River Seine sealed off in central Paris ahead of Olympics

Police and soldiers are descending on central Paris as security ramps up ahead of the Olympics’ opening ceremony next week.

With next Friday marking the official start of the 2024 Games, officers have put up an anti-terrorism barrier, which is nearly four miles long, along the banks of the River Seine.

Everything you need to know as start of Games approaches

A QR code pass – unveiled last year – is now needed to cross through security zones, causing trouble for commuters unaware of the restrictions.

With the barriers up from Thursday morning through to the end of the Olympics‘ opening ceremony, visitors will now need to sign up for approval if they want hassle-free travel to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

It can take several days for a pass to be issued. Residents and visitors need to pre-register online and are “systematically” subjected to background security checks, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez previously said.

Delivery man Nassim Bennamou called the restrictions “over the top” after he was turned away from a street leading to Notre Dame Cathedral on his scooter.

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“That whole thing is a pain,” he said. “Even the GPS is confused, I have no idea how I’m going to work today.”

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Emmanuelle Witt, who was stopped near the Alma bridge, also said she “didn’t know it started today,” and rushed to fill out the form online.

Most of the restrictions along the Seine will be lifted once the ceremony is finished.

France plans world-first ceremony

In a break from tradition, France has opted to hold the Olympic opening ceremony on the Seine, with 10,500 athletes and 160 boats on display along a 6km (3.7-mile) route.

It marks the first time the ceremony has been held outside a stadium, but authorities are on high alert over disruption and possible terror attacks.

President Emmanuel Macron previously admitted the ceremony could be scaled down if the security threat was deemed too high.

Officers have also made a number of arrests ahead of the Games. A 26-year-old was held for allegedly plotting “violent action”, and a 16-year-old who allegedly wanted to “die a martyr” was also detained.

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Officials dismiss Seine fears

It comes after both the mayor of Paris and France’s sports minister took a plunge in the Seine to prove it was safe for athletes, after fears were raised over E.coli in the river.

Anne Hidalgo went in the water with Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet and senior civil servant Marc Guillaume on Wednesday.

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But the mayor had delayed her swim for a month after tests indicated the presence of faecal matter was 10 times higher than authorised limits in June.

Her dip came a week after minister Amelie Oudea Castera dived into the Seine.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics will take place from 6.30pm (UK time) on 26 July.

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