Spring 2024: France on my mind
Yes, the Olympics, and a few other things too!
Bonjour, c’est Véro.
This itinerant tour guide gig has been a godsend to stay in touch with France over the last few months. A lot is happening in the country right now.
Most people rely on their immediate social or family circle (or the media) to keep their finger on the pulse of la Belle France. I consider myself lucky: From Paris to the Loire Valley, from Normandy to the Perigord, Provence or the French Riviera, I’ve traveled around with groups of North American travelers since April 1st. In my free time I get to chat with locals, the sales assistant at the grocery store, regulars or a chatty waiter at the local café, hoteliers, restaurant owners and their guests. They are not shy about sharing opinions from politics to the Olympic Games, the dreadful weather or food on the menu (not necessarily in that order.)
On Sunday I’ll be sharing some of my favorite travel stories with France with Vero patrons in our quarterly Zoom meet-up. It’s been running since 2020 and we call it “Conversations with Véro.” Travel tips, updates, musings: Everything goes as lively discussions revolve around France and French life.
“Les Jeux” arrivent à Paris!
The Olympic Games are just a few weeks away. Paris is doubling up her efforts to welcome millions of visitors from France and the rest of the world in July. The best way to summarize the impact of these efforts? The photo below captured in Versailles at the Sun King’s estate: “Construction site. Access prohibited.”
I feel sorry for visitors who will no doubt be confused by the constant changes in the public transportation system following the ongoing closure of key Metro stations.
I pity locals even more.
After a few days on tour in the posh 7th arrondissement I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw what a gigantic mess the Champ de Mars (it will host TWO Olympic sites!) had turned into in just a few weeks. Fences, fences and more fences make it impossible to cross this historic part of Paris. “Les Riverains” (local residents) look forlorn as they walk their dogs in the evening (often in the rain) along once elegant pathways now lined with more… fences. For them the commotion started in March. According to official websites le Champ de Mars will not look like its old self until November at the earliest.
An elderly woman I chatted with while petting her dog (“un caniche,” a black poodle, named “Vanille” - Vanilla) declared: “They will use those sites for just two weeks in July and only one more week during the Para-Olympic Games. That’s three weeks total.”
I feel you, Madame.
As for tourists (they are in town already if rue Cler, the Islands or the Marais are any indication) they must get used to the new look of once familiar landmarks like the Trocadero or iconic squares like les Invalides or la Concorde, now filled with giant bleachers and other unsightly structures to host upcoming events. Let’s not forget 26 “fan zones” spread all over the city with giant screens (to follow the competitions) and scheduled cultural and athletic events. Visitors will have to learn to navigate street and bridge closures and limited access to a vast security perimeter in the heart of Paris at the start of the Games.
No one knows at this stage if Anne Hidalgo, the controversial Mayor of Paris, will or will not swim in the Seine river. Tentatively scheduled in late June the much publicized event has now been postponed to early July. It’s critical for Madame Hidalgo to prove her teams have successfully cleaned the Seine river and it is now safe for the (unfortunate?) athletes who will be competing in its murky waters.
Anne Hidalgo should be fine, even underwater: “Madame le Maire ne manque pas d’air.” She is not lacking for air (literal translation.) In fact (hidden meaning) she’s got some nerve! I can’t get over that poster plastered all over the Metro and city. It addresses Parisians and asks them to anticipate (when planning their outings) and walk more during the Games.
Walk more? Et oui.
Let’s extend kudos to the French authorities for navigating security headaches and for trying to communicate about upcoming changes through websites (like the one featured in the above poster) or cheerful pink signs reminding visitors how to get to major Olympic sites.
In spite of all these logistical and aesthetic challenges (I do mind the latter more, I must be French!) excitement is building. In Facebook groups dedicated to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games tips are shared daily and enthusiastically about places to eat, ticket assignments, packing, transportation passes and more. A hot topic (among visitors from a country that shall remain nameless) seems to be the heat - and how to beat it in a city and country known for their aversion to A/C. I hear many are stocking up on the following device meant to keep them comfortable come what may — but will it also work as a blowdryer if the rain persists? I kid, I kid.
In the grand scheme of things I do hope the 2024 Olympic Games are a smashing success both for visitors and for my homeland.
Right now, to be honest “nous avons d’autres chats à fouetter.” We have other fish to fry.
In case you haven’t heard there’s a major election happening in a few days. Much of our economic, political and social health depends on it, not to mention our happiness as individuals and as a nation.
By the time the ambitious Opening Ceremony unfolds on the Seine river with a colorful and majestic flotilla mimicking the Sun King’s celebrations of yore along the Grand Canal in Versailles, we will all be ready for some distraction and cheer.
On croise les doigts. Fingers crossed.
Vive la France!
What you may have missed
Episodes 4 and 5 of our YouTube series “French and Entrepreneur” are out!
Meet French business owners who share their passion and skills in short interviews. Practice your French language skills: Videos are in French with English subtitles and feature native speakers (You know at least one of them.)
Episode 4 was released in May. It takes us to “Le Bazar de Cosette” a special boutique (and business) run by Annie, a treasure hunter, who restores vintage finds before selling them in the heart of Tours’ historic district.
Episode 5 came out in June. Meet Hans, a Master Cheesemaker and his wife Adeline who welcome us at their renowned store “France Fromages” located inside Tours’ covered food market. If you like French fromage, you will love learning more about cheese with this entertaining video.
Like always stay in touch with France with Vero on Facebook, Instagram or on the blog. For behind-the-scenes peeks at my tour guide life (and exclusive video previews and content) join our fun community on Patreon. Over 400 happy club members can’t be wrong!
A bientôt,
Véro
If your daughter lives in France she must know some of my countrymen are often critical of events/endeavors when they first hear about them but may come to revise their judgment later. ;-) This being said it’s entirely possible many French natives (especially outside Paris) feel disconnected with the event and the insane amount of resources invested to make it happen at a time when economic and political challenges have been prominently highlighted for months. Wait and see.
Véro, your newsletters are always so informative! Merci!