But with the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics just days away, the crowds have thinned to a trickle. “It’s a catastrophe,” said Mr. Pierret, surveying his near-empty terrace. Before him, thousands of brightly colored bleacher seats lined the quays of the Seine, which are now cordoned off. The river flowed by quietly — devoid of traffic — a scene reminiscent of Covid lockdowns. “The Olympics were supposed to be great for business,” Mr. Pierret said.

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Persons: Fabrice Pierret, Le, Louis, ”, “, ” Mr, Pierret, we’re Organizations: Olympics Locations: Seine