Inside the Heavy Security Measures Ahead of Paris Olympics

When the spectacular Olympic opening ceremony gets underway on the Seine this summer, this may be the best seat in Paris. NBC News was given exclusive access into the operation to keep athletes and spectators safe, including from the air

The Chateau de Versailles.

It’s a bird’s eye view of an unprecedented open Olympics in the heart of this beloved city.

(00:24)
We’re over the river Seine right now.

We will have the Tour Eiffel on your left.

Under the Eiffel Tower, there’ll be beach volleyball as world-famous landmarks become sports venues, like fencing and tae-kwon-do at the Grand Palais and archery at the Esplanade des Invalides. The heart of Paris hosting so many Olympic events, officials say the security operation will itself make history.

(00:50)
There will be 45,000 security personnel across Paris, including these guys. The helicopter unit of the military police, the National Gendarmerie, say they are able to reach anywhere in Paris, anytime.

We can take off in five minutes, 24 hours, and we’re able to offer two to three helicopters whenever it’s needed.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, with 10,000 athletes and 300,000 spectators, officials say they’ll search and secure every neighboring rooftop. And on one of those rooftops, the Gendarmerie’s anti-drone squad tell us they liaise with forces like the NYPD using a radar gun to neutralize illegal drones.

(01:38)
This week, France raising its security alert level following the Moscow terror attack, but protecting the Paris Olympic Games has been years in the planning.

We will continue to defend the values of our country and to welcome the world.

On the front line too. Four and a half year old Praxis, the Belgian Shepherd trained to both search and attack if there’s a threat. He’s a beautiful dog. Will they maybe get a chance to watch some Olympic sport? We’ll be working, he says.

We’re performing at 360 around the village.

Over the Olympic stadium, the helicopter team promises we won’t see them, but they’ll have eyes everywhere in the city of light

So that people who are coming in Paris can feel safe.

Boy, we’re so excited about this, Kier. We’re really excited about the opening ceremony. We’ve heard bits and pieces, but what’s in store for that?

It’s going to be 3.5 miles at 90 boats and that is why they are taking the security so seriously. And they are adjusting things. They’ve cut the number of spectators by half and now it’s going to be ticketed. And actually, President Macron, just this week, announced 400 more soldiers to protect the Games. But how about that helicopter ride, right? Just incredible.

Does it come with rose?

Yeah. I was hiding it from the camera.

I just know because we’ve spent some time in Paris. I know.

The best way to get around Paris, though, just for your information, is by bike. I can buy you all bikes, if you-

We want a bicycle for two.

Yeah. Can you handle that here?

I can do that.

Please don’t.

Why?

I can’t wait.

Please don’t do that.

I will have to-

You don’t want [inaudible 00:03:18].

Okay, fine. Bicycle for three.

Don’t forget Roker. Bicycle for four.

He’s already got his bike.

I’m bringing my folding bike with me.

He always brings his folding bike.

This is going to break the internet.

I know. Or our backs. We’ll see.