By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com
There’s been a lot of headlines and stories in the media about pollution in the Seine River and other issues associated with the host city for the XXXIII Olympiad.
But don’t worry. Paris wil be fine for the the 2024 Summer Olympics, which are July 26-Aug. 11. I know; I was just there.
I found Paris to be, well, Paris.
There was life in the endless cafes, mad traffic by the Arc de Triumph, window shoppers along the Champs-Élysées, way too many people selling the same cheap plastic replicas of the Eiffel Tower by that landmark – a main focal point of the Olympics and Paris in general – and Parisians sitting along the Siene River drinking wine while watching the tourist boats.
The Water Quality Of The Seine
There’s been much talk about that issue but French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera swam in it near the Alexandre II bridge where the open water swimming competiton takes place and Mayor Anne Hidalgo has done the same to prove it’s safe. I personally did not give it a try and from a tourists’ standpoint, you won’t, either. That’s an issue for the officials of the Games and won’t affect the enjoyment of the fans at all. So don’t worry about it.
Visiting Paris During The Olympics
When in Paris I had a few locals tell me they are “getting out of town” for the Olympics. They didn’t want to deal with the crowds and perceived everyday hassles. To this I said, “are you crazy!? Being in a city for the Olympics is awesome! There are friendly people from all over the world, many dressed in their native country’s costumes, there to have a great time and cheer on their athletes. It’s a life-enhancing experience!”
I know what I am am talking about, too, because I saw if first hand during the Vancouver Games. Not only did I laugh and smile with people from several countries but I drank and partied with some of the Olympic athletes (well before and also after thier competitions) and some of the coaches. It was an experience I will forever treasure.
Riding The Paris Metro During The Olympics
The Metro ran just fine (it took me a few times to realize the gates don’t open automatically, that you have to push them). The only change on the Metro during the Olympics is that three main stations – Concorde (lines 1, 8 and 12), Tuileries (line 1), Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau (lines 1 and 13) – will be closed during the Games.
Expect the Metro to be absolutely packed. It’s already that way at the Louve and Champs-Élysées to the point that when it pulled up it was so crowded it seemed not another person could board it. I expected people to get off to provide a little bit of space but nobody did and, following the lead of others on the platform, I somehow squeezed onto it. I couldn’t take a full breath for two stops. That being said the Metro is easy to use, the people at the entrances are helpful and you probably only need a ticket for Zones 1, 2 and 3, which is less than 10 Euros for the day. Finding a seat on the Metro is a Paris luxury, by the way.
Before boarding a trian, be sure and read these top tips for riding the Paris Metro, as well as these tips for getting aound Paris during the Olympics.
Conclusion
Yes, Paris will be crowded during the Summer Olympics. It will also be open, friendly and fun. I would love to be there for the Games.