Paris News: The current state of Paris before the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games
June 16, 2024
"Are you sure?" "Will we make it in time?" "Can we really do it?"
Big events are full of anxiety right up until the last minute!
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are no exception, with many rumors circulating.
The other day, I was messaging with a friend in Japan who is a fan of Paris.
She explained all the regulations during the Olympics:
I was surprised to find that they had the same information as me (the same as I did when I attended the Paris Tourism Board's webinar!).
Apparently, this information was from a video by a Japanese YouTuber living in Paris. I really felt the intensity of the attention it was receiving from Japan.
As for the Parisians themselves...
Perhaps it's because of her naturally easy-going personality, I get the impression that he lives his days calmly.
Around this time last year, there was a lot of talk about how "city functions will be completely paralyzed during the Olympics!"
"So I'm going to rent out the apartment I'm currently living in and go on vacation somewhere!"
There was also a mood of "Let's rent it out at a high price while we're at it!" In reality, that's about it.
According to media reports, tourist numbers and hotel bookings during the Olympics are down 2% from normal levels.
This was something that Elodie from the Paris Tourist Board (check out YouTube♪) knew all too well.
This is a phenomenon that always occurs in cities hosting the Olympic Games.
And it is clear that a large wave of tourists will come in the following years.
He once told me that this is why the Olympics are so attractive to the economy of the host country.
However, Anyway, I really hope it will be a success.
With the Olympics just a month and a half away, Here's what's happening in Paris right now.
The metro, which Parisians use daily, now has signs in pink, showing the way to the venue.
The pink color and simple design are stylish.
There appear to be five venues on the Metro Line 8, which I frequently use.
By the way, the closest stadium to my house is the Bercy Arena at Bercy Station on lines 6 and 14. It seems that rhythmic gymnastics is competed there.
It seems strange to think that Olympic events are being held just a 25-minute walk away.
The Bercy Arena once had I went to Madonna and Jamiroquai concerts!
Changing the subject, The official souvenir goods for Paris 2024 are very stylish.
I also purchased a pin at the official merchandise shop in Les Halles shopping centre in January of this year.
The logo is nice too, but I chose a pigeon lol
Speaking of logos, do you know what this logo means?
It represents three things: a gold medal, the Olympic flame, and Marianne (the female symbol of the French Republic).
And the font for Paris 2024 is:
It is an Art Deco typeface that was popular at the time of the Paris Olympics 100 years ago.
Every one of those meanings is wonderful!
Another recommended place to buy official merchandise is Official merchandise corner on the 6th floor of Galeries Lafayette.
It's right next to the Paris souvenir corner, You can purchase official merchandise while searching for attractive souvenirs.
You can get tax-free items, so department stores are definitely a great place to shop.
If the opening ceremony parade really took place on the Seine,
The starting point was where I used to live. I heard it's near Gare d'Austerlitz in the 13th arrondissement.
Like this, "where I live" or "where I used to live" "Where the company is located," "Where the school is located," etc.
The familiar civic area, It will be the stage for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With that in mind, I can't help but feel that Paris 2024 will be a meaningful event that will go down in Olympic history.
Good luck!
Until next time,
Avianto!
Keiko SUMINO-LEBLANCParis-based writer/coordinator, Japanese-French translatorHe moved to Paris in 1997. After getting married and raising children in Paris, she is now working as a freelance writer and coordinator. As a journalist specializing in food and lifestyle, He has contributed to numerous magazines and media outlets in France and Japan, and has also co-authored a book as a translator.