With less than three months until the start of the Paris Olympics, expatriates are feeling a mix of excitement and concern, especially those currently living in the capital or planning to move there during this period. The media predictions are unanimous: the event will affect the daily lives of all residents. But what will the actual impact be, and how can one prepare?
Where will the Olympic events take place?
The Olympic events will primarily take place in central Paris, including Bercy, Porte de Versailles, Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Eiffel Tower, Trocad茅ro, Parc des Princes, and Roland-Garros. However, Paris is not the only city hosting athletes. Many stadiums around Paris will be utilized, like the famous Stade de France in Saint-Denis, La D茅fense in Nanterre, the Ch芒teau de Versailles, and Le Bourget, to name a few. Other French cities like Villeneuve d'Ascq, Nantes, Nice, and Marseille will also host events. Nonetheless, Paris and its residents will be the most affected.
Living in Paris during the Olympics
Residents of Paris have been preparing for some time, and the topic聽is constantly discussed. Many anticipate disruptions in their daily lives, especially in public transportation and general mobility. Overcrowded and canceled transport services, closed and rerouted roads鈥攖hese Olympics are not viewed positively by everyone, despite promises from the city mayor and the government. Additionally, the economic aspect concerning transportation is noteworthy.聽For instance, a single metro ticket will cost 4 euros, up from 2.15 euros聽currently.
For expatriates working in Paris, those who can聽might be able to聽work remotely more easily.聽Many companies have already planned to relax their policies on this matter. However, remember that the Olympics聽are not considered聽an exceptional circumstance like the Covid-19 pandemic was.Employers cannot force employees to work remotely, nor can it be a reason for dismissal if refused. But聽keep in mind聽that remote work could be beneficial this summer to avoid transportation issues and potential delays at work or聽important聽appointments. For those unable to work remotely, particularly in tourism or retail, it will be crucial to plan all travel in advance as much as possible.
Moreover, this advice applies to everyone: plan your travels聽in advance, leave earlier or later than usual聽if possible, and check event schedules to avoid getting stuck among thousands of spectators or behind an athletes' convoy.聽If possible, consider聽leaving the city for a few days to go to the countryside, the beach, or even return to your home country.聽We understand that not everyone can make this choice, and patience and acceptance of the situation will be necessary.
Moving to France during the Olympics
Those planning to move to France, especially to Paris during the聽Olympic period, might聽face difficulties, particularly in聽finding long-term housing and organizing their move, especially if arriving with more than just a suitcase.聽The main reason is that container shipments might聽be delayed聽due to congested ports. Delivery services and movers might also be affected due to blocked streets. Regarding temporary housing, those looking for an apartment for a few weeks or months to settle and conduct visits have little to worry about.聽Many indicators predict聽that landlords will rent out聽their properties during this period, likely benefiting new expatriates.聽However, be cautious of the budget, as a聽price increase of聽30 to 70%聽is expected.聽If negotiating with a company in Paris, it is advisable to address this issue and ask for compensation for housing or聽even聽a temporary company-provided apartment.
Another聽important聽consideration is visas. Due to the influx of visitors this summer, visa issuance services could be significantly impacted, creating potentially long delays.聽It is crucial to apply early, complete the application quickly, and ensure聽no聽documents are聽missing聽to avoid further delays and complications upon arrival in France.
For all these reasons, many advise delaying your arrival if possible. If your goal is to discover the city, learn French, and find a job once there, consider arriving in September or October to avoid complications.聽Many international schools are聽already聽planning to delay the start of the school year by a week聽to聽impact expatriates positively.
Paris Olympics: What are the opportunities for expats?
Finally, this event will bring numerous opportunities for expatriates, especially regarding temporary jobs.聽The influx of visitors means increased聽demand聽for聽tourism, hospitality, and security.聽Do not hesitate to check out job offers for students and seasonal workers.
These Olympics also offer the chance to discover聽sports you are unfamiliar with, watch top athletes, or meet new people before, during, or after the events.聽If you're lucky enough to have tickets, the atmosphere in the stadiums and at various sites will be lively. Additionally, it might be possible to attend parties or events for foreigners visiting France for the occasion鈥攖he聽ideal time to make new connections.
Despite the difficulties and impact on expatriates' lives, we are confident that the Paris Olympics will be a unique moment for all.聽So,聽be patient聽and enjoy the games!
