Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
Hello, lovelies,
welcome to Paris with Angela,
the podcast for Paris lovers andtrip planners.
I think I forgot to say that onthe last episode.
The last episode was a how-toon the Metro, so we covered the
history of the Metro.
We covered a how-to of theMetro.
For that one, you're definitelygoing to want to read the show
notes and get a little bit moredetailed information, but I
(00:36):
think you should have a firmunderstanding of how to use that
wonderful system.
But today we're going to talkabout the Paris Olympics,
because it's happening in just afew days.
Pretty, pretty exciting.
The Olympics will take place inParis, france, from July 26th
to August 11th 2024.
(00:56):
The venues will utilize iconiclandmarks and new venues like
the Stade de France, the EiffelTower, the Champs-Élysées, new
constructions like the AquaticsCenter in Saint-Denis Pretty
exciting.
But there are some people thatare not too keen on the Paris
Olympics.
So we're going to look at bothsides of that centime, if you
(01:19):
will, both sides of the coin Ifyou want to sponsor the show and
drink delicious biodynamic wine.
Biodynamic wines are becomingmore and more popular in Paris,
and so I think you should take alittle bit of Paris home, have
a little bit of Paris brought toyour doorstep every month, and
enjoy wine, which is such abeautiful part of the meal, but
do it in a really healthy andenvironmentally friendly way, by
(01:43):
drinking dry farm wines.
These are small family farmsthroughout France and beyond and
they are crafting, using very,very traditional methods,
beautiful wines that are organicand biodynamically made.
You can visit dryfarmwinescomforward slash Paris with Angela,
and whether you decide to havesome wines or bubbly delivered
(02:06):
once a month or you just want totry a one-time order, when you
use the show's link you're goingto get an extra bottle for a
penny, so that's super fun.
If you order 12, you're goingto get 13.
If you order three, you'regoing to get four, and so on and
so on.
Now Paris aims to deliver asustainable Olympics.
So biodynamic wine, sustainable.
Paris wants to have asustainable Olympics using
(02:30):
existing infrastructure,temporary facilities, renewable
energy.
The focus, of course, is onreducing the carbon footprint
and promoting environmentalresponsibility.
They're also looking to attracta younger audience this time
around with four new sportsSkateboarding I think that's
pretty cool.
(02:50):
I'm a child of the 80s.
I think that's pretty cool.
Skateboarding, surfing, sportclimbing and breakdancing Maybe
even cooler.
So these new sports willreflect a contemporary urban
culture and hopefully bring insome younger viewers and
participants.
The games will also, of course,feature traditional Olympic
(03:13):
sports such as athletics,gymnastics, basketball and more.
All the equine events are takingplace at Versailles, which I
think is really really fabulousplace at Versailles, which I
think is really really fabulous.
The tickets are being sold, andhave been sold in several
phases, including a lotterysystem for high demand events.
I have some French friends thatweren't too happy about that.
(03:35):
Prices are based on the event,the seating and the stage of the
competition.
Paris 2024 includes, of course,accessibility for all,
including, they say, affordableoptions and special provisions
for those with disability.
We talked about the metro, nodoubt utilized by millions of
(03:56):
people in the city in the comingweeks.
Paris has an extensive publictransportation system the metro,
the buses, the trams, the RER.
As we say here in America, thisis a show about Paris from an
American perspective, alwaysimportant to remember, and
special Olympic routes have beenmade.
Additional services will beavailable.
(04:19):
The city is really wanting toaccommodate everyone that they
can.
No doubt it's a very, verypopular, popular time for the
city, so early booking at hotelsand Airbnbs was recommended due
(04:40):
to high demand.
If you're watching on YouTubeand you're headed to the Paris
Olympics.
I'd love to hear all about itin the comment box, or, if you
or you and your children aregoing to be watching online like
we are in our house, tell mewhat you're most looking forward
to.
The athletes will stay outsideof the city in places like
Saint-Denis and theIle-de-France region, but no
(05:02):
doubt the hotels inside the cityare going to be jam-packed.
Security no doubt will be at anall-time high, with security
measures in place Policepresence, surveillance,
depending on how you feel aboutthat.
The coordination withinternational security agencies,
of course, is happening tocreate a safe environment, god
(05:23):
willing, for all.
The Paris Olympics will featurea series of cultural events,
expositions and festivalsshowcasing the French culture
and the French heritage.
I do hope we get to see some ofthat on TV.
That's what I am most lookingforward to.
These events will take placeacross the city, really
enhancing the Olympic experience.
(05:44):
I was just there a few monthsago and you can see really
everything that they're doing toget ready.
There's a lot going on.
It's going to be a big deal andI'm sure everyone will breathe
a collective sigh of relief whenit's over.
So if you're visiting duringthis time.
Book ahead, get your ticketsearly.
We're coming right up on it, soI'm assuming you have
(06:06):
everything in order.
Use public transportation whenyou can to avoid traffic
congestion.
Traffic in Paris can be prettygnarly as it is, and if you
visited the city before andvisited places, monuments, for
example, like the Eiffel Tower,you know about security checks.
But be prepared for securitychecks at all of the venues.
(06:27):
If you're brand new, if you'reheaded there next week, do a
little crash course.
I'm glad you're listening tothe show.
That's step one, but do alittle crash course on
familiarizing yourself withFrench customs and basic phrases
, the way things are done overthere.
A little bit of that will go along way, as you respect local
(06:47):
traditions and, of course, anyenvironmentally sustainable
sustainability efforts thatthey've put in place for the for
the Games.
Now, of course, being thatParisians are involved, there's
going to be a lot of opinions,so some of the opinions on the
Olympics coming to town arefavorable and some of them not
so much.
I've had some fantasticconversations.
(07:08):
I love asking my Uber driverswhat they think about the whole
thing.
Of course, many Parisians feela sense of pride about hosting
the Olympics, seeing it as anopportunity to showcase their
beautiful city to the world.
The event is expected to bring,of course, international
attention and even more tourism.
Of course, with that comeseconomic benefits.
(07:31):
The cultural and socialbenefits means that Parisian
culture and art and heritagewill be featured on the world's
main stage and people, no doubt,are looking forward to the
cultural events and thedifferent festivals that will
coincide with the Olympics.
There's always somethinghappening in Paris, always, so
(07:52):
no matter when you're going,it's really nice to just do a
Google search of thingshappening in Paris next week and
you can find differentexhibitions and festivals, and
some of them, no doubt, willcoordinate with the Games,
coordinate with the games.
The Olympics are drivingsignificant investments into the
(08:13):
infrastructure, includingtransportation, new sports
facilities, urban development,and these are expected to
benefit Parisians long after thegames are over.
I've seen some things in placeand as I was driving by I
wondered, I wonder if that'sgoing to stay.
There's going to be an economicimpact.
So there's concern andcriticism there.
(08:34):
The cost of hosting theOlympics some fear the financial
burden might fall on thetaxpayers and they're worried
about the potential costsoverrunning whatever benefits
there might be, overrunningwhatever benefits there might be
and, naturally, the disruptionto everyday life.
So there's going to besignificant disruption.
(08:57):
How couldn't there be Trafficcongestion, changes to public
transportation, additionalsecurity measures which always,
while they're for everyone'ssafety, they take extra time,
they cause extra hassle, andthese no doubt will affect daily
(09:17):
life and businesses.
And there's concern about theimpact on housing.
Paris is a very, very expensiveplace to live, and so there's a
concern about potential rentincreases, the displacement of
residents due to the developmentof Olympic facilities.
Yes, and you know theenvironmental impact.
Some are concerned about theactual sustainability of the
(09:38):
games, so concerned aboutpollution and waste and the
carbon footprint of the event.
Now, the government would saythat they're doing their due
diligence.
There's an organization,committee, making efforts to
engage with local communities,seeking input, addressing
concerns through the public,through community meetings, and
(10:01):
the goal, or they say the goalis to leave a positive legacy,
such as converting Olympicvenues into community facilities
that promote sports among theyouth.
It feels, from what I'm reading, like the youth is a big focus
for these games and thatdefinitely has been communicated
, the legacy aspect of this togain support.
(10:23):
So the overall sentiment ofParisians is really a blend of
enthusiasm and apprehension,while there's excitement about
the global spotlight and theopportunity for them to showcase
their beautiful culture.
There is concern about thedisruption to daily life, the
cost, the pollution, etc.
Now, as far as a breakdown ofthe different events, the
(10:44):
athletics are going to be takingplace at the Stade de France in
Saint-Denis, the swimming venueis the La Défense Arena, that's
in Nanterre, the gymnastics isat Bercy Arena, the Accor Hotels
Arena, and basketball juststill so weird to me basketball
(11:05):
will be taking place at theArena Paris Sud Porte de
Versailles.
So soccer, football, footballwill be taking place at various
stadiums across France,including the Parc des Princes
in Paris, the Stade Vélodrome inMarseille and the Groupama
Stadium in Lyon.
Tennis is taking place at theRoland-Garros in the Bois de
(11:27):
Boulogne so that's a big foreston the edge of the city and the
cycling will be taking place ona track.
Track cycling will be takingplace at a track.
Track cycling will be takingplace at the Velodrome.
National Cycling on the roadwill be taking place in various
locations, with routes passingthrough Parisian landmarks.
So that's going to be lots offun.
(11:49):
If you're someone that tunes inevery year to watch the Tour de
France so you can see glimpsesof the city, I think the
Olympics are going to be a greatway for those of you who are
planning your trip to see bitsand pieces of the city.
Fencing Fencing is my favorite.
That's a sport I would love totry.
We'll be taking place at theGrand Palais.
That sounds super sexy, and allthe equestrian events, as I
(12:13):
said, are taking place at theChateau de Versailles Very
fitting, don't you think?
Surfing will be taking place inTahiti, which is super cool.
And then we have the new sportslike skateboarding, surfing,
sport climbing, breakdancing,taking place as well.
I'll put those locations in theshow notes of this episode,
(12:36):
because there are so more.
There's volleyball, there'sbadminton, there's hockey,
there's golf.
There's too many more to listoff, but if I can find a link
for you, I'll be sure to put alink of the Olympics schedule in
there for you as well.
The Olympic torch journey beganin April of 2024, april of this
(13:00):
year, beginning in Olympia,greece.
Traditionally, the torch leavesthe Temple of Hera, and that
lasted in Greece until April 26,followed by a handover ceremony
and the torch'ssequent journeyacross the Mediterranean.
The French relay then began inMay, may 8th in Marseille, and
(13:21):
will continue all the waythrough July 26th.
The opening ceremonies.
Now, if you are visiting Parisin a couple of weeks for the
Olympics, hopefully you've madeyour accommodations a long time
ago.
Prices and accommodations aregoing to be very rare.
Stay near central Paris,because being in that area is
(13:44):
going to make it a little biteasier for you.
Staying near majortransportation hubs, and
consider areas with really goodpublic transportation to get to
key venues, allowing yourselfextra time for traffic and
security.
Paris, of course, has anextensive public transportation
network, including the metro,the buses, the trams, the RERs,
(14:06):
and there are special Olympicroutes, and an increased
frequency of services is to beexpected.
When purchasing your metrotickets, I would suggest a
Navigo des Couverts pass forunlimited travel.
I suggest that one because it'sgoing to allow travel
throughout Paris and the entireIle-de-France region.
(14:27):
And if you're not going for theOlympics but you happen to be
in Paris over the next few weeks, expect extra security, expect
possible delays, especially ifyou are near one to be attending
any of the events.
Be sure to show up early and beaware of the specific entry
requirements and prohibiteditems.
There will be increasedsecurity, but you definitely can
walk around and see it.
Montmartre, consider purchasinga Paris Museum Pass.
(14:47):
I will be doing an episode onthe different suggestions for
(15:20):
visiting as many monuments andmuseums as possible.
The Paris Museum Pass can bevery handy because it's sort of
like for my American audienceit's like a Disney park hopper
pass so you can use it atnumerous places.
And, while you're there, when Iget out of the hustle and
bustle a little bit, consider aday trip to Versailles, as long
as it's not on the day wherethey're competing Giverny and
(15:43):
maybe even the Champagne region,if you need to get out of the
busy city and blow off a littlesteam.
The weather in Paris in July andAugust is warm, so I would
dress light with light,comfortable clothing, carry
water if you're worried aboutstaying hydrated, and I always
suggest wearing layers in thecity because the temperature
(16:05):
fluctuations can be pretty great, from being cool in the shade
to very, very warm if you'redown in the metro or out in the
sunshine.
So you want to make sure thatyou're comfortable all day.
Of course, if you are travelinginternationally for the first
time, make sure you have a SIMcard for your phone so you don't
get into any communicationproblems, and remember that most
(16:28):
cafes and restaurants andpublic areas offer free Wi-Fi.
In the show notes of thisepisode.
I will put links to theofficial Paris 2024 website, the
Paris Tourism Office andTransport for Paris, the RATP
website, which is an excellentresource if you'd like to check
on metro lines and make surethat they're all up and running
(16:49):
and there are no delays.
So that is a brief look at theParis Olympics Everything you
need to know about how thecommunity feels, how to navigate
your way.
Have a great time.
If you're going, watch it on TV.
If you're not going, it's goingto be a fantastic way for you
to see some of the city and getexcited about your next trip,
(17:09):
whether that's with me on one ofmy Paris with Angela trips.
Right here you can visitParisianFarmGirlcom.
Forward slash Paris with Angela.
I have been online for aboutthe last 20 years as Parisian
Farm Girl.
I have a YouTube channel underthat name, an Instagram feed, a
website, and that's where youwill find all French-inspired
living.
Twice a year, I take followersfrom that platform to tour Paris
(17:34):
with me.
If you would like to come.
There are spaces for 20-25.
So visit parisianfarmgirlcom.
Forward slash Paris with Angela.
I will put all these links andmore in the show notes.
Thanks for tuning in to anotherepisode of Paris with Angela,
the podcast for Paris lovers andtrip planners.
I will see you all again verysoon.
A bientot.