Central Paris enters lockdown, Olympic athletes arrive to the games village

French security forces began locking down large parts of central Paris ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympics 2024 next week. The opening parade along the Seine River will see heavy restrictions, with riverside districts closed to most vehicles and a high-security zone requiring QR code passes for entry.

City transforms for the summer games 

Paris is undergoing a major transformation to host the Olympics. Temporary stadiums have been built at iconic landmarks, while new traffic lanes are causing congestion. The organisers acknowledge the challenges but believe the spectacle will be worth it.

Metro stations close

Many central Metro stations will be closed for several days surrounding the opening ceremony. A vast security operation involving thousands of officers, soldiers, and private security personnel is being implemented to manage the crowds.

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Athletes arrive at eco-friendly olympic village

Athletes are starting to arrive at the newly built Eco-friendly Olympic Village. However, some delegations have requested additional air conditioning units to combat potential heat.

Large crowds expected 

The opening ceremony, featuring a parade of athletes down the Seine, is expected to draw up to 500,000 spectators. This will be the first time a Summer Olympics opens outside the main stadium.

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