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Paris booksellers won’t let their street stands along the Seine be removed for the 2024 Olympics

by Madison Thomas
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Seine bookstands

Parisian booksellers are refusing to relinquish their long-standing street stands along the Seine for the upcoming 2024 Olympics. This Games’ opening ceremony, a historical departure from convention, is set to grace the renowned River Seine. However, this momentous occasion is cast in a less than celebratory light for the booksellers who have found their trade nestled along the riverbanks for centuries.

In preparation for the grand opening scheduled on July 26 of the following year, expected to draw a staggering 600,000 spectators, the Paris police prefecture has ordered the removal of 570 “stationary boxes.” These street stands have served as the operational base for booksellers for decades on the Seine’s quays. The rationale behind this directive is rooted in security concerns. The prefecture fears that these boxes could be exploited to conceal explosive devices during the opening ceremony. This unprecedented ceremony will witness the procession of more than 10,500 athletes from 206 delegations along the river, watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators.

A notable number of these iconic dark-green boxes have not budged for decades, some even enduring for over a century. Naturally, the booksellers are vehemently contesting the prefecture’s decision, asserting that the removal could irrevocably damage these age-old structures.

Jérôme Callais, a bookseller who has plied his trade on the quayside since the 90s and heads the Cultural Association of Booksellers of Paris, stresses their significance, stating, “We are a symbol of Paris.” Callais likens the situation to hypothetically diminishing the Eiffel Tower’s height due to camera constraints during a ceremony.

Paris city hall proposed the renovation or replacement of the boxes at no cost post-removal. However, the resolute booksellers’ association, now comprising 200 members, is unwavering in its determination to maintain the status quo.

Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris overseeing the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Seine, joined a meeting with the booksellers to assert that the boxes obstructed the view and thus necessitated removal.

The organizing committee president of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet, acknowledged the challenge of reconciling the event’s requirements with local traditions. He recognized that while booksellers are integral to the city’s history, their proximity to the Seine poses logistical challenges. He emphasized the need to find solutions and acknowledged the unprecedented nature of hosting the Games outside traditional venues.

Presently, a clear departure date for the booksellers has not been established. Typically, the city provides year-long permits to booksellers from August 1 to July 31, but this time, the permits only extend up to June 30 of the following year.

A petition advocating for the preservation of these open-air bookshops, initiated recently, has garnered over 120,000 signatures. The sentiment among supporters is succinctly captured by Callais, who articulates, “The only thing we ask is that they don’t touch our boxes. We are fragile enough as it is. We want to last a few more centuries.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Seine bookstands

Why are Parisian booksellers protesting the removal of their street stands along the Seine for the 2024 Olympics?

Parisian booksellers are protesting the removal of their iconic street stands along the Seine for the 2024 Olympics due to security concerns. The Paris police prefecture believes that these stationary boxes could potentially be used to hide explosive devices during the opening ceremony, which is expected to draw a massive audience.

What is the significance of these street stands for the booksellers?

The street stands along the Seine hold centuries-old cultural significance for the booksellers. They have operated from these iconic green boxes for decades, and some even for over a century. These stands are seen as symbols of Paris and hold historical value for both the booksellers and the city.

What solution has been proposed to the booksellers by the city?

Paris city hall has offered to renovate or replace the street stands at no cost after their removal for the Olympics. However, the booksellers’ association, representing over 200 members, is firm in their stance to keep the stands in place, as they view them as an integral part of their trade and cultural heritage.

How are the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics responding to this issue?

The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics acknowledge the challenge of balancing the requirements of the Games with local traditions. They understand the significance of the booksellers but also emphasize the logistical challenges posed by the proximity of the stands to the Seine. They are committed to finding solutions that preserve both the event’s integrity and the city’s cultural heritage.

Is there any support for the booksellers’ cause?

Yes, there is considerable support for the booksellers’ cause. A petition has been launched to safeguard the open-air bookshops, which has already gained over 120,000 signatures. Supporters of the booksellers argue that these stands are an essential part of the city’s charm and history and should be preserved for future generations.

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