FRANCE -- The French capital is bustling with preparations for the Paris Olympics 2024, marking a historic return exactly 100 years after France last hosted the Olympic Games in 1924. 

The city is adorned with various iconic installations, including the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, attracting tourists and causing some inconvenience for residents and motorists.

Olympic Rings installed between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower 

In an unprecedented move in Olympic history, the opening ceremony will not be held in a stadium but along the Seine River. The 10,500 athletes will parade along the 6km stretch of the Seine on boats, ending at the Trocadero where the shows and performances will take place. Grandstands and temporary venues are being set up across the French capital and its most famous monuments, highlighting the city's readiness for the Games.

The city features numerous installations for the Paris Olympics 2024. The Olympic rings, symbolizing Olympism, are prominently displayed between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower, while the Agitos symbol for Paralympism adorns the Arc de Triomphe. 

Agitos, symbol of Paralympism adorns Arc de Triomphe

A countdown clock ticks away at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and a sport-themed Venus de Milo stands at the National Assembly. The "Salon 2024," at the Champs-Élysées park  is a permanent installation that represents the dialogue of different cultures. These installations collectively embody the spirit of the Paris Olympics 2024.

 Sport-themed Venus de Milo, National Assembly

Salon 2024

Jenny Lao Pastor, a tourist and TV commercial director, expressed her mixed feelings about visiting Paris just before the Olympics. 

"Oh, Paris is always lovely. Kaya lang now pumunta kami ng Paris para maiwasan yung Olympics, kasi ang dami daw ng tao dito at syempre magmamahal lahat pero ngayon sarado lahat. Sayang. We wanted to show the kids all the tourist attractions. I guess they’re preparing for the Olympics," she said.

(Paris is always lovely. However, we came here to avoid the Olympics because of the expected crowds and high costs, but now everything is closed. It's a shame. We wanted to show the kids all the tourist attractions. I guess they're preparing for the Olympics). 

Even the Notre Dame Cathedral is undergoing restoration and renovation, scheduled to reopen in December. Many roads are closed, and some metro stations are inaccessible, with most areas accessible only to pedestrians and bikers. A Games Pass, a digital pass or QR code, is required for motorists, residents, workers, and visitors depending on the zone they need to access from July 18 until 1 PM on July 26.

Notre Dame Cathedral 

The preparations have caused inconvenience for some Filipinos working in Paris. Patricio De Costo, a supermarket employee, shared his concerns:

"Sa darating na Olympics po dito sa Paris, ang pinaka-challenging po sa 'kin po ay yung mga naka-block na daan, lalo na po yung mga transportation sa train, may mga control po yan. Lalo po sa akin, gaya ko, meron po akong sasakyan, lalo po yung mga dadaanan ko pong lugar na pupuntahan ay naka-block," he stressed.

(The upcoming Olympics here in Paris present a challenge, especially with blocked roads and transportation controls. As someone who drives, the blocked areas I need to pass through are particularly challenging for me). 

Melvin Navarro, a part-time worker, echoed similar sentiments.

"Itong paparating na Olympic, magkakaproblema siguro gaming mga part-timer na nagtatrabaho dito sa Paris, dahil maraming saradong mga daan, ang mga pulis nakatambay hahanapan kami ng QR code. So pag wala kaming ganun, di namin alam kung paano kami makakarating sa pupuntahan namin, so talagang pahirapan," he shared.

(The upcoming Olympics will likely pose problems for part-timers like me working in Paris. Many roads will be closed, and police will be checking for QR codes. Without one, it will be difficult to get to where we need to go). 

France is on heightened security alert as the Olympics approach, coinciding with snap legislative elections. High airfare and accommodation costs have also led many tourists to postpone their trips. 

According to a statement from Air-France-KLM, the international market shows significant avoidance of travel, with figures below the usual average from June to August, as many postpone their holidays or consider alternative travel plans until after the Olympic Games. 

As the world’s biggest sporting event approaches, Paris continues to balance between welcoming the global community and managing the logistical and security challenges that come with it. Moreover, the city is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint during the Olympics, incorporating eco-friendly practices and sustainable solutions throughout the event to set a new standard for future games. — with report from Maan Alcantara-Rivera