Despite promises of economic benefits from hosting the Olympics, Paris is relatively quiet outside of the stadiums. Business is significantly down for shops, restaurants, and cafes, with taxi drivers reporting a decrease in fares. Major streets and tourist attractions are remarkably calm, with the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum seeing fewer visitors than usual.
However, not everyone is unhappy with the situation. Olympic tourists are able to experience Paris like never before, with shorter lines at attractions and cafe terraces readily available. One taxi driver noted that his business has been affected by around 70%, reflecting a broader trend of decreased economic activity in the city.
Overall, while the Games have brought raucous crowds to the stadiums, the promised economic benefits for businesses in Paris have not materialized. Despite the optimism surrounding the influx of visitors, the reality on the ground paints a different picture of a city that is quieter than usual during the Olympic period.
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