Paris 2024 Olympics: installation from June 17, expanded security perimeter... Opening ceremony takes shape

Through the press conferences devoted to the police and the military system that will be deployed there, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 is gradually becoming the safest event of the year. This Thursday, Paris police chief Laurent Nuñez unveiled “a protective perimeter that will cut Paris in half for more than 8 days.” An extraordinary system whose implementation will begin on June 17.

Buildings along the Seine under protection

Laurent Nuñez presented the security limits, “which are supposed to apply 8 days before” the opening ceremony. On Thursday 18 July, the security system will therefore be put in place with a principle similar to an Olympic venue, which provides for an organizing perimeter and a traffic ban perimeter. “We kept exactly the same principle except that the site is very much bigger,” sums up Laurent Nuñez.

Another difference: an anti-terror perimeter, “subject to a certain number of controls”, is being extended “for security reasons”, announces Laurent Nuñez. “We have decided to include all buildings bordering the Seine”, suggests the prefect of police in the presence, this Thursday, of the prefect of the Ile-de-France region, Marc Guillaume, of the mayor (PS) of Paris, Anne Hidalgo , and Tony Estanguet, head of the organizing committee.

The entire first row of buildings on the banks of the Seine is affected, specifies the prefect. “We wanted to include all the buildings that had a visual on the parade within the perimeter. »

Metro stations closed

A perimeter banning motorized traffic will eventually be put in place around this protective perimeter. “All residents and delivery people will be able to enter with an exemption. » The publication of the recipients of these exemptions must take place on Thursday 25 April or this Friday 26. April, specifies the police prefect.

“All subway stations that open into the security perimeter will be closed. Something that does not affect the lines. RER C will operate, especially the Saint-Michel and Invalides stations. »

Preparation of the ceremonial installations will start on 17 June on the high quays, without initially affecting road traffic. These installations will extend from 26 June to the lower platforms, with a possible opening system in some areas. In mid-July, the upper platforms are partially closed.

1,000 municipal police officers deployed

Anne Hidalgo presented “work that will largely mobilize the services of the city of Paris” and especially the municipal police. “Of its 2,000 agents, 1,000 will be deployed on site,” the elected official announced. His deputy in charge of JOP, Pierre Rabadan, presented 15 reception areas on the high platforms, “very different in scale”, adapted to the number of people. 2,000 city volunteers are to be mobilized.

On the more logistical aspect, the municipality is highlighting 800 water distribution points and 1,137 toilets, as well as a catering service in the areas and more than 400 sorting bins.