'The excitement on the streets ahead of the Olympics is palpable' – Parisian

Pippa Hudson interviews Jeff Mansour, a Parisian ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Listen below.

The Olympic opening ceremony kicks off at 7:30 this evening, and Paris is abuzz with excitement – and frustrated tourists who can’t access major attractions due to the event

For the first time in Olympic history, the ceremony will not be held in a stadium. 

Instead, the city itself is the venue, with the banks of the Seine River hosting spectators and the gardens outside the Louvre Museum serving as the centerpiece of the finale.

Here's what to expect:

• The opening ceremony, designed by renowned musical theatre director ,Thomas Jolly with a team of French creatives, reflects the Games' motto, "Wide Open."
• Unlike traditional ceremonies, athletes will not enter a stadium but will sail down a 6km stretch of the Seine River, from Pont d’Austerlitz to the Eiffel Tower, on 85 barges and boats. Around 6,000 to 7,000 athletes are expected to participate, with many viewing this as a highlight of their Olympic experience.
• The event will feature 3000 singers, dancers, and entertainers positioned along the route in 12 sections. Rumours suggest Celine Dion and Lady Gaga may make appearances, as both have been seen in Paris recently.
• The ceremony will celebrate French diversity, include a tribute to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and conclude with a light display and the lighting of the Olympic torch in front of the Louvre Museum.
• Half a million spectators will watch from stands along the river or nearby balconies, with 80 giant screens and cameras on every barge broadcasting the event globally.

Mansour notes a heavy police presence on the streets but adds that the excitement in the air is palpable.

"There is a lot of excitement for people who are passionate about sports."

- Jeff Mansour

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.