French president Emmanuel Macron has revealed there are contingency plans in place to move the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics from the River Seine if the security threat is deemed too high.
With just over 100 days to go until the start of the Games, there is concern among the French public about the possibility of a terrorist attack.
Around 10,500 athletes are set to parade on boats along a 3.7-mile route through the heart of the French capital on 26 July in the first Olympic opening ceremony held outside a stadium setting.
Macron said law enforcement will be mobilised at an exceptional level for the open-air event as he raised the prospect of shortening the route or shifting the spectacle to Stade de France if necessary.
"There are plans B and plans C," he told French media BFM-TV and RMC. "We are preparing them in parallel.
"We will do an analysis in real time. We have a ceremony which would be limited to the Trocadero and which would therefore not cover the entire Seine."
Speaking of the possibility of using Stade de France, he added: "This is what is traditionally done."
Organisers originally planned for approximately 600,000 people to attend, with most watching free of charge from the banks of the river.
But earlier this year the overall number of spectators was reduced to around 300,000 by the government due to security and logistical concerns.
"We will screen all the people who enter and leave (the security perimeter)," continued Macron.
"We are going to restrict traffic a lot. Sorry to all the local residents because it will be a lot of constraints for individuals and businesses. Eight days before, we will be completely closed.
"It is a cautious but confident and enthusiastic president who approaches the Games in the capital.
"We want to show the most beautiful face of France."
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