The Olympic Torch Relay will return to the Ile-de-France region on July 19, marking the final stretch before the Opening Ceremony on July 26. As excitement builds, travelers and locals alike must be aware of the security landscape and planned events leading up to the Games.
Pre-Olympic Activities
Before the grand Opening Ceremony, several Olympic events are set to commence. Team sports and archery competitions will kick off two days early, on July 24. Football matches are scheduled for July 24 and 25 across various cities, including Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Saint-Etienne. The Stade de France in Paris will host the Rugby Sevens preliminary rounds on July 24-25. The Women's Handball tournament will begin at the South Paris Arena 6, and the Archery event will take place at the Esplanade des Invalides on July 25.
Travelers attending these events in cities outside Paris should stay informed about local conditions. While Paris is renowned for its vibrant culture, petty theft, and opportunistic crime remain significant concerns in major cities across France.
Crime and Safety
Parisian police recently dismantled an organized group of pickpockets targeting American tourists in crowded areas like train and metro stations. The group focused on stealing cell phones and credit cards. While these pickpockets operated without violence, their tactics involved working in small groups to crowd their victims physically.
Although no significant disruptions have affected the Olympic Flame Relay, minor criminal incidents have occurred. Police have made several arrests in cities such as Lille, Lens-Lievin, Amiens, Le Havre, Vernon, and Chartres. These arrests were mostly for minor offenses, with the most severe incident involving a man throwing a can of nails at motorbikes escorting the Olympic Flame.
Given the large crowds expected during the Olympics, opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and scams will likely increase. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant and safeguard their valuables.
Civil Unrest and Industrial Action
Civil unrest, including demonstrations and strikes, poses another potential challenge. A number of unions have submitted formal notices of potential strikes. However, as of mid-July there is no confirmed industrial action that is likely to prompt significant disruptions.
Regular demonstrations against the Olympics on environmental and social grounds are expected to continue. While political tensions have eased somewhat following the recent parliamentary elections, related protests are likely to persist. Authorities have designated specific locations for demonstrations to minimize disruptions, with likely sites being Place de la Republique or Place de la Bastille.
Terrorism Threats
French authorities remain on high alert for potential terrorist attacks during the Olympics. Significant counterterrorism efforts are underway, with recent arrests highlighting the ongoing risk. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that several individuals with plans to target the Games had been detained.
Reports also indicate that ISIS extremists have published manuals on conducting drone attacks, aiming to disrupt the Paris Olympics using commercially available drones. This highlights the importance of the heightened security measures in place.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Cyber threats pose an additional risk, particularly state-sponsored activities aimed at undermining confidence in the French electoral system. These cyber activities can exacerbate civil unrest and disrupt the smooth running of the Olympics.
QR code scams are another concern, with over 800 criminal investigations already launched in France. QR codes are widely used for various Olympic-related applications, from ticketing to accessing WiFi networks and downloading event schedules. Travelers are advised to be cautious when scanning QR codes to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Conclusion
As Paris prepares to host the Olympics, comprehensive security measures are in place to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, and residents. Travelers should remain vigilant about potential risks, including petty crime, civil unrest, terrorism, and cyber threats. Visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable Olympic experience this summer by staying informed and taking necessary precautions. Crisis24’s Global Intelligence team provides real-time insights into potential threats at the Olympics with our 24/7 Dynamic Intelligence and Technology Solution. You can also stay up-to-date on topics and countries you wish to follow by subscribing to Crisis24 Watchlists and Risk Alerts.
Author(s)
