With just over 40 days until the grand launch of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the city is gearing up for the monumental event with significant preparations that will result in extended transport disruptions. The opening ceremony, set for July 26th, will take place on the Seine River, marking a historic first for the games.
During a recent press conference at the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete, Minister of Sports and the Olympic Games Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, and Île-de-France Region President Valérie Pécresse detailed the measures and disruptions to be expected. Several metro stations, including the Champs-Élysées - Clémenceau, Concorde, and Tuileries stations, will experience prolonged closures. Champs-Élysées - Clémenceau will close on July 19 and reopen in phases between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To facilitate transportation during the event, various traffic management strategies will be deployed. Major roads and bridges, including the Alexandre III bridge and several avenues around the Trocadéro Champ de Mars sector, will be partially or fully closed. In total, more than fifty streets will be affected, complicating access to key areas such as Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est. Real-time traffic updates are being advised for travelers through applications like Google Traffic.
The day of the opening ceremony is expected to draw 320,000 spectators. Specific transport plans will be enforced, including time-slot closures and designated metro access points printed on tickets. Transportation services will resume gradually after the ceremony, with increased services to Olympic sites starting the morning after, and by August 2, most river platforms and bridges are expected to reopen.
The preparatory work and subsequent dismantling for the event will result in cycling and pedestrian bypasses throughout Paris. Special passes will be required for anyone entering restricted zones from July 18 to 26. Despite the disruptions, the goal, as stated by the government, is to ensure the smooth execution of the historic opening ceremony along the Seine.
- During the Games, travelers can expect a minor respite as two metro stations, Iéna and Sully-Morland, have been removed from the anti-terrorist protection perimeter, ensuring accessibility the week preceding and on the day of the opening ceremony.
- Pedestrian-friendly initiatives are also in place, including alternate pathways to manage the movement around the event. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay updated through official websites and local news outlets.
- Given the anticipated congestion, officials recommend using public transport where possible and avoiding central Paris for non-essential trips. Detailed maps and schedules are available to help commuters plan their routes effectively.
