Word on the street: Parisians get excited for the Games - how are locals getting ready to welcome the world?
The Rings are on every corner. The flame has seen the top of the Eiffel Tower. Athletes from all over the world are beginning to arrive.
And, in just under a week, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will begin.
Olympics.com hit the streets to capture the excitement and anticipation among Parisians as the city gears up to become the centre of the world.
A City aflame with Olympic Spirit
The celebrations for Paris 2024 in France began well before the Opening Ceremony, as the Olympic Torch Relay wound its way through the host nation all the way from Marseille to the City of Light itself. Along its path, the torch ignited a flame of excitement and pride among many Parisians.
One local told Olympics.com, "I had the luck to see the Olympic torch just next to my home. The Olympic atmosphere has been growing since the relay began in Marseille. Now that the torch is in Paris, it's the start of an unforgettable event."
Nathan Lingua, originally from Nantes but now living in Paris, shared, "We feel the excitement growing. The Olympic torch is arriving, and there's a lot happening." A visitor from Los Angeles noted something similar, saying that everyone they go, "there is excitement in the air."
This sentiment is echoed citywide, with famous landmarks adorned in the vibrant colours of the Olympic rings. "It’s cool to see Paris becoming an Olympic city. I can’t wait for the beginning. It will be a giant party," commented Olivier Lavarde, a 25-year-old Parisian.
A historic homecoming
The year 2024 marks a momentous milestone: 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympic Games in 1924.
Lucas Pinot, a 22-year-old local, reflected on this significance, saying, "It’s a beautiful symbol that 100 years later, the Olympic Games are back in Paris. It's a joy to see that despite everything happening, there are still beautiful events to make us happy and proud."
Nineteen-year-old Pauline even feels a personal connection to the event. "It touches me. It's really important, and I know I'll be telling my kids about the Olympic Games Paris 2024," she said.
Hawa Seck from Pré-Saint-Gervais summed it the Games in one word: "Happiness," she said. "The Olympic Games haven’t been held in France for a century. It’s an event that brings people together. Sport has always made people happy."
Who is everyone excited to watch?
The array of interests among Parisians is vast, from swimming to breaking and everything in between.
Rayane from Strasbourg is excited about football, particularly to see Rayan Cherki and the French team. Nathan Lingua can't wait for basketball and swimming, saying, "I want to see Victor Wembanyama and Léon Marchand. I hope they bring us a lot of medals."
Adah from Turkey, who discovered the Olympic preparations by chance, is now excited about archery because of Mete Gazoz and volleyball, as Turkey has a world champion team.
Ysore, a 20-year-old Parisian, is thrilled to see American stars Simone Biles and Sha'Carri Richardson, while Hawa Seck is ready to watch breaking make its Olympic debut.
And for some, like local Clément, it’s just about "witnessing the magic of sport."
A global gathering: "It’s amazing to have something that unites us"
With the Olympic Games in Paris, we truly get the best of both worlds: the thrill of the Olympics combined with the magic of the city—with all of its delicious food, vibrant culture, and iconic fashion.
"We’re looking forward to showing the world how Paris can shine through the Olympic Games," said Julian, a 23-year-old Parisian. "It will also showcase not only Paris but the other regions of France."
Manon Simon expressed similar pride: "It’s wonderful to know the whole world will come to Paris and discover this amazing city. I hope it will be a great showcase of France and Paris."
A visitor from Los Angeles remarked, "It’s great for the world to celebrate together. We have many problems, so it’s amazing to have something that unites us."
Clément from Paris fully embraces the influx of international visitors, noting that "a lot of tourists are arriving in Paris, speaking different languages in the streets. It’s a pleasure to see this mix, this melting pot in the city, that creates a beautiful atmosphere."
As the countdown to the opening ceremony continues, Parisians are ready to welcome the world with open arms. And the City of Light is ready to shine brighter than ever.