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As Paris gears up to host the world's biggest sporting event, the 2024 Olympics, the excitement of hosting a global celebration is overshadowed by surging prices and widespread disruption, causing many Parisians to leave the city.

Hosting its third Olympics after 1900 and 1924, Paris is in the final stages of preparation, with the outdoor opening ceremony happening on the Seine River and sports events taking place at cultural heritage sites.

More than 15 million visitors are expected in Paris during the Olympics period, from late July to early September.

The reactions of the Parisians to the upcoming Olympics vary; while the hospitality industry is delighted with the Olympic boom, most Parisians are worried about the soaring cost associated with the event.

According to the Paris Tourist Office, the average cost for a one-night stay in a hotel has surged from $178 to $685, a staggering 3.8-fold increase.

This price surge extends to essential goods and food prices, significantly impacting the lives of Paris citizens.

Additionally, the French Railway Company has announced that the price of a single subway ticket will temporarily increase from €2.10 to €4 during the Olympic period.

This doubling of public transportation fares has caused great concern among daily commuters who fear that taking the subway could become more expensive than using taxis.

These cost increases are particularly burdensome for local residents who must navigate these expenses as part of their daily lives, unlike the transient visitors who are only there for a short period.

Furthermore, the influx of visitors will undoubtedly strain the city’s infrastructure.

Many Parisians are irritated by the security restrictions, as navigating through their city will be nearly impossible during the Olympic period.

The Paris police have announced plans to control traffic around Olympic venues to ensure safety, which will involve restricted zones where even residents will need pre-registered QR codes to move about.

This level of disruption has led many Parisians to consider leaving the city during the Olympics.

The term “Olympic evacuation” describes this phenomenon, as locals plan vacations to escape the expected chaos.

The congested traffic, compounded by restricted access in certain areas, threatens to make daily commutes and errands significantly more challenging.

A recent survey indicates that 44% of French citizens hold a negative view of the upcoming games, with 52% contemplating leaving Paris during the event.

This sentiment arises from the perception that the Olympics prioritize tourists and commercial interests over the well-being of local residents.

For instance, while major tourist attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles have increased admission fees, museum officials claim this is unrelated to the Olympics.

However, many locals suspect that these hikes are intended to capitalize on the influx of international visitors.

While the Paris Olympics promise to be a spectacular showcase for global athletes and cultural exchange, they also highlight the challenges faced by local residents.

The excitement surrounding the event is tempered by the very real concerns of Parisians who face economic strain, disrupted routines, and a sense of displacement in their own city.

As the world watches Paris light up with Olympic glory, it is crucial to ensure that the Parisians’ voices and needs are not overshadowed by the grandeur of the Games.