For Those of You in Paris During the Olympics, Does It Live Up to the "Dread"?

I’ve been in Paris for the Olympics since July 23 and I’m happy to report that none of the doomsday scenarios predicted here on this forum and elsewhere have come true. The atmosphere is fantastic. Every event I’ve been to so far was extremely well organized from getting there by public transport to security to everything.
The few remaining tickets are flying of the digital shelves because everyone now seems to want to be a part of it.
Yes, there are street closures. Yesterday and today for instance, because of the cycling road race. But it hasn’t lead to huge problems.
I’m having the best time here and so are the other spectators from all over the world that I’ve met so far.
My personal highlight until now, was yesterday evening at Stade de France when I saw the mixed relay team of the Netherlands win the gold! It was amazing to be there in a stadium with 75.000 spectators cheering the athletes on.

That was some race by the Netherlands !! Congratulations .

I agree - the huge pain was in the run up to the Opening Ceremony, but since then it's been lots of fun, great mood out, etc. I went to an event yesterday and was amazed at how efficiently entry and the not-very-long line worked etc.

People turned out in droves yesterday and again today for the cycling road races (men's and women's respectively).

We were able to see time trial cycling in our neighborhood last Sunday when it was still raining. USA House is a prohibitive €350 just to enter, Club France is totally sold out with its €5 entry, and people are enjoying other countries' houses - Canada for €30, Swiss for I don't know much, lots out at La Villette.

The metro has been working better than it usually does — one headline said “Keep the Parisians away every summer” hahahahahahaha

Wish I were there! I'll bet the atmosphere is amazing. Glad to hear that it is.

I just got a news article alert from France 24 where people who are in Paris are talking about how their friends who left are their jealous. Apparently, it’s turned into a party and some people have fear of missing out.

Merci Kim; it was a truly unbelievable win!

I can imagine that those that left the city now have regrets. The atmosphere is buzzing! I was in London for the 2012 Olympics and that was a great event, but honestly these games are better. The majority of the sports events of the London games were held in the Olympic Park in the suburbs. There was only 1 event in central London; the beach volleyball at Horseguard Parade. For the most part you wouldn’t know the games were in town.
The Paris Olympics are right in the middle of the city with temporary stadiums set up in iconic places such as the Eiffel Tower, Invalides and Place de la Concorde. The vibe of the games can be felt throughout the entire city and it’s great fun!

I have not been, but one of my coworkers took the train to Paris Friday, 2 AUG, and got tickets to a couple Olympic events and a hotel with no problems, turning what was supposed to be a one day trip into a 3 day weekend.

We just got back yesterday from Paris for the Olympics. The only times the trains were packed were related to football games getting out, which would happen any time of year when those huge stadiums kick out that many people at once. This was my third time in Paris, always in summer, and I don't think it felt any more or less crowded than any other time. We stayed in Porte Maillot area, which was actually where the press was staying, and it was easy in and out of the center. If anything, having tons of people in bright vests at every station ready to give us directions was a big perk. I did notice a few of the more touristy cafes had special "Olympics" menus, but that was easy to avoid.

Barcelona on the other hand was crammed, which had nothing to do with the Olympics.

It sounds as if Paris is the place to be. I'm glad all of you are enjoying yourselves. I'm wondering what the closing ceremonies have in store.

I was lucky to spend 8 days in Paris during the Olympics and attend 3 Olympic events. No problems or issues at all. Metro was crowded but no more than other visits to Paris. Police were everywhere; felt very safe. Taxi drivers told me that everyone who could left Paris and that business for them was down during the Olympics. Bar owner in the 11th said his business was down even for late July/early August during normal years.

We had a great visit. Metros were cleaner than usual. Never had to wait to be seated in a restaurant.