Paris 2024 kept all its promises in the capital of course, but also in the provinces. In Indre, in central France, the host city of Châteauroux hosted the sport shooting events. And even if the results for the French – with a silver medal for Camille Jedrzejewski – are disappointing, the Olympic atmosphere has taken hold of the city and its inhabitants!
During ten days of competition, Châteauroux vibrated to the rhythm of shooting, during events of course, but also everywhere in the city, like in this fan zone in front of the Town Hall. A good memory, a very good memory indeed!‘ exclaims young Maël, 11 years old, delighted that this edition of the Games has come to his home. It’s not every day that you get to see the Olympic Games not far from home! »
In the memory of the people of Châteauroux, Châteauroux, with its 43,000 inhabitants, has never experienced such frenzy. We see new people, new faces, new horizons… enthuses one resident. Nobody knows Châteauroux, but this gives us the opportunity to make our small and beautiful town known! » « There is an excitement that is not usualadds another. There are a lot of people, a more friendly atmosphere around the games, people chat more easily… You can also come across athletes ! »
And indeed, even if some athletes and their teams were initially disappointed not to be at Paristhey finally liked the charm of this provincial town. Châteauroux is even better than Paris! explains Pawen Sing, from the Indian delegation. There are no traffic jams, you can enjoy the city, it’s more relaxed! There are good restaurants! Châteauroux is great, the people are very nice, very welcoming! »
The traders also seem rather satisfied with this Olympic effect on their summer turnover. We have been full, or almost full, every day for a good two weeks.confirms, satisfied, Régis Tellier, manager of the Élysée hotel. We have a different clientele from previous years. This allowed me to meet Koreans, Indians, Mexicans… There you have it, a clientele that we are not necessarily used to seeing in Châteauroux. I was full during the two weeks, which will be followed by the Paralympics. There too, I have had reservations for a while. There too, I was full! »
Châteauroux will be the only city outside Île-de-France to also welcome the Paralympic Gamesend of August. Before this deadline, the mayor, Gil Avérous, draws a very positive assessment of these Olympic Games. Overall, there has been a significant increase in turnover of 10 to 15% per business.he says happily. The number of visitors to the Tourist Office increased by 61%, and foreigners by 139%. We hope that all the athletes who came to the site with their staff have realised that this site is the most beautiful in Europe. We have economic spin-offs from hotels, restaurants and activities for fairly sensitive companies, which we hope will last for several years. »
More symbolically, like Paris, Châteauroux would like to be able to keep the Olympic rings on the Town Hall square so that the memory of this extraordinary excitement can live on!
Also listen toTony Estanguet: “The Paralympic Games promise exceptional emotions”