A different opening, the River Seine scenario
On July 26, 2024, the Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony will take place outside a stadium for the first time. Thousands of spectators will watch the event along Paris’ River Seine.
Organisers have been working on two critical fronts to ensure the success of the Games. Firstly, they aim to guarantee the safety and security of the thousands of expected attendees. Secondly, they strive to meet stringent sanitisation standards for the Seine’s polluted waters, where several sporting events are scheduled to take place.
The ‘SILT’ protection perimeter
Since the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, perimeters known as “SILT” (Internal Security and Counter-Terrorism) have been regularly implemented during major events to handle potential security issues.
An event of this magnitude is exposed to various risks, including terrorism, protests and cyberattacks.
The French government raised the terrorist threat to its highest level following the attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow on March 22, 2024.
SILT security perimeter
The Paris Police Prefecture will set up a protective perimeter and a no-traffic zone to secure the immediate vicinity of the Seine during the opening ceremony. Access to the river's banks will be controlled.
Pedestrians and cyclists are authorised to access this area if they have a Games pass (QR Code) or an access permit allowing them to attend the ceremony. Vehicle access is prohibited.
Paris Olympics venue locations
Seven temporary sites will be created in the heart of Paris for the Olympic Games and will be dismantled afterwards.
Opening ceremony starting point
Boat path: 6km
Stand location
Installations and artistic performances celebrating the Games will take place at the heart of this river setting. A total of 12 artistic presentations will showcase France's heritage.
Path of the Opening Ceremony
The security perimeter extends for almost 2.9km to the Garigliano Bridge, located near Peripherique West Avenue.
Is the Seine ready?
Authorities in Paris are constantly monitoring the water quality in the Seine, focusing on two types of harmful bacteria: E coli (Escherichia coli) and intestinal enterococci, which typically originate from wastewater discharges into the sewage system. In case of heavy rains, water may be directly released into the Seine to prevent overloading the sewage network.
Possible effects on people
Seine pollution: a long battle
Organisers hope the Olympic triathlon and swimming marathon events can be held in the Seine, depending on water quality.
But pollution of the Seine is a longstanding issue, dating back to the Industrial Revolution. Over the centuries, the river has been a dumping ground for industrial waste, sewage and other pollutants.
In recent years, significant investments have been made to improve the water quality of the iconic waterway.
Picture: Charles Marville/National Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund
History of pollution
Early industrialisation
Rapid industrialisation and population growth in 19th century Paris led to untreated wastewater and hazardous waste being discharged directly into the Seine, causing severe organic pollution and contamination.
Mid-20th century
After World War II, economic and demographic booms further aggravated the Seine's pollution. Chemical, petroleum, and metallic residues accumulated in the river, degrading water quality and biodiversity. Some efforts were made to address the problem, including constructing wastewater treatment plants and introducing regulations to limit industrial discharges, but progress was slow.
Early recovery efforts: 1970s-1980s
In the 1970s-80s, a major campaign was launched to rehabilitate the river. This involved substantial investments to upgrade sewage treatment, implement stricter regulations, and promote public awareness.
Recent efforts: Austerlitz Basin
In recent years, Paris and environmental authorities have implemented plans to address the Seine's pollution. Key initiatives include improving wastewater management and reducing industrial discharges into the river.
In May 2023, the Austerlitz Basin was opened - a massive underground cistern integrated into the city's sewer system to collect water from rain, sewage, and residences.
Previously, heavy rains would overwhelm the system, leading to frequent discharge incidents. The new basin is expected to reduce these overflow events by providing additional storage capacity, though it will not completely solve the problem.
