Parisians' Olympic diaries: Divided views on Games, half-empty hotels and the 'safe' Seine

Paris is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host the Olympics after a century-long hiatus. For the 45,000 volunteers who form the backbone of this mega event, the Games starting July 26 promise to be the experience of a lifetime. Amidst the excitement, a chance encounter with tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz at Paris Orly airport has already made this volunteering stint unforgettable for some lucky individuals.

"I am already 60 and retired. It's safe to say Paris won't see another Olympics in my lifetime, so being part of this is truly the event of my life," shared one enthusiastic volunteer who preferred to remain anonymous. "Just 20 minutes ago, I helped Carlos Alcaraz with his accreditation. That moment alone has made my experience unforgettable," she added with a sparkle in her eyes.

However, not everyone in Paris is equally thrilled about the Games. The influx of visitors and infrastructure preparations have disrupted daily life for locals. Public transportation fares have doubled from 2.15 euros to 4 euros since Saturday and will remain elevated until September 8, following the conclusion of the Paralympics. This sudden increase has not been well-received among residents like Victoire Delarue, who expressed disappointment over the authorities' decision.

"The Games are a source of pride for Parisians, but they shouldn't come at the cost of inconveniencing people's daily lives," remarked Delarue at Gare du Nord, Paris's busiest train station.

Despite these challenges, the majority of the Olympic events will be staged within the city itself, leveraging existing infrastructure and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Benjamin Raucoule, a member of the Paris Games organising committee, has been immersed in this monumental project for the past two years. "Working on the world's biggest sporting event is a dream come true for me. This experience has been invaluable and I hope to contribute to the Los Angeles Games in 2028," said Raucoule with enthusiasm.

For volunteer Maud Thirouin, who aspires to become an architect, the Olympics represent a moment of immense pride for all Parisians. "While not everyone may be excited about the Games, volunteering has given me a unique opportunity to be part of something significant," shared Thirouin with optimism.

Amidst the anticipated surge in accommodation demand during the Olympics, Parisian hotels have surprisingly not experienced the expected boom. Despite being peak tourist season, hotel bookings have remained lukewarm. "Our hotel normally charges at least 120 euros per night during this time of year, but we're selling rooms at half that price due to low demand," explained Samir, a hotel manager near Place de Clichy station. He also cited restrictions on movement and the necessity of QR codes for access to certain areas as additional challenges.

One of the ambitious undertakings by local authorities in preparation for the Olympics has been the cleanup of the River Seine. This historic river, where events like the opening ceremony, triathlon, and marathon swimming will take place, has undergone extensive restoration efforts. The upcoming opening ceremony on the Seine promises to be spectacular, yet concerns about safety persist. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo recently made headlines by swimming in the river following significant investments aimed at restoring its water quality. She confidently declared the river "fit to swim," marking a significant milestone considering swimming in the Seine had been prohibited for a century prior to these efforts.

Despite the mixed reactions and logistical challenges, the Paris Olympics are set to showcase the city on a global stage. With events spanning 32 disciplines and utilising Paris's rich cultural and architectural heritage, the Games aim to celebrate both athleticism and international unity. While some locals grapple with disruptions and increased costs, others like Benjamin Raucoule and Maud Thirouin see this moment as a transformative opportunity.

As the countdown to the opening ceremony continues, Paris braces itself for an influx of athletes, spectators, and global media attention. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the pride of participation, or the logistical hurdles, the Paris Olympics are poised to leave a lasting impact on the city and its residents, setting the stage for future generations to cherish and build upon. PTI