No parcels please during Olympics, France tells Parisians

Paris residents are being asked to avoid ordering parcel deliveries this summer during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Image: Shutterstock

France's government is asking Paris residents to avoid ordering parcel deliveries this summer during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to an official website.

The advice, posted on the new government website anticiperlesjeux.gouv.fr ("get ready for the Games"), underlines the extent of headaches Parisians may have to endure for what are set to be among the most high security Games in recent memory.

"As far as possible, we invite you to do parcel orders in advance so that they are delivered before July 24, after September 8 or between the two Olympics, so between August 12 and 27," the ministry of transport said in a message on the website.

If deliveries should still take place during this time period, the government is asking to people to "favour deliveries at times and days with less traffic" and "by bike or on foot" or at pick-up points outside the security perimeters.

Asked to comment further on the advice, the ministry of transport Monday described it as "a message of information and encouragement" given "as far in advance as possible".

"The objective still remains maximum continuity in usual activity."

Also asked by AFP, France postal service La Poste said it "understands the urgent need to ensure the security of goods and people during the Games."

Also read: Paris Olympic numbers: counting the euros, the viewers and the bananas

France's government is racing to warn people in advance over potential Games inconveniences which will range from needing a QR code to leave home areas for people living near event sites or a sharp hike in public transport tickets.

The Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 and the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.