Paris braces for Olympic Games amid exodus and terror concerns

Many Parisians to vacate the city for the Olympic Games, which are scheduled between July 26 and August 11, as reported by Reuters. One contributing factor is the anticipated difficulties with transportation and daily living due to the influx of fans. Furthermore, the opportunity to make money is a compelling incentive for residents to leave at the end of July.

Renting out a strategically located apartment during the Olympic Games can fetch between $355 to $539 per night. "Paris becomes extremely hot in the summer, and with the additional people, using public transportation will be a challenge. Therefore, I'd prefer to be somewhere less crowded and more peaceful," a local shared with Reuters, revealing that earning extra money is another significant motivation. "If I rent out my apartment for the entire games period, it will bring in more than a monthly salary," she added.

Clement Eulry, Airbnb's Director for France and Belgium, highlighted the economic boost the Olympic Games could bring, potentially generating over one billion euros in economic impact for France. "According to Deloitte, Airbnb stays should help Ile-de-France residents generate additional income and contribute to more than one billion euros in economic impact in France," he conveyed to Reuters.

Just four months before the Games, France finds itself at the highest level of terrorist alert following a deadly attack in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, which claimed over 130 lives. "In light of the attack claimed by the Islamic State and the threats facing our country, we've decided to elevate the alert level to the highest," stated French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on the X portal. This decision followed a meeting of the National Defense and Security Council, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron.