EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP
Paris is preparing for an extraordinary evening on Saturday, when it will host the highly anticipated Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan. Fans are hopeful that the following Sunday will also be memorable, as a victory for Luis Enrique’s team would mean a historic parade down the famed Champs-Élysées.
In an interview with Le Parisien on Friday, May 30, Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nuñez detailed the extensive security measures being implemented for this significant occasion. The arrangements are reminiscent of those typically seen during “New Year’s Eve celebrations,” according to Jeanne d’Hauteserre, the mayor of the 8th arrondissement.
Regarding fan zones, he noted there would be “about fifteen in Seine-Saint-Denis”, including locations such as Saint-Denis, Aulnay-sous-Bois, and Noisy-le-Grand. However, there will be no free or public fan zones in Paris. “No public fan zone has been organized by authorities in Paris, but we cannot rule out a private company organizing a live screening,” the police prefect clarified.
The Paris city hall had initially hoped to set up a free fan zone to broadcast the match. However, this plan was thwarted by the police prefecture’s disapproval. Another factor contributing to this decision is that the PSG has organized a paid live screening at Parc des Princes, known for exorbitant ticket prices that can reach several hundred euros.
Over 5,000 Police Officers Mobilized
Laurent Nuñez also highlighted that a total of 5,400 police officers would be deployed on match night, primarily around the Champs-Élysées and near Parc des Princes. This figure is 3,400 more than the number of officers present during the semi-final against Arsenal, an event that was marked by several incidents.
As the police prefect explained to Le Parisien, traffic disruptions will begin at midday on Saturday around Place Charles de Gaulle, and will extend to the lower part of the Champs-Élysées from 6 PM onward. “Possession and transport of alcohol and weapons will be prohibited, as will fireworks,” he warned.
The safety measures will be strictly enforced, as all businesses—except for hotels—will be closed in this area from 7 PM on Saturday to 11:59 PM on Sunday . Exceptions will be made around Place de la Concorde for the day Sunday. “We are defending the façades of the Champs with a row of vehicles that will be placed along the shops,” explained Laurent Nuñez.
If a player parade occurs, a bus will travel along the Champs-Élysées, “along one third of the road, on the even side from the bottom to the top of the avenue,” he further detailed. For spectators, three viewing areas capable of accommodating 35,000 people each will be set up, complemented by six large screens to follow the players’ journey from the airport to the city center. They are expected to arrive at the Champs-Élysées around 5 PM , with the parade anticipated to last for roughly an hour. Following that, they may proceed “possibly” to the Élysée Palace, culminating in a trophy presentation at Parc des Princes at 9:30 PM for a crowd of subscribers.