Paris Olympics 2024: How The Games Will Affect Life For Locals

The Olympics are fast approaching, and our home town of Paris is the 2024 host. While we are proud to show off our city to millions of visitors, life will change substantially for Parisians for the duration of the Games, which will run from July 26th to August 11th. 

Paris last hosted The Olympics in 1924, so 2024 marks the 100 year mark in a very special way! However, things have changed a little in Paris since a century ago, and this year’s Olympics will put more of a strain on locals than the previous staging.

The city of just over 2 million will likely expand by up to 15 million people during the event, according to some estimates, which includes spectators, athletes, media and day visitors. While many Parisians will be away for the summer already, or will intentionally leave the city, other will be sticking around or attending events. 

How will life change for locals during the Paris Olympics? Let’s take a look!

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Prices in Paris will skyrocket 

While many Paris vendors are eager to capitalise on the influx of visitors to the city, Parisians and tourists alike should be aware that the cost of both basics and luxuries will spike throughout the Paris Olympics. The New York Times recently discussed the exorbitant prices expected for hotel rooms and short-term rentals during the Games (€700+ euros per night!), and public transport, entry fees to museums, groceries and souvenirs are also likely to skyrocket. 

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There will be increased security across the city

A set perimeter and restricted “red zones” will be strictly enforced during the Paris Olympics, which may put a lot of locals out during the duration of the event. From March, these zones will begin to be installed in preparation for the Games kicking off in July. Many areas throughout Paris will have security perimeters you will have to make yourself aware of. The “red perimeter” will encompass “the immediate vicinity” of all venues in the days leading up to and including the Opening Ceremony, and on each event day. Basically, try to avoid all major event sites, landmarks and arenas for a couple of weeks. 

While these “red zones” won’t affect pedestrians and cyclists who will be able to circle them, they will impact car owners, visitors to affected areas, public transport operators, cab drivers and rideshare drivers. Taxi drivers will require a permit and Uber or food delivery drivers are restricted for the duration of the Games, and cannot drop spectators off at event venues. However, emergency services or carers for people within the restricted zones will be allowed access. The official Paris Tourist Office has all information on different zones available on their website. 

Many vendors and retailers will obviously be impacted by these red zones, as will the Paris Bouquinistes. The historic booksellers, who operate along the Seine, will see their 500 stalls removed in the lead-up to and during the Olympic Opening Ceremony. 

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Mail delivery will be slower than usual 

The French government has requested that locals avoid ordering parcel deliveries during the Olympics, as mail delivery will be impacted substantially. Postage services will be impacted by police checkpoints and red zones, as well as overall delays.

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Public transport will be jam-packed

With the explosion of the Paris population during the Games, locals are likely to feel more than a little claustrophobic for over two weeks this summer. Many Parisians rely on public transport to get them from A to B each day, and locals have been asked by the French government to avoid using the services during the Games as much as they can. The Paris Metro, buses, trams and city ferries will be positively packed each day, so allow for ample time to get where you need to go. 

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But it isn’t all bad!

While the Paris Olympics will impact many of us negatively, there are many reasons to look forward to the Games! Here’s just a few…

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Parisians will enjoy a clean Seine

In order to put on our best face to the entire world this summer, the government is cleaning up the Seine, which will be used for both aquatic events and the Opening Ceremony. The bacteria-ridden river, which separates the Left and Right Banks of Paris, is a central focus point for organisers of The Games, and the city wants to make a big impression. That means a multi-billion dollar project is underway to depollute the Seine, which will not only make it look and feel clean, but will revive marine life colonies. This will also be a boon for locals, who may hope to swim in it themselves this summer.  

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Parisians will have new buildings to enjoy 

There are plans to use the Olympic sites to benefit Parisians after the Games. The Olympic swimming complex will remain after the event, as will Adidas Arena. In addition, the Olympic Village, located in the outer suburb of St-Denis, will be transformed into over 2000 new homes after the Games wrap up. 

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Olympic Fever will bring the city to life!  

One thing that locals and visitors alike are looking forward to during the Paris Olympics is the excitement and spirit that this event, which only rolls around every four years, brings to town. The city will be crowded, but it will look it’s very best, and many fun and joyful activities lie ahead. July and August in Paris will be show everyone just why our beautiful city is one of the best in the world. See you there!  

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To recap our tips for the Paris Olympics… 

• Walk or cycle as much as possible. The city is even adding 8000 new bikes for hire across the city through the Velib bikeshare system!  

• Avoid “red zones” unless you’re a spectator or working at or near the Olympics. 

• Don’t expect to be able to rent a hotel for less than triple the usual price. 

• Buy what you need in person, and don’t rely on rapid mail delivery for the duration of the Games. 

• Apply for a permit well in advance if you need to access “red zones”. 

• Leave the city if crowds aren’t for you! 

• Enjoy the spirit of the Paris Olympic Games! 

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Will you be going to the Paris Olympics?

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