This is one of the major events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The opening ceremony, taking place on Friday, July 26, promises to be exceptional and unique, as it will be held in the very heart of the organizing city and not in a stadium. An ambitious project with a river parade lasting almost four hours on the Seine will feature nearly 10,500 athletes from 206 delegations, under the eyes of more than 300,000 spectators. While over 211,405 people will witness the show free of charge by invitation from elevated platforms, more than 100,000 attendees have purchased tickets for this historic event, which will begin at the Austerlitz bridge and conclude at the Pont d'Iéna.
For those unable to secure an invitation, tickets are still available through the official Olympic Games ticket office. A total of 104,000 tickets were released for sale, alongside more than 210,000 invitations. Ticket prices vary significantly, with category C tickets starting at 900 euros and category A tickets available for as much as 2,700 euros. The ticketing landscape is further complicated by a resale platform, where prices range from 990 euros to around 3,000 euros, depending on the category. For those looking for a more economical option, the ceremony will also be broadcast on 80 giant screens across Paris, allowing everyone to join in the festive atmosphere from the comfort of their homes.
However, the excitement surrounding the opening ceremony is shadowed by a potential strike by a minority union representing airport managers in Paris. Force Ouvrière filed a strike notice for July 26, demanding increased salary concessions beyond what was agreed upon in a recent contract. The strike, set to run from 5:00 AM on July 26 to 7:00 AM on July 27, could disrupt operations at major airports like Charles de Gaulle and Orly, as authorities have declared a temporary no-fly zone for security reasons. Airlines have been warned and have adapted their flight schedules accordingly.
As the city prepares, residents have largely vacated the streets, making way for tourists eager to experience the Olympic fervor. Vanessa, a Frenchwoman residing in Austria, expressed her excitement for the events, particularly taekwondo and BMX freestyle, stating that she couldn't miss the opportunity to witness the Olympics in her home city. With just days to go until the grand celebration, Paris is abuzz with anticipation, yet the calm before the storm is palpable.
