Using Paris landmarks as Games venues is inspired but security is so tight that visitors need deep reserves of patience
The French writer Victor Hugo once compared the thought of dying in Paris to vertigo. “Nothing is more fantastic,” he wrote. “Nothing is more sublime.” And nothing seems more likely if you attempt to get to as many Paris 2024 Olympic venues as possible in relentless rain on the opening day.
Day one of the Paris Olympics begins with boundless possibilities, as the drizzly dawn breaks and the city awakens after the sodden festivities of the opening ceremony. There is no need for a painfully early shuttle bus through unlovely suburbs to a costly new stadium. Instead, a quick journey on the Paris Métro whisks you to the centre of the city of light and – on paper, or at least Google maps – within a stone’s throw of many of the Olympic venues. Perhaps the whole thing can be done on foot? Paris is so compact! It’s so walkable! Just take a quick stroll along the river or hop on a free city bike and, oh.
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Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/27/roadtesting-the-olympics-barriers-and-bag-checks-but-no-white-elephants
Author : Alexandra Topping in Paris
Publish date : 2024-07-27 19:13:00
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