Summer 2024; France supply chain alert

This summer, a number of large-scale sporting events are likely to create some supply chain disruption, with the Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Paris between the 26th of July to the 11th of August, and the 28th of August to the 8th of September.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which begin on the 26th July, will take place in 36 locations and are expected to attract about 13.5 million people, with parts of Paris closed off and drivers expected to gain access through online applications.

We are following the situation closely with our French partners, but it is inevitable that the current installation of infrastructure, movement of athletes and visitors and the subsequent dismantling and clearing of temporary traffic routes to the end of October, will require widespread access restrictions to routes in Paris and the wider Metropolitan area during the summer, which will impact local distribution.

OPERATIONAL TIMELINE AND ROAD CLOSURES
April: Infrastructure assembly began at Grand Palais, Point Alexandre III, and Invalides
June: Assembly begins on the docks in the Opening Ceremony area
Early July: Assembly begins on the bridges at the area of the Opening Ceremony
Mid-July: Olympic Village is opened
26th July: Olympic Games begin, accompanied by the introduction of reserved lanes
Early August: Bridges and docks will start to open up again
September – October: Dismantling phase and gradual release of competition sites

As stated above most impacts will be caused due to infrastructure assembly and disassembly operations throughout the 35 Olympic sites, with on-road or road-adjacent sporting events also having impacts on road transportation due to road closures.

Delays and re-routings of cargo moving through this area during the summer are inevitable and we are aware of carriers announcing surcharges for transportation through the Île-de-France area. 

We are reorganising our activities to cope with all the restrictions and will keep you informed as the situation evolves. 

To discuss the potential impact of the Olympics on your French traffic EMAIL Richard Gibbs to begin a conversation.