Many Parisians were dismayed in December by the news that transport fares would double for the duration of the event and that they would be expected to work from home to free up seats on overcrowded metros and buses. 

The unveiling of planned security measures led to claims that some parts of the city would face Covid-style lockdowns, while controversy erupted over the environmental impact of a judges' tower at the surfing venue in French Polynesia.

In addition, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron fell out publicly after Hidalgo claimed that planned transport improvements in Paris were "not ready". 

France's hotel and restaurant owners issued an unusual statement earlier this month, condemning French politicians for their "anxiety-inducing" announcements around the Games and urging them to unite.

"In general, we would like to call on all our authorities to act together and in solidarity in a positive and responsible manner," the statement added. 

Other recent complaints have centred on the construction work that is disrupting daily traffic in the capital, while resentment remains over the handling of last year's ticket sales, which saw many locals priced out. 

Paris will see "the most expensive ticket prices in an athletics arena that we have seen at an Olympic Games," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said in December. The Briton, who oversaw the London 2012 Olympics, added that he was concerned that some athletes' families would not be able to attend.

Paris 2024 organisers remain confident that sights such as beach volleyball in front of the Eiffel Tower, swimming in the Seine, or the marathon through the capital's legendary streets will lift spirits when the flame is lit on 26 July. 

A survey conducted by the Odoxa Group for RTL Radio in November showed that 65 per cent of French people are in favour of the Games, down 11 points in two years but still a large majority with positive views. In the Paris region, just over half were in favour. 

The organisers also point to the orderly nature of the preparations, and their budget restraint compared to other modern editions.

Most of the sports infrastructure has been completed. The athletes' village is almost ready to be furnished. Crucial metro and railway extensions will be finished on time, they insist.

Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris organising committee, has criticised "Olympic bashing" in the media and the former canoeing champion despairs of his compatriots' tendency to focus on the negative. 

"We like to look at what is not going well, focus on things that are out of place, concentrate on our weakness, while some countries like to play up their qualities and strengths," he told France Inter radio this month. 

Performance anxiety is also natural for any Olympic host, as it prepares to show the best of itself to the rest of the world. 

Polls show the French are most nervous about a security problem, particularly at the spectacular opening ceremony planned on the banks of the Seine.