The Olympics, Paris and the French

All eyes on oui. 

Tonight will be the opening ceremony for the Olympic Summer Games, held in Paris for third time (1900 and 1924 being the other occasions) joining London and Los Angeles as the only cities to host the Olympics three times.

So, (most of) the world’s attention shifts to centre of France, and the host nation always seeks to do well and portray their country in the best light, more so after their poor Euros performance and spotlight on recent political elections.

The annual Tour de France cycling event – which I’m sure some would argue is more important than hosting the Olympics – for the first since 1905 was unable to finish in central Paris along the Champs-Élysées due to the upcoming Games. “There’s always a bigger fish”, as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn would say.

What do they call a quarter pounder in Paris? Photo courtesy of Martyn Foster.

Having travelled to France back in 2017 PCE – Pre-Covid Era – I can confirm it’s largely a beautiful country to visit and the centre of Paris is as beautiful as any city in the world. A classically elegant capital, you could practically hear Debussy oozing out of the architecture. Small wonder they couldn’t call it a quarter pounder, but a Royale with Cheese.

Notre Dame along the Seine river circa 2017. Photo courtesy of Martyn Foster.

I managed to see Notre Dame before the tragic fire that occurred a couple of years after my visit – it’s close to being fully restored and is scheduled to reopen year end – for which I’m eternally grateful. I make it no secret that one of the primary reasons for my European escapades was to ogle at the magnificent buildings, and I was not left disappointed.

“The French attitude: white flags but yellow vests, and much like driving around the Arc de Triomphe…it all somehow works for them.”

The chaotic French at their best. Photo courtesy of Martyn Foster.

I’d be lying if I said we don’t like making fun of the French from time to time. Even after all these years I still use the comedic “but I’m le tired” phrase from the below video and would always have a laugh anytime the old Top Gear/The Grand Tour boys would poke fun at them like the classic “Peugeot Breakfast Meeting” video linked below.

Yesterday I reposted my article “I’m feeling very Olympic today” as it succinctly conveys how I feel about the event – that nothing brings the world together like sport and music. I recall quite vividly breaking down in tears (of joy) at the London opening ceremony when Sir Paul McCartney performed “Hey Jude” and the whole stadium joined in, it was truly a beautiful moment.

I really hope Paris 2024 is a great spectacle and the Olympics continue to unite people in celebration of the human spirit and what it can achieve.