, the phenomenon has gained momentum, with prices for summer 2024 multiplying by two, three, or even ten between July 26 and August 11 compared to the same period over a usual year. So at 20 Minutes, we thought even bigger: why not try to go to the other side of the world in a dream house with swimming pool?



On paper, the offer seemed enticing: what if against a "Parisian cocoon full of charm, close to the Canal de l'Ourcq", we could take the opportunity for three weeks to find a free villa in Australia, Indonesia or Polynesia? Challenge accepted, 20 Minutes takes you through the meanders of home exchanges.

Istanbul or Vanuatu?

First step: create an account on some specialized sites, Homeexchange, Thirdhome, Switchome, Trocmaison among others. Take pictures, write an announcement, select the dates of the Olympics to rent your apartment, validate your account and attack the nice part: choose destinations and ideal houses to enchant a summer period, which could be quite anxiety-provoking for those who will stay in Paris.

First touch after a hundred messages sent and about 95% of automatic messages politely refusing such an exchange: bye-bye the Cayman Islands, Canada, Costa Rica, Sydney Bay and Indonesia. On the other hand, Engin offers a beautiful apartment in the center of Istanbul, without financial compensation, it's all beneficial!

In the process, Tahnia also replies that she agrees to exchange her house... in Vanuatu. At 20 Minutes, we can't believe our eyes. And indeed, his second message has the effect of a bucket of ice water after a swim in the lagoon: "Excuse me, I misunderstood. We have no plans to travel at this time, but we would be happy for you to come and stay at our resort during this time." Total cost of accommodation for three weeks: 2,320 euros. Thank you, but no thanks.


Brazil and Australia, too expensive

The messages keep scrolling. The American Caroline prefers "the Marais and the 4th arrondissement", Karine from Montreal knows well that the Olympic period is not the best to visit Paris and declines, unlike Michel de Val-David in Canada, who is not against the idea of "going to visit some castles". As for Klaus, who offers a beautiful chalet in the Swiss mountains, he plans to visit Japan: "None of us are big sports fans, so it probably wouldn't be the right time to visit Paris (again). I fully understand that you want to flee during this time 😉."

Solicitude but no unicorn in the list. And then back-to-back, Josue and his home in Área de Praias in Brazil, then Graeme in Windsor in Australia, revive hope. But these exchanges are not free. In addition to the "GuestPoints" distributed by the site, depending on size, location and many other criteria, the two owners ask for a tidy sum to enjoy their accommodation with swimming pool: between 3,280 and 5,670 euros. Budget exploded.


A touch in Mexico City

Only Noémi in Budapest and Heidi from Olympia in the United States put an option on their coming to Paris for the Olympics in 2024, but are actually waiting for the answer to their candidacy as a volunteer. Their apartments are not quite up to the original dream but visiting Hungary or Wahington County are attractive ideas. Response in fall 2023.


Unless Cody who lives in Mexico City is the sought-after Holy Grail: "I'm very interested, I guess you want to leave the city during the crowds and chaos?" Affirmative and him, would the Olympics interest him? "Yes, but do you know how to get places?" So yes Cody, we know: "Do you have a well-stocked bank account? An angel's patience? An appetite for just about every sport except athletics, swimming and all team sports? Because buying tickets for the Games is at least as complicated a mission as the one we just set for ourselves. Moreover, in addition to our apartment, we are also looking to exchange two places for rowing qualifying. Promise, it's heavy.

  • Paris 2024 Olympics
  • Tourism
  • Summer holidays
  • Olympic Games
  • Local
  • Paris
  • Ile