They're Already screwing up the Paris Olympics
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- čas přidán 16. 05. 2024
- Three things bothering me that have come out about the Paris Olympics so far (citations below). Get access to my guide to Paris at parisinmypocket.com/ and help me make better videos at / jayswanson 🥳
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Citations for your reading if you'd like (there are lots of articles out there but I like France 24 so here we are):
Security nightmare:
www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Metro ticket madness:
www.france24.com/en/france/20...
Airbnb off the charts:
www.france24.com/en/france/20...
A very cool stadium (check out the rest of the renders they've put together):
www.paris2024.org/en/venue/ei...
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.
Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
Patron Producer: Alison Budd
Edited by: Cooper obviously
Music by: No music in this one, did you notice?
4:51 - Cooper being an absolute renaissance painting, regally staring off into space 😍
He has it and he does not doubt it.
Air BnB will not let a host cancel, and rebook. If the host cancels, Air BnB blacks out that date for that rental. It's a policy done to avoid price gouging.
It’s already happened.
It happened a lot in 2023 with people who booked far in advance
It happened to me. What they do is tell you they had the wrong price and ask you to cancel or agree to pay more. Of course you can refuse to do either, but the host can always refuse to honor your reservation and then you’ve got no place to stay.
I was in Atlanta for the Olympics and pretty much the exact conversations were had prior to the Games (I actually bought a house so I would not be booted out of my apartment). Restaurants all across the city staffed up. The only areas that were noticeably busy were around the events. Many restaurants lost money, as people were not fine dining, they were wearing T-shirts and walking to events. One unexpected upside, they scared everyone to work to from home, so it was the only time I could drive on highways without traffic. The vibe of being there was wonderful and hopeful and I assume Paris will have the same post Games glow. Enjoy
I've heard a lot of stories like this too - I have a theory that the city will actually be less full than usual because of how many people will be avoiding it. I guess we'll see!
you bought a house for the olympics ?
@@laurenceapitz1678 It was a different time, Atlanta was unreasonably inexpensive and buying was not much more than renting. It also saved me from being homeless for 2-3 months, as my lease ended a month before the Games started🙂
As the parent of an athlete, I hope everyone remembers that the athletes train very hard. They want a great vibe after competing with no crowds, no friends, no family in Toyko. This is good info to help manage expectations. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have Jay's guidebook. I will try to develop some patience between now and then.
Here's hoping it's a fantastic time! That's all I want as well. And all the best to your athlete! Can't wait to see how everyone does
the UK was very pessimistic before the 2012 Olympics. Many people were convinced venues would not be finished, transport would be gridlocked and the whole event would be a financial disaster. It was great, largely due to brilliant volunteers. but still it worked out in the end. I think we like to manage expectations and enjoy the unifying experience of complaining. Unfortunately accommodation costs probably will be horrific but hopefully transport costs are altered.
I was there briefly during the '12 Olympics and the vibe was great! I'm hoping for that here too
Parisian here 😉
you are being really polite with your video, Jay … I really think it’s going to be a nightmare, even the mayor said they aren’t going to be ready.
as far as the metro is concerned, just buy your tickets in advance and you’ll be fine, but the whole thing is going to be a hyper expensive mess imo.
Bonjour, I am getting excited 😊 regarding the Olympics 2024. Could you please tell me which Metro tickets are economically the best?
I will be using a mobility scooter to get around. Thanks, xxx
I'm holding out hope!
@@JaySwanson this means you are not totally French yet, Jay, you know that we hate everything !!
@@tinasanders9554 just normal tickets, but get them before July
@laurenceapitz1678 Thanks, I started the process of getting an amethyst pass for the disabled. Also, there will be special assistance transportation for handicap and companion because of all the crowds of people and wheelchair surroundings, ie. butts 😉 😜
Agree with everything you have said and have similar concerns. Will enjoy watching from afar and just hope it will be better than I think. Will look forward to hearing your impressions on the ground. 👍🇫🇷❤️
I went to London 2012 (C1 Canoe Slalom semis and finals with the medal ceremony, which a French canoeist won). Before it began, people were complaining that it was all an organizational shambles and nothing would go right. And then it happened and everyone was so happy about how seamless it went for the three weeks. So don't worry about the running of it, that'll be alright on the day.
As for the price of stuff: we got fish and chips with mushy peas inside the secure area and it was £12 (which would be £16.50 / US$21 / 19€ in today's money) but it was a huge serving, plenty for me and my wife. We knew that the gold event-only merchandise would be more than buying regular clothing at a regular sports store: I got an official gold logo Adidas polo shirt inside the event area for more than you'd expect to pay for a shirt (£35 if I remember it right), but I managed to get a non-gold Adidas t-shirt with all the 2012 sports pictograms on it for £1 in a sports shop bargain bin in Oxford. And they never doubled the cost of rides on the Oyster Card in London, so there was that.
That sounds like a great experience! I was there a day or two during the '12 Olympics and thought everything seemed really fun. That's the vibe I'm hoping for here too.
What Olympic games have not had criticism beforehand about logistical challenges, concerns and issues?
Makes you wonder
So glad you are staying in Paris and will give us a glance at the Olympics. Admire your persistance and grit in reporting real life in Paris.
Thanks!
I'm looking forward to seeing the festivities through your eyes. I've never been a huge fan of crowded venues of any kind and going to Paris in normal times is busy enough for me. Paris during the Olympics would be overwhelming to me. I'll enjoy watching from my quiet home and sofa.
It'll be interesting to see what levels the crowds hit for sure. Hoping I can still get around on my bike more than anything
Glad Cooper is feeling better and that you are looking after your health as well. Looking forward to your view of Paris Olympics!
Thanks! Can't wait
Jay , I love that you were sitting behind Notre Dame , my husband and I were enjoying looking at the progress they are make on the church. I was completely surprised and pleased to see my name on the screen, thank you so much for all your hard work , we truly appreciate seeing Paris through your lens.
Alison Budd
Thanks for all your support! It means so much 🥂
Myself included. I am hiding out at my house in Bretagne this year. I just can’t, Jay. I am naturally an introvert and this sort of feels like Paris summer swamp but all year long. LOL 😅 I hope you and little bud Cooper can get out a bit. He can come out and play with Pearl and Rose on the beaches of Saint-Malo! Also, agreed on the housing issue 💯 You do such an amazing job sharing the city with everyone, especially through your lens and connections. You have a fantastic network of friends (and I know how hard that is to curate in France) and you bring your community along the ride (on or off the bike!). Wishing you all the best for 2024 and hope Cooper feels better soon. bisous!
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the view from afar - I can't blame you wanting to stay away from the crowds. We'll see what it's like!
oh you know that the metro workers will threaten a strike and get a raise.. they need to raise the price of the ticket to be ready for that
Uh-oh! I hope it’ll mostly be fun for you, during the Olympics. I’ve been looking forward to making a return trip to Marseille next May, but now my French nephews want me there in June. I hope the prices will not have increased, that far ahead. Marseille has a few events for the Olympics. Your 2 videos on the city, helped to encourage me to go. Looove it! I’ll be sad when my nephew finishes his program, and moves out of Marseille.
This just seems like one huge price gouge... I'd avoid the city at all costs if I was everyone else.
I would totally understand. This is one of my fears really, that it drives all the fun folks away and we're left with a stilted vibe.
Frenchman here. Paris and other olympic sites will tbe THE places to avoid next summer. I'm glad I live in te countryside far away from those places.
The atmosphere around London in 2012 was incredible - I'm sure Paris will be a wonderful experience this summer.
That's my benchmark too. Hoping for the best!
But remaining aware of the warts 😅
Thank you for all the videos and very much looking forward to your on the ground reports from the Olympics 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Let's goooooo
In a way, I’m so happy that I didn’t visit Paris or go to France this year because of the chaos it’s going to cause.
I don't think you visiting would cause THAT much chaos 😜😆
@@JaySwanson Lol you never know.
Thanks Jay.. appreciate your channel.. glad you and Cooper are well
Much appreciated🥂
Hi! Love discovering Paris with your videos
Glad you like them!
You with a majestic Cooper by the river is the best
It was nice to sit there a spell
Thanks for your thoughts, all valid and preparing those who can go there. Cooper is very handsome today, and the best-behaved dog ever.
The Olympics...kerching! I'm coming to Paris in a couple of weeks time, deliberately to avoid being too close to the games and all the madness and price hikes.
I think you're in good company - lots of people will be avoiding the city. It makes me wonder if the overall population will actually go DOWN
Me too. Got a deal through Icelandair to take my mom in April.
It's like this for every modern day Olympics. Spectators are already conditioned to getting screwed with up pricing. I tried going to Tokyo Olympics pre pandemic and the whole experience of getting tickets was so off putting I decided to go to France instead. :)
I can only imagine the insanity of COVID Olympics
I’m so glad you’re talking about this topic Jay. I’ve been searching to rent a new apartment and finding a lot of month to month leases so they can charge sky high prices for July and August. I’m seriously thinking of getting out of Paris for those two months. It’ll def be interesting to watch how the French respond to this event as these are the two months they typically like to leave Paris as well! Who will be here to keep the shops open? 🤷♀️Lol!
Wow, doubling metro price is STEEP and very uncool. Love Cooper's puffer coat !
Crazy isn't it?
Cooper looking off in the distance, regal as heck is everything. Is visual ASMR a thing? If it is, this is it.
😆
I live in Normandy but usually go up to Paris for work reasons , most often in June and July but thanks to the crazy price increase on metro tickets I'll be staying well
I'm so curious if we actually see a decrease in overall population
Jay, do you think it will interfere if we have a trip scheduled in June? Deciding between this June or next. Thought we’d avoid Olympics craziness but maybe not
I have been looking into the same. I plan on March . We will see. Let me know what you find. I am ADAtrips. Good luck.
I'm traveling through Paris this may. I started researching prices of hotels in December and it was already high (price in cash and in hotel points, like astronomically high). It might be even worse for me because I'm going during the french open. Prices are still elevated but points pricing went insane. As an example, Hilton paris Opera where I stayed last year for Roland Garros was $500/night or 70,000 points. I used points because daddy ain't rich. This year it starts at 80k points but in may I'm seeing mostly 340,000 points which is beyond words. If it's price you're after, go in April or seems more reasonable. Or stay in La Défense area(50% cheaper) . That's a short RER ride anyway.
I am sure there will be effects felt throughout the year, but I have no idea yet what those will be. I'll try to share what I learn as we go!
I am looking forward to your videos made during the Olympics. It will be interesting to see the city during that time.
I think it'll still be fun =D
Olympics. It would be nice if it were intimate. But, as with everything which involves 'business', that is a dream, sadly you wake up when dreaming stops. It will be nice for those interested in it. The last time I actually watched was München. That had a chilling effect. I do not trust anything that has to be hyped up: Christmas, Easter, Olympics, Valentines day, July 4, Tour de France, World Cup (in any sport), etc, etc, etc. Even the supposed Spectacle is bound to be disappointing².
You won't see me there, better places in France to visit.
As usual, I feel you Paul. And as usual, I'm gonna try and have fun as best I can anyway haha
@@JaySwansonI think it will be a boon for you, basically you get to document what it is like.
From what i understand about the metro pricing, if you're an Ile-de-France resident who's a Navigo or Liberté + user, then it doesn’t affect you. If you use T+ tickets, you have till July 20th or so to buy T+ tickets at regular price till the price increase is over September 8th.
the ridiculous part of the metro pass (basically) doubling is that it's not just for the Olympics, but also for the Paralympics. So that means from July 20 to September 8 it'll be at that price, which is just way too long. Thankfully i'm not a daily rider so I won't need to stockpile too many, but I'm not really sure what to do other than guess way higher than what i think i'll need and hope for the best
4 euros it's for the single tickets not for the monthly or the annual pass. The price will not change during the olympics games for residents who use the metro everyday.
I'm really going to hope they don't make biking around town a pain.
My problem is that I have a liberte - not a monthly Navigo - and I'm nooooot so sure I'll escape the hike haha. But I'll stock up a bit in advance and be fine I'm sure.
@JaySwanson, can I purchase a metro card for disabled person?
@@languerouge5385 yea im going to likely need to go for the monthly pass. RIght now i tend to use it just enough for the monthly to not really be worth it (i tend to walk and bike a lot), but with the price of normal passes doubling i think ill easily go over the 80 something euros
Are the main attractions going to be accessible as normal in June and early July before the actual games start?
I would imagine so, but I bet there will be some disruptions and construction
Hey Jay! I'm sure it will be great in Paris during the Olympics! You'll be grinning with pride. Are you going to any event?
For the record the double metro prices is for the paper tickets which would mostly target tourists. So Navigo holders will still do normal prices.
My issue with this is I use the Liberté+ Navigo which only lets me travel within Paris or on local buses/trams. So if I want to take a longer RER trip I'll need a paper ticket with the markup. They were _supposed_ to have allowed Liberté+ to use all zones by the end of 2022 but under our lovely Valérie this has yet to happen and certainly won't by the time the Olympics start.
If there's something I will give the city credit for it's that they seem to have some awareness of cleaning up after the Olympics is over. Too often, especially for poorer countries, the Olympics leaves financial ruin and empty stadiums. While it's annoying to have the games in the city it means the venues are a World's Fair kind of thing where they'll be dismantled. And some areas have plans for proper housing development afterwards. Plans vs reality don't always line up so nicely but even the intent is a higher bar than some other hosts have had.
Also I wonder if the heightened security was an inevitability. Given what happened in 1972 and that part of the world flaring up again. Anyways I'm not rich enough to live in the city center so I hope my neighborhood is spared some of the harsher policies. We'll make the best of it.
I'm not an Olympics person usually, but Olympics in Paris sounds so cool to me! I hope residents get priority, discounted access to watch some of the games. But 4 euro metro tix - dammmmmn
lol no discounts for anyone. I can guarantee you that
I'm just gonna hope for the best and dive in 😂
local discounts ROFLMAO
Today i went to Parc butte Chaumont and canal Saint Martin, beautiful 🍀🐕♥️🙋🏼
Solid choices
The most disappointing thing for me is that the new rail lines to CDG will not be completed until years after the Olympics. Paris is way behind other major cities in that regard. At least the extension of line 14 to Orly will (supposedly) be done.
Yes that is really disappointing and sure to add some chaos
In fact the new CDG line was not scheduled for the olympic games. And you don't need it to go to CDG airport, you have rer b
@@languerouge5385 When the line from Gare de l'Est was first announced it was supposed to be done before the Olympics, but the project schedule changed early. RER B is overcrowded and stops too frequently. The new train cars will help but it's still not a dedicated line to the airport which many other cities have.
Yeah, the same thing happened in Atlanta. We live 1 km from the “beach volleyball” venue but could not host anyone or let people park. We couldn’t even go to the venue. I had to basically shut down our business for two months. Our clients fled the city and no business came in. $40,000 down the tube.
Wow - that's nuts.
Love the sun today. I hope to come to the Olympics before the Olympics. When do they double down the metro? I then leave before the opening. ✈️🌴🌴Aloha
🥂
When the Olympics were held in London in 2012 - hotel prices went down because nobody wanted to go to London during the olympics (unless you were coming there for the olympics LOL)
I agree with your points about the Paris Olympics. Hopefully by the time LA Olympics roll around I'll be living in Paris and visit my parents in LA for that summer Olympics.
Ah yeah, the LA Olympics coming up next
Random stuff, just a thought of mine, i feel like living in denmark like the fundamentals of life are diffrent than in koreea because of the atm diferent stages. Denmark is more settled whereas în Seoul is more running after money and glamy things . What do you think as a paralel of both places?
wut
I keep forgetting about the Olympics! A LOT of respect, but not a devoted fan. I was hoping to return to France in July..but will probably postpone until after everything dies down. I will have fun watching your take during the event. Enjoy!!! (I am very glad to hear that Cooper is doing way better!!! He looks oblivious to ever having felt under the weather. I sure hope you find a more caring food provider! Pet food quality can be pretty sketchy!)
Yeah, I'm not really a fan of the Olympics either (loved them as a kid at least) - but am hopeful that the city is a fun place to be during. I guess we'll find out!
Will be flying in at the end of June for about 10 days. Do you foresee things being Olympified already? We’ve been debating on staying in Nantes rather than Paris this year.
It's tough to say... I'll definitely keep sharing more as I find out more, but I would imagine things will have started being Olympified in June, with the amount that there doing and how close to the games that is!
Sounds horrible. As a Paris resident we’re skipping dodge. Everyone’s jacking up prices, in everything. It will be impossible to navigate. Pickpockets have gotten really good. As 15 year residents of Paris got successfully pickpocket a few months ago by being surrounded by kids, ugh. We’ll leave Paris to the tourists.
It has begun!! 😄
😂
I visit in May, so hopefully will not feel “full” effects of the event.
May's a great time to visit
Pessimist and Penny-pincher here: I felt that paying over 2€ a ticket was a tad high, especially as a first time tourist traveling with multiple people... However, that gouging at 4€ is pretty bogus. I'm guessing the ticket Gestapo will be out in full force
Help Jay! In your learned opinion, will I enjoy my month in Paris in June? Or is it going to be the pits with all the prep for the Olympics? Please give Cooper a treat from me! Merci!
Hey it's difficult to say! I think it'll probably be pretty effective by the JO, but as it's unprecedented, it's tough to know how much. I'll share anything I find out in real time!
on point 👍🏻
Thanks!
I live in London. I remember that, in janurary and feburary 2012, everyone expected the olympics to suck. That pessimism evaporated within about five minutes of the beginning of our opening ceremony.
So glad to hear this!
Man, if you’re a tourist and you’re not going to the Games, best avoid Paris during this time of year.
All legit concerns. The bigger question is whether the Olympics is EVER a good time to visit a host city...that is, if one is interested in getting an authentic experience (both the good and the not-so-pretty). Visiting a place during the Olympics (and to a lesser degree the World Cup) is a bit like going to Las Vegas or Disneyland...it can definitely be enjoyable, but it's no substitute for the real thing.
First impressions matter, which begs the question of whether it is better to (a) have visited "the real" Paris before the Olympics (thus not trying to fit in the "must-see/do" activities & attractions when the city is even more packed than a typical summer peak season); or (b) visit Paris first through the homogenized prism of the Olympics as a sort of "Paris-lite" experience, thus lessening the unfortunate reaction by *some* that Paris is "overrated" (probably those whose expectations are based on tales of elaborate things, rather than an appreciation of the little things that, IMHO, are in sum greater than their parts).
Definitely a solid take - visiting during an event like this will be a very different experience.
Increased security (a necessity) and increased costs around event locations are par for the course in any city in the world hosting the olympics or the world cup events. Just go with it as it has a short time-line. It's over before you realize it and everything calms down to normal quickly afterwards.
Also true
I’m going with my bride for a week. Have tickets to lots of events. I am trusting it is going to be awesome, just like London 2012. Nothing like the vibe of a city in the midst of the Olympics, and cheering on the athletes as they amaze us all!
50 % of the ceremony tickets were 99 euros , and 50 % 2,500 euros .... Paris is the second highest expensive city in the world after Zurich . Metro a 4 euros is not expensive . New Trains , new infrastructures have been added and tourists have to pay for it , not Parisiens.
Parisians will be paying for it during that time period as well - the only loophole I'm aware of is getting a monthly Navigo for both July and August, something a lot of people would generally opt out of in the summer (if they have a Navigo at all). Just because it isn't expensive compared to somewhere else doesn't mean the average working person won't feel it in Paris
Not happy to hear they are doubling the metro ticket. I know they are spending a lot of money setting up the games throughout Paris (and France) and maybe are trying to make some back. Not sure. I will be there for the games. July 27-Aug 12th. I’m still excited and looking forward to the trip and the events we have planned.
Yeah, I don't think it's a nefarious move, but it's a disappointment. I hope you have a blast while you're here!
Can you say a 'police state' of existence? Great vlog. I wish the best for all attending but glad we won't be. Look forward to seeing from your eyes what you can.
Yeah, the Police State lifestyle is wearing thiiiinnnnnn
Also, don’t forget the road blocks, which will be pain, and will create crazy traffic all over the place. =) Nonetheless, these games are going to be cool! And the broadcast is going to be amazing, so billions of people all over the world will be reminded how incredible Paris is, and will come after to see it. Good luck to you! Have fun! And just make sure you download the map with all the closures and blocks and venues, so you can navigate better.
I think we'll have tons of fun! And closure maps are a great idea
Most cities LOSE a ton of money hosting les JOs with any new facility built becoming derelict and abandoned after the games. It's an IOC get rich racket: privatized profit, socialized losses.
I can see why they want to raise RATP fares but they need to have a "local resident" rate for documented locals to get their lives back during the games.
The workaround is getting your monthly Navigo, or loading up on tickets before the games. But yeah, it's rough. Thankfully Paris is going to avoid the derelict stadium situation by using existing buildings and only building (mostly) temporary structures. Still, I hope it doesn't do long term damage to the city as well.
Local residents who use the metro everyday have the navigo pass and the price will not change during the olympic games.
Weirdly some 5 star hotels are reducing rates, L'Hotel in the 6th has a 10% off special, that makes some 3 star hotels more expensive... But the price hikes were not just during the Olympics but started for May and June as well, but it looks like they are now coming down somewhat. And yes, every Parisian I know is forecasting an absolute disaster...
Classic Parisian 🥂😂
Oh wow, 4 euro! Cooper’s coat is the best.
He rules!
As much as I love Paris, it may be 2025 before I visit again. I was there in December, the train from CDG to Paris was not the usual, I assume they are still working on that line. We were on what I would call a local line that was so crowded and packed and no where to put suitcases as it was just a normal metro train. Several groups got separated when we got to Gare du Nord because they could not get off the train it was so crowded. And after over a week of rain, Paris was not at its best that visit. So, I will wait to well after the Olympics to visit again.
Hmmm, yes I'm not sure what happened to you there! Recent friends who have travelled have had no issues on the RER, so it might have been a fluke? Sorry you had that experience!
@@JaySwanson I have always used the RER, but that platform was closed and we were directed to the lower level to catch that local train. It was new to me too. I may we had to take a bus from Gare du Nord to about halfway there and switch to a train. I am sure everyone will be glad when all this over. Love Paris
Jay do ever worry someone might run away with your camera, especially when you do shots walking around a street corner?
Those little paper tickets in the metro are atrocious, I remember them working sporadically and not letting me exit the metro in Paris.
They keep claiming they're phasing them out. We shall seeeeee
In regards to security. It will have to be strict given past terrorist attacks, I know they are employing and training up new security guards as they will be pulled in to help out. Trouble is, from what I have seen, they are basically pulling up any unemployed people and offering them a job, take up late has been low. The company my friend works for are so short staffed right now they are training up their Olympic staff for other jobs. I know he isn't looking forward to the Olympics much, but I don't know if he will be working his normal job,or they will need him for Olympic work. As for them and the police being strict, they have to be, trust me, I have heard some stories that would curl your hair. A lot of the time they are treated terribly by the public, especially tourists.
Here's hoping that it all gets well sorted in time. I'll be rooting for that to be sure.
I do hope you get to meet some Olympians in Paris.
Me too 😊
Loved the accidental renaissance Cooper
He was all about it
Jay, please mention and include the fact that the Paralympics follow the Olympics and last until Sep 8.
Paris is Paris. It doesn't need the Olympics. If anything, the games are less prestigious than the city is. However, the event may have Gallic-type quirks (eg, the logo for Paris 2024), which will make the games both weaker & better than they'd otherwise be. Most games anywhere are also known as being economic letdowns, such as tourism during an Olympics being lower than expected.
I guess we'll just have to ride it out and find out on the other side =D
Great video! Lots of concerns But because you’ve been to the games before as have I you know that it’s going to be great! Nothing like the excitement in the air during the Olympics. And they may release special once in a lifetime stuff different than the normal things like postage Olympic stamps or posters. Definitely there will be Paris 2024 buttons. The games are so much fun to attend. You’re very lucky you speak French and actually you could probably sign up to be a city ambassador during the games. I’m excited and I’m in NYC. Of course people are pessimistic…you’re in Paris🤣 I understand why people would leave but…Once in a lifetime
I do maintain high hopes!
Anybody got tickets.!? I was looking for the tickets from last year.
Metro ticket in London is €3.3 off-peak every day of the year lol
Touche 😂
About London, I've read that Londoners left the city during the olympics to the point that shops and taxi cabs complaigned about it because they hoped to get their sales risen but no, shops were empty... I guess its normal for such an event like the olympics and, come on, the olympics will be during a period of time when you have more tourists than parisians, who left Paris for holidays (My favorite time of the year because Paris is so peaceful and quiet, you can really enjoy the city). French as usual yelled about the 4€ ticket ride but they forget or don't know that Paris has one of the cheapest urban transport system and at 4€ a ride it is still low price compare to many other metropolis. In France, pessimism is state of mind and we do get frighten when we host world events like this but in the end it turns out well. Hum, hum... Well... I hope so... ;o)
Ah, of course I too hope it all turns out well, and I think it will. (But about metro prices... regardless of whether 4 euros is a lot by other city's standards, it's nearly doubling the price and that's going to shock and appal residents for good reason!)
Paris metro is totally one of the best though!
Il n'y a pas que le prix du ticket de métro, il y a aussi les ponts coupés, les zones de restriction avec QR code obligatoire pour circuler...
Je vais éviter Paris de début juillet à fin août et rester en télétravail.
I'm so old, I can remember when the Olympic Games were about amateur athletics. It's been all about money for 50+ years at least like the rest of sports. Not interested any more.
The Olympics are a disaster in general. I was going to go volunteer since I speak French but I thought it will be a total zoo and prices for everything will be totally expensive. Imma wait till after “la foule”.😮
lol thank gos I’m as far away from Paris ( a city I love) as possible. The Olympics? Ugh!
😆
Another Vancouver resident who thought the Olympics was on of the best times ever in Vancouver. In the months prior to the games it was all doom and gloom about every aspect you can imagine from the price of tickets, the cost of security to hotels jacking their prices. I know lots of people who rented their homes to athletes and tourists and got a lot of money but almost missed out on an incredible experience. Yes, there was a huge police presence but they also played spontaneous pick-up games of street hockey, the Mounties cheerfully posed endlessly with tourists and best of all there were no incidents. The world is in a different place right now and sadly, I’m guessing the JO are a target for terrorists so perhaps it’s better to put in place actions that seem harsh rather than risk a catastrophe. The only real problem we had at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics? No snow. They literally trucked it in from the interior of BC in every dump truck they could commandeer for days on end. One of the warmest Februarys on record. And sadly, an athlete died during a practice session prior to the opening of the games. We are coming to Paris at the end of May to catch some of the special exhibits in museums as there is always a significant cultural side to the Olympics. Enjoy the Paris Olympics. And give Cooper a hug for me. He is adorable.
Definitely hoping for a fun time! I figured I might as well forewarn of some of the not so great changes, but I will hang onto my optimism for some fantastic memories
As a Liverpool fan: be worried about French security
04:26 "Granted all my friends are a bunch of pessimists..." you mean, "French," non ? LOL / not entirely fair, but still caught my ear when you said it and I have enough French friends to say haha😁
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Pick pocket bonanza😢
You have a Navigo pass, so you will not suffer the ticket price hike. It will affect tourists, though. Parisians will flee. Londoners fled in 2012 and expected traffic jams did not happen. Tickets for games are so expensive, no one I know is going, in spite of wanting to.
I'm actually not so sure because I have a liberte - the pay as you go Navigo - not the monthly one. But I'll stock up on carnets on my phone and Easy card in advance and try to take my bike as much as possible =D
@@JaySwanson You're right. I don't know how they'll handle the "liberté+" passes. Or even the RER tickets. I'll fill up my "Easy" card, too.
I need one of these cards, do they have for handicap person?
I normally am in France for the summer, but I am not going to go this year because of the mayhem the Olympics will cause. The subways can be unbearable when really overcrowded. I was there for New Years Eve in 2022/2023 and it was terrible. It’s not fair for people who live there to have to pay more for the subway, but that’s what happens everywhere in the world when the Olympics are taking place. I have a place I can stay (my cousins apt in Montrouge) but even having a free place to stay isn’t incentive enough for me to deal with the crowds and higher prices for everything else. Load up your Navigo with tickets well in advance and hopefully the price increase won’t affect you.
Instead of charging more $ for metro ticket to visitors mainly at that time they should charge the ticket evaders going for free on the bus and metro there everyday 😅
Haha they definitely do, but a lot of people still get away with it!
True 😊 Thanks for the good content 👍
I suppose they have no choice with tight security, given current world events. It’s a case, I think, of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. The hike in metro fares is not one of the better ideas!
definitely some tricky decisions to make I'm sure
They're already warming up in France raising the electricity by 9% in the new year.
Yay Cooper!
He rules =D
Paris has survived so many tribulations. This too shall pass.
Quote of the Day: “…granted all my friends are pessimists.”
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It’ll also be hot…
Also true 🔥
Je trouve intéressant que vous trouviez Paris si accueillante. J'aime beaucoup cette ville, et comme cousine québécoise j'y suis très bien accueillie mais c'est vrai que pas mal de Parisiens sont un peu snob et imbus d'eux-même.
Il y a vingt ans, j'aurais été d'accord, mais ces jours là, beaucoup a changé - si vous restez dans les quartiers que j'aime (9th, 10th, 11th, 18th, et plus, dans mon guide) vous allez voir qu'il y a des gens/établissements très sympa! :)
@@JaySwanson Perso, côté ambiance, mon arrondissement préféré est le 12e. En général, ce n'est pas prétentieux, et c'est près de la Place de Vosges qui est plus prétentieuse, mais Ô tellement magnifique! Le 9e est beau aussi pour l'architecture haussmannienne, mais l'ambiance est moins intéressante. Perso, je trouve le 18e trop touristique et trop loin des stations de métro, et je ne raffole pas du 10e (ça craint!), mais chacun ses goûts!
@@JaySwanson Des Européens m'ont dit qu'en général, les gens sont plus sympas ailleurs que dans les capitales.
And this is one of the many reasons why modern day Paris is simply no longer a world city, it's not New York....
I think I'd argue that Paris is very much a world city, more than it ever used to be, if you look at culture & cuisine!
@@JaySwanson culture and cuisine? Sure but also economical power, industry, services… Paris is ranks as alpha+ city and is among the most powerful cities in the world with Tokyo, New-York and London.
Sooo, I guess my wife & I will have to try and take you for a pastry & delectable coffee in 2025 now. 🤣
😂
You should watch the coverage of F1 and the grrreat job they did with that (obviously sarcastic) the locals were livid and it was a fiasco
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French here. I'm here thanks to CZcams's algorithmic recommendations.
My view on the future Paris Olympic can be summarize by an (in)famous French expression:
"So ready are we, that if the war lasts two years, not a gaiter button would be found wanting". It was a declaration made by Napoleon III minister of war (yes there was two Napoleon) before the Franco-Prussian war. It ended in a complete disaster for France...
It is used to say: "We are not ready". My feeling is that Paris is not ready, and we are not ready...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_Le_B%C5%93uf
All pomp and no circumstance