‘Picture postcard of Paris’: France ramps up global image ahead of Olympics

Emmanuel Macron prepares to welcome world leaders to opening ceremony

Arms outstretched, Emmanuel Macron looked out over the white sand of the Olympic beach volleyball arena under the Eiffel tower, marvelling at what promised to be the most Parisian backdrop of the games.

“This is magnificent,” he said as volunteers prepared for the hundreds of thousands of spectators who will watch events at the venue after it opens this weekend. “This is the picture postcard of Paris 2024,” said, Tony Estanguet, the Paris Olympics organiser, looking up at the Eiffel tower. “It’s magic.”