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France 24
France 24
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FRANCE 24

In pictures: Paris finalises preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics

French Gendarmes block access to the Louvre Museum, which is closed to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles as a security measure (July 18, 2024). © Joel Sagat, AFP

Final preparations are under way as the French capital prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Streets and bridges are closed, large areas are inaccessible, and security is tight as the city gears up for an unprecedented Opening Ceremony on Friday involving a 6-kilometre (4-mile) floating procession down the River Seine. 

Parisians have been experiencing travel delays and detours for weeks related to preparations for the Summer Olympic Games. More areas of the city were shut down on July 18 as restricted "zones" came into force, requiring residents and visitors alike to show a QR code to access certain areas, mainly by the River Seine. A massive security operation is in place to offset any threats, with police patrols visible all over the city. 

FRANCE 24 takes a look at what the French capital was like in the days before the official opening of the Paris Olympics. 

© Manan Vatsyayana, AFP

A man sets up barricades at Place du Trocadéro ahead of the Summer Games.

© Joel Sagat, AFP

The "carrousel" roundabout near the Louvre Museum has been closed to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles as a security measure for Paris landmarks.

Read moreParisian cultural sector braces for a fall during 2024 Olympics: ‘We’re the big losers’

© Joel Sagat, AFP

French Gendarmes carry out security checks at barricades set up near the Louvre.

Read moreFrench troops out in force to secure Paris Olympics ceremonies

© Emmanuel Dunand, AFP

Temporary seating has been erected on Paris's iconic bridges, many of which have been closed to traffic, for spectators wishing to view the Opening Ceremony procession down the River Seine.

© Florian Hulleu, AFP/File

An artist's rendition of the Paris Olympics' unprecedented Opening Ceremony, which French authorities fear could be the target of drone attacks. A ban on drones flying in Paris airspace is being strictly enforced, with authorities saying an average of six drones are being intercepted each day.

© Stéphane de Sakutin, AFP

The bridge at Place de la Concorde is closed and the metro stops serving the area have been temporarily shut down.

Read moreA survival guide to Paris transport closures for the 2024 Olympics

(Michel Euler/POOL/AFP)

Competitors and participants in the Summer Games walk at the Olympic Village that is housing the athletes in Saint-Denis, a suburb just north of Paris.

Read moreParis suburbs get spanking new Olympic venues while teachers and pupils seethe in decrepit schools

© Emmanuel Dunand, AFP

Parliamentary pride: A "Paris 2024" Olympics banner has been attached to the gate in front of the lower-house National Assembly.

Read moreMacron's political woes cast shadow over Olympic spectacle

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