Speaking on French television, the head of state said he was in favour of a Paris bid "if the city decides to make one".

He went on: "It is very important because that will be a moment of fervour and especially because it will generate a lot of infrastructure, many jobs, many industries who can put themselves forward."

His decision to speak out is significant as it dispels a growing impression that, with an Expo 2025 bid in the offing, politicians were keeping at arm's length from a possible Olympic bid.

A big presentation this week in Paris by Bernard Lapasset, President of the French International Sport Committee (CFSI) and Denis Masseglia, President of the French National Olympic and Sport Federation (CNOSF) was not attended by Ministers, even though Sports Minister Patrick Kanner's name had appeared on the original notification.

A bid from Paris for the 2024 Olympics is now set to rest on whether the French capital's Mayor Anne Hidalgo can be persuaded to back it ©Getty Images

Attention is likely now to switch to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's next words on the subject.

Sports leaders are preparing a detailed feasibility study on a bid which is expected to be completed in January.

A final deciision on whether to bid is likely to be made in the summer.

Paris, which lost out in contests for the 1992, 2008 and 2012 Summer Games, is likely to face rivals from the United States, Germany and others if it does decide to enter the race.

Read David Owen's blog on whether Paris will bid or not by clicking here.