Scandals and questions arise over the prices of drinks and snacks at the sports facilities of Paris 2024 and beyond: the website of the renowned French newspaper Le Figaro devotes ample space to the issue, drawing inspiration from the concerns expressed by the Australian news-com-au portal.
“Fans have to fork out 13 Australian dollars for less than a pint of beer (in Australia, a pint equals 57 cl and not 50 cl like in Europe) and it’s even alcohol-free,” laments the Australian reporter visiting Paris, adding that for spectators “the shock is harsh.” After sending a reporter to investigate on the ground,
Le Figaro confirms that a 50 cl beer is sold for around 8 euros in many Olympic facilities. The rest of the price list is no cheaper: from 4.50 to 5 euros for 50 cl of Coca-Cola, 3.50 euros for a small bottle of mineral water, 7.50 euros for a 150-gram bag of chips, 9 euros for a ham sandwich, 12 euros for a quinoa and vegetable salad. Last Friday, in the bar set up in the press room at Trocadéro for the opening ceremony, a pre-packaged ham and cheese sandwich, with Coca-Cola and a hot dog, cost a whopping 29.50 euros. A receipt that would make even the Emir of Qatar pale. But Le Figaro points out that these prices are not necessarily linked to the Games’ refreshment outlets. Near Roland-Garros and the Parc des Princes stadium, for example, bistros charge between 5.50 and 6 euros for a 33 cl Coca-Cola. Alcohol-free beer goes up to 7 euros. For those who cannot afford the steep prices of the Ville Lumière, the newspaper suggests bringing a water bottle from home, allowed at Paris 2024 sites up to 75 cl, and quenching your thirst for free at the mandatory water fountains inside. As for food, packed lunches are allowed in “reasonable quantities.”
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